Physical Activity, Health and Well-being
The importance of Exercise for Health has been recognised since the time of Hippocrates, research into how the two are linked has been a more recent scientific venture. Our research deals with the responses of the body to exercise in health, certain illnesses and physical disabilities.
Our research investigates the role of exercise in altering metabolism to improve disease risk factors, to alter body composition and reduce obesity. Our research also examines the special needs that occur after injury and for improving the performance of paralympic athletes.
We have access to the Welkin Laboratories and its facilities, in 2007 a biochemistry lab was completed allowing for a greater range of analytical methods to be applied, including gas chromatography – mass spectrometry and molecular biological analyses. In 2009, a purpose built hypoxic chamber was added, to enables us to simulate altitudes equivalent to 5000m and to use hypoxia as a probe for certain clinical conditions where hypoxia would be a consequence. Since the 2008 RAE, we have published over twenty research studies concerning our theme in peer reviewed journals and made a similar number of conference presentations allied to our theme of exercise and health. Our research group has the following specific aims:
1. To examine how exercise can be optimised for clinically important conditions.
Within this aim, focus has been directed towards measuring the effects of exercise at different intensities and durations on health risk factors in type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, obesity and back pain.
2. To explore the impact of exercise on physiological responses of clinical populations and disabled athletes
This work brings together exercise, environmental extremes and special populations together. We have developed and verified strategies to help type 2 diabetes patients improve their insulin sensitivity; optimised cooling and recovery conditions after exercise for disabled athletes; measured the interactions between hypoxia, exercise and glucose metabolism in obese and type 2 diabetic populations.
3. Optimising nutrition and exercise to increase muscle function in the elderly
Ageing is associated with loss of muscle, strength and endurance. It seems that as we age our muscle respond less well to signals for growth, such as feeding and exercise. Our group is measuring the signalling pathways that regulate muscle mass through the processes of protein synthesis and protein breakdown. The aim is to understand the optimal combination of exercise, meal content (in terms of protein) and timing of meal to exercise bouts.
|
Theme |
Core Researchers |
Additional Researchers: (MPhil/PhD Students) |
Associated Researchers |
|
Mr Ben Duncan Mr James Wrightson Mr Dan Wilkinson |
Dr K Smith, University of Nottingham Dr T Etheridge, University of Bournemouth Dr N Medford, BSMS Dr R Mckenzie, University of Westminster. Prof A Moore, University of Brighton |
Current MPhil and PhD students are listed here.
|
Etheridge, T. (2010) |
Acute regulation of skeletal muscle protein metabolism by nutrients, exercise and hypoxia |
|
Mackenzie, R. (2010) |
Glucose Metabolism During and Following Acute Hypoxia and Exercise in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes |
Other Current Research Projects:
Beale, L. - Optimising exercise assessment and prescription for cardiac rehabilitation programmes.
Maxwell, N. - Evaluation of practical body cooling strategies used prior to exercise in heat sensitive individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Richardson, A. - Resting and exercising in hypoxia – physiological markers for understanding exercise and work at altitude. Applying hypoxia to affect fuel use as an aid to weight loss in obese individuals.
Watt, P. - Applications of environmental factors to researching health related problems. Nutrition and exercise influences on muscle growth. Applying models of hyperammonaemia to the consequences of liver disease better.
