Endurance and Fatigue

Our department has a long history in the research of endurance physiology.  In the last decade, one of the research foci has been the understanding of the body’s responses within specific “exercise intensity domains”: these domains are characterized using established physiological landmarks such as lactate threshold, Maximal Lactate Steady State, Critical Power and the maximum oxygen uptake. Over 70 articles have been published by the researchers on this area, specifically on the Critical Power concept and the oxygen uptake response to exercise within the differing domains.

A further area of interest is the understanding of what limits performance during endurance exercise, in particular the processes of neuromuscular fatigue.  Using cutting edge measurement techniques, the group are able to assess brain function and neuromuscular control under conditions of exercise-induced fatigue, and also examine how the neuromuscular system functions when endurance exercise is performed in environmental extremes such as heat or hypoxia.  Laboratories where ambient humidity, temperature and inspired fraction of oxygen can be manipulated, allow our group to influence the environmental conditions with the intention of alleviating or exacerbating the processes of fatigue.

Some interventions have been suggested to enhance performance by delaying the development of neuromuscular fatigue.  We are interested in the study of these interventions, with current projects focusing on neural adaptations to training, action observation, neuroenhancement and nutritional strategies.

The challenging Beachy Head Marathon race, which starts and finishes next to the Sports Science laboratories in Eastbourne, also features as part of our research activity.  A bi-annual research project is conducted using race participants as research volunteers. Past projects have included the effect of post-marathon muscle soreness of neuromuscular function, and changes in gait characteristics and running economy as a consequence of prolonged off-road running. 

The research group also hosts an annual Sports Science Symposium, held in October, which invites members of the public to an evening of presentations focused on the scientific basis of endurance exercise.  Past speakers have included Darren Kenny (MBE, Paralympic cyclist), Dr Steve Ingham (Head of Physiology, English Institute of sport) and Dr Gary Brickley (Paralympic Physiologist).