Endurance and Fatigue

The Chelsea School has a long history in the research of endurance physiology pertaining to both sport and exercise science settings, especially within endurance exercise (sustained exercise lasting from 3 minutes to a few hours). 

In the last decade, one of the strongest research foci in the SES Area 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 (University of Brighton Research Repository).

The group wishes to deepen their understanding of what causes fatigue in endurance exercise; and subsequently develop strategies to alleviate fatigue – in both sporting and physical activity contexts. The research outcomes will ultimately to improve human capabilities – whether that be enhancing sports performance or in order to improve the quality of life.

Members of the group

At present, there are four core members of this research theme:

Dr. Helen Carter: Exercise tolerance, VO₂ kinetic, Training, Cycling

Dr. Jeanne Dekerle: Exercise tolerance, Critical Power, All-out exercise, Training, Swimming

Dr. Emma Ross: Exercise tolerance, central vs peripheral fatigue, Training

Dr. Peter Watt: Fatigue, Nutrition and exercise influences on muscle growth

All four researchers share an interest and research history within endurance sports performance and exercise tolerance yet, each member brings a unique skill to the group. The overreaching research aims bring these differing methodological approaches and expertise together with high compatibility.

Be part of the team!

The group is committed to follow a 3-year development plan leading their research until the summer 2014.Meetings are organized at least once a month to discuss plans and actions to be completed.

MSc and PhD students are involved in various research projects and the group regularly meets to discuss individual progresses, relevant journal articles, presentations to national and international conferences or publications in preparation. If you were interested in joining an enthusiastic and productive group of researchers in Sports and Exercise Science, as part of an MSc course or to complete a PhD at the University of Brighton, please contact Jeanne Dekerle.

Example of recent work:

• High Intensity Training: Two weeks or four weeks, does it make a difference?
• Cadence affects cycling performance. Is that always true?
• Are you really more affected by moderate hypoxia if you are aerobically fitter?