Lab testing

Hi guys,

My name is Karl Cogan and I am a PhD student majoring in exercise physiology and sports nutrition in UCD. We are going to be running a research study soon investigating the effects of different combinations of carbohydrate and protein on recovery of muscle from exercise. We are currently looking for trained male cyclists to participate between the ages of 18-35yrs. Participants would be required to visit the exercise physiology lab in UCD on four separate occasions.

During visit 1, participants will have their stature and body composition (%fat and muscle) assessed using a whole-body scan known as a DEXA scan. Then, on a stationary bike, we will perform a VO2max exercise test (8 to 15 min) to determine levels of aerobic fitness. These two tests are the gold standard in assessing body composition and aerobic fitness levels. The total duration of visit 1 will be approximately 1 hour.

Visits 2, 3, and 4, participants will be required to perform 2 hours of cycling at a specific percentage (~70%) of their aerobic fitness, which was determined previously during visit 1. There will then be a 4 hour recovery period in which you will drink one of three test drinks, followed by a second exercise session during which participants will cycle to exhaustion (lasting anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes). During the recovery period of each visit, participants will consume a drink of about a pint (500 mL) consisting of carbohydrate only (CHO), carbohydrate and casein protein (CHO-C) or carbohydrate and a protein blend. A small muscle biopsy known as the microneedle method will be taken from your mid-thigh immediately before and after each exercise session and after 4 hours of recovery, and therefore totalling 3 per visit. Each biopsy itself takes approximately 30 seconds.

As each testing day is similar to an intense training session, these sessions will contribute to weekly training loads. The assessment of body composition by DEXA, and the assessment of aerobic fitness are common measures of body composition and physical fitness, so we will be able to assess your fitness relative to your peers and international norms. These results can be used to plan your next phase of training relative to accurate fitness values. Additionally, based on your food diary, we will provide feedback on your dietary habits relative to your sports and fitness goals.

If you think this is something that may interest you guys, I’d be glad to send on further information or have a chat. Many thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope to hear from you soon.

All the best,

Karl

We got some really positive feedback and interest from some of the Orwell Wheelers. As a result, I was wondering if it would be possible to repost our flyer on the Orwell forum? We are almost there in terms of our recruitment and I think one big final push will get us across the line.