From collagen to micro-habits: Articulando el Deporte26 presents the latest strategies for protecting bone health and preventing osteoarthritis in athletes

• On 17 and 18 March, the International Osteoarthritis Foundation (OAFI), together with Atlético de Madrid’s Medical Services and Foundation and the Spanish Olympic Committee, held the sixth edition of the ‘Articulando el Deporte’ conference
• Under the slogan ‘Prevention is the key to success’, the conference brought together more than 400 national experts, medical professionals, researchers, athletes and patients to promote healthy sport
• One in three athletes will develop osteoarthritis, in many cases as a result of previous injuries or repeated strain.

Madrid, 23 March 2026 – The headquarters of the Spanish Olympic Committee hosted the sixth edition of the event on 17 and 18 March Articulando el Deporte Conference (#ARTICULANDO26), organised by the Osteoarthritis Foundation International (OAFI) in collaboration with the Atlético de Madrid Foundation and Medical Services, with institutional support from the Spanish Olympic Committee.

Under the slogan “Prevention is key”, the event brought together more than 400 national experts in musculoskeletal health and sports medicine, alongside institutions, companies, researchers and athletes, to highlight prevention as a key tool for safeguarding the sporting careers and quality of life of athletes, both professional and amateur.

Click on the image to see the summary of day 1

Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis: much more than just diseases affecting older people

Although they are often associated with ageing, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis also affect young people, particularly in the world of high-performance sport. In this case, the high physical demands take their toll: it is estimated that 31% of athletes will develop osteoarthritis, often as a result of previous injuries or sustained strain. The risk is particularly high among female athletes, who are up to nine times more likely to suffer an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, an injury that can lead to osteoarthritis in up to 50% of cases.

At the same time, bone health also becomes a critical factor. Low energy intake, nutritional deficiencies such as a lack of vitamin D, and hormonal imbalances increase the risk of bone mineral density loss, contributing to the development of osteoporosis and stress fractures, one of the most common injuries in high-impact, repetitive disciplines such as athletics.

Prevention is key: the sixth edition of the ‘Articulando el Deporte’ Conference

With over 400 attendees, more than 30 presentations and over 40 speakers, the 6th Articulando el Deporte Congress has established itself as a leading event in sports medicine and healthy sport, covering a wide range of topics including artificial intelligence applied to sport, regenerative therapies, supplementation, nutrition, sports psychology, legal protection and the prevention of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, amongst others.

The gut microbiota and vitamin D: key factors for performance and prevention in Articulando el Deporte

Dr Rosa Jiménez Lucena, CEO of Ucobiome, highlighted the role of the gut microbiota, which is emerging as a key factor in athletic performance and recovery. A healthy balance promotes energy production and reduces inflammation, whilst an imbalance can increase the risk of injury and hinder recovery.

Similarly, vitamin D plays a fundamental role beyond bone health. According to Dr Gonzalo Allo, a specialist in endocrinology at the 12 de Octubre Hospital, a deficiency in vitamin D—which is common among athletes—is associated with a higher risk of osteoarthritis, muscle weakness and poorer recovery, whilst supplementation helps to improve muscle strength and speed up recovery after exercise, and even optimise athletic performance.

Personalised nutrition: one of the main pillars

Nutritional supplementation is establishing itself as a key tool for protecting connective tissue and improving recovery in athletes. As Dr Lucía Costafreda of Atlético de Madrid’s Medical Services explains, collagen, taken at a dose of between 5 and 15 grams daily for at least 12 weeks, preferably 60 minutes before exercise and alongside vitamin C, has demonstrated significant benefits in improving pain, mobility, stiffness and muscle recovery.

On the other hand, according to Dr Alexandra Henríquez, a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology, the strategy must be tailored specifically to female athletes, taking into account factors such as the menstrual cycle, oestradiol levels or situations of hypo-oestrogenism. Nutrition should be based on three pillars: correcting deficiencies (particularly vitamin D), modulating inflammation and supporting mitochondrial function.

Safer treatments and better adherence

During Articulando el Deporte, new therapeutic strategies were also presented that offer a glimpse into the future of injury treatment and the prevention of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Among these, the use of periarticular gold microimplants for chronic low back pain, presented by Dr Marcelo H. Tegiacchi, a specialist in general surgery, stands out; these have been shown to significantly reduce pain and improve functionality in over 70% of patients.

In the field of pharmacology, chondroitin sulphate and its combination with glucosamine are positioned as a cost-effective alternative to traditional anti-inflammatories, with a better safety profile and a lower incidence of adverse effects, according to data presented by Dr Carlos Rubio, an expert in pharmacoeconomics.

Furthermore, in collaboration with Dr Beatriz Crespo from the Research and Sport Centre (Fundación At. Madrid), the conference highlighted a shift in approach to treatment adherence through ‘dual prescription’, which combines conventional therapies with healthy micro-habits integrated into daily life. This strategy achieves adherence rates of over 85% and significant improvements in pain, stiffness and return to play.

Click on the image to see the summary of day 2

Articulating Sport: A leading conference in sports medicine

Furthermore, the sixth edition of Articulando el Deporte featured renowned specialists such as Prof. Pedro Guillén, president of the CEMTRO Clinic; Dr José María Villalón, head of Medical Services at Atlético de Madrid; Dr Gil Rodas, Medical Services at FC Barcelona; Dr Diana Guzmán, a specialist in sports traumatology; and Dr Borja Núñez de Aysa, head of the Ultrasound-Guided Interventional and Regenerative Therapies Unit at Olympia Quirónsalud.

Also in attendance were Dr Mikel Sánchez, Medical and Scientific Director of MiKS Hospital; Dr Roberto Seijas, a specialist in Traumatology and Orthopaedic Surgery at the Cugat Institute; Dr Sol Ruiz, Head of the Division of Biological Products, Advanced Therapies and Biotechnology (AEMPS); Prof. Francisco J. Blanco García, Coordinator of the Rheumatology Research Group at the Institute of Biomedical Research, A Coruña; and Dr Manuel Leyes, traumatologist and orthopaedic surgeon, Head of the Traumatology and Orthopaedic Surgery Department at Olympia Quironsalud, amongst others.

The ‘Articulando el Deporte’ event was also attended by representatives from various organisations, including Alejandro Blanco, President of the Spanish Olympic Committee; Enrique Cerezo, President of Atlético de Madrid; and Vicente del Bosque, former national team manager.

In addition, a scientific poster session was organised, featuring more than 30 research initiatives on healthy sport, alongside a campaign to prevent osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, which provided over 80 personalised assessments of attendees’ osteoarticular risk.

‘Articulando el Deporte 2026’, organised by the OAFI Foundation, is a charity conference with free admission.

About OAFI

Osteoarthritis Foundation International(OAFI) is the first and only non-profit foundation in the world dedicated exclusively to people suffering from osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and other osteoarticular conditions. Founded in 2016 and based in Barcelona, OAFI leads the global fight for joint health, promoting programmes focused on education, prevention, research and patient support. Its mission is to improve the quality of life of those living with these conditions, by promoting early detection, self-care and patient empowerment. Through international conferences, awareness campaigns, scientific projects and collaborations, OAFI works to place joint health at the centre of the health and social agenda.