The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust
Jockey Club FORTIFY Programme

FORTIFY Health Programme

HKU-led18-month studyAges 40-60Randomised groups

FORTIFY is an 18-month randomised study led by the HKU Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Through strength training and dietary guidance, it helps adults aged 40–60 prevent osteoporosis and sarcopenia before they take hold.

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From the FUN day
What's Included

Two study tracks — randomly assigned

Every participant is randomly assigned by lottery to one of two groups, with equal chances of being placed in either group.

Randomly assigned by lottery

01

Self-disciplined Training (Control Group)

  • Bone Density Measurement (DEXA)Total 2 scans (Year 1 and Year 3 of participation), HK$100 per scan (original price HK$600)
  • AI Chatbot on WhatsAppAsk the AI helper about exercise, nutrition, or the programme
  • FUN Days2 sessions · 2 hours each · exercise, nutrition advice, assessments
  • SouvenirsParticipants will receive souvenirs at various points throughout the programme.

02

Intensive Training (Intervention Group)

  • Bone Density Measurement (DEXA)Total 2 scans (Year 1 and Year 3 of participation), HK$100 per scan (original price HK$600)
  • AI Chatbot on WhatsAppAsk the AI helper about exercise, nutrition, or the programme
  • FUN Days+1 vs control3 sessions · 2 hours each · exercise, nutrition advice, assessments
  • Strength Training ClassesIntervention onlyWeekly sessions · 9 classes in total
  • Refundable DepositHK$500 · refunded after 7 classesFully refunded once you've attended 7 classes.
  • SouvenirsParticipants will receive souvenirs at various points throughout the programme.

See how it fits into your week

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Two older adults completing the chair-stand assessment together at a FORTIFY FUN day
Field session · Chair stand
The Programme at a Glance

What participants get

18mo

Study duration

An 18-month randomised trial with staged follow-up

40–60

Target age range

Built for adults at the most important window for bone health

2×

DEXA bone scans

Baseline and follow-up — see how your bones respond

2

Study tracks

Participants are randomly assigned to control or intervention

24/7

WhatsApp support

AI assistant available whenever you need it

Your Journey

From sign-up to lasting results

The programme unfolds step by step — apply, attend classes, scan, and track your progress. Each stage builds on the last.

1Step 1

Apply online

Register with your basic details and complete a short pre-exercise screening. Eligible applicants will be invited to join.

2Step 2

Attend your first session

Join an introductory class to meet the coaches, get baseline measurements, and start the programme.

3Step 3

Attend, scan, and ask

Attend your assigned FUN Days or classes, complete your DEXA scans, and use the WhatsApp AI assistant whenever you need guidance.

4Step 4

See your progress

Track changes between scans and over the course of the programme — and collect souvenirs and vouchers for completing classes.

Ready to start your journey?

Join the FORTIFY programme today and take the first step toward stronger bones and muscles.

Get Started
HKU research / exercise science / bone and muscle health

An HKU × Jockey Club research programme

Organised by the HKU Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, in partnership with the HKU Centre for Sports and Exercise. FORTIFY combines clinical research with practical training to help adults aged 40–60 prevent osteoporosis and sarcopenia.

Trust the science. Join us.

Sign Up Now
FORTIFY cohort group portrait with the HKU Centre for Sports and Exercise banner
This year's cohort

FORTIFY cohort · HKU Centre for Sports and Exercise

From the Programme

Health Insights

Articles and updates from the FORTIFY programme

FORTIFY coach guiding a participant through a resistance-band stretch in oriental ink wash
Join the cohort

Recruiting Participants Now

Adults aged 40–60 — apply today to join FORTIFY and start strengthening your bones and muscles with expert support.

Apply NowSign In