Following completing of my PhD in 2019 from Edinburgh Napier University, I took up a position as a Teaching Associate in Exercise Physiology. I then joined UWS as a Lecturer in Exercise Physiology in February 2020. My PhD was on the role of age and exercise on vitamin D metabolism. Specifically, I aimed to explore the relationship between vitamin D status and physical activity levels, and whether exercise could be a therapeutic strategy to improve vitamin D metabolism. Ageing has become a key focus in my research, as well as in public engagement/outreach work.

My main research goals are to further explore the concept of ‘healthy ageing’ and investigate strategies to promote this. 

The effects of age and acute aerobic and resistance exercise on circulating T cell vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression in healthy males. Hannah Lithgow, Geraint Florida-James, Mark Ross, Mindaugas Jurevicius, Gary Duncan and Melanie Leggate

The relationship between vitamin D status and physical activity levels in older adults who reside in Scotland. Hannah Lithgow, Geraint Florida-James, Gary Duncan, Melanie Leggate

Measurement of serum 25(OH)D: comparison of a commercially available EIA analysis kit compared to the gold standard mass spectrometry method. Hannah Lithgow, Geraint Florida-James, Gary Duncan, Melanie Leggate

The effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in combination with resistance training and balance exercises on bone metabolism and health in older adults. Hannah Lithgow, Sean Tierney, Melanie Leggate

The prevalence of, and motivations behind, dietary supplement use in a UK population. Hannah Lithgow, Andisheh Bakhshi, Timothy Eschle