London 2012

Warming up research

Published 26 June 2012

In an apparent paradox, increasing the concentration of lactic acid in the blood can actually improve physical performance.

Dr Mark Burnley, Brighton BSc and PhD has been working with researchers form the Universities of Brighton and Exeter to study "priming" high-intensity exercise before an athlete starts a race.

The work is proven to improve performance in any event lasting between two and 30 minutes. Dr Burnley, who has been studying the priming exercise for a decade, said: "In collaboration with Professor Andy Jones from the University of Exeter and Professor Jonathan Doust, from the University of Brighton, we have provided clear evidence of the effectiveness of high-intensity exercise in the preparation for sports performance.

"We have also shown that athletes need not be too concerned about having to wait for a long time between warming up and competition, because the priming effect can last for up to 45 minutes."

This research has been highlighted in a report showing the impact of universities' research and sport development on the Olympic and Paralympic Games and UK sports industry.

Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive, Universities UK, said: "It is sometimes easy to forget when you watch an athlete or team compete just how much preparation has gone into their performance. This isn't simply a question of training schedules and practice.

"These days, cutting-edge university research is used to support every aspect of Olympic sports – from nutrition and health to equipment, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and, of course, performance."