I would like to draw your attention to the following MPhil/PhD physiology studentship that is being offered at the University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom:
University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
SCHOOL OF SPORTS, PERFORMING ARTS AND LEISURE
Applications are invited for the following full-time University Research Studentship:
MODELLING FACTORS INFLUENCING PHYSIOLOGICAL AND METABOLIC RESPONSES TO LABORATORY AND ROAD BASED CYCLING
Brief outline of proposed research:
In many sports, success is underpinned by the sound application of scientific principles. With the ongoing developments in technology, the ability to attain more detailed and accurate information on the key determinants of success is growing. Cycling is a sport where there is a unique opportunity for the precise measurement of the participants during exercise. Indeed, due to the mode of exercise and recent advances in technology, it is the only sport where power output can accurately be determined during non-laboratory based exercise, thus facilitating the generation of valid information.
Previous studies, including those published by members of SSPAL (Nevill et al 1992; Palmer et al 1995, 1997), have provided some indication of the determinants of performance, but being laboratory based have been restricted in their ecological validity. In particular, there appear to be large differences in performance outcome between laboratory and road based performance (e.g. Palmer et al, 1995 report an 8% difference and Smith et al, 2002 [in review] report 6 % difference in time to complete 40 km). However, with the advent of new technologies that allow the measurement of power output and respiratory values in the field, greater insight into actual sports performance can now be obtained. This could prove extremely important, as competitive outcome may be decided by as little as 0.1%, and these large differences observed in the laboratory may influence metabolic demand, experimental outcome, and the advice provided to elite athletes.
Therefore, the primary aim of the proposed studentship is to collect both laboratory and actual race data, from which to use mathematical modelling to determine the factors causing such large differences in performance. The second aim of this studentship is to examine the effect these factors may have on physiological and metabolic responses to both laboratory and road-based exercise.
The first phase of the investigations will require a large number (60-80) of competitive cyclists to undertake a road based 25 mile time trial (TT) competition, a laboratory based, simulated 25 mile TT, and laboratory based determination of physiological characteristics. Performance time and heart rate will be compared for the two race situations to determine differences related to environment. Mathematical modelling will then be used to relate any differences to athlete physiological characteristics (height, weight, lean body mass, maximal oxygen consumption, peak power, sub-maximal efficiency).
The second phase of the research will use a similar model (Figure 1) to determine both physiological and metabolic (power output, heart rate, oxygen consumption, substrate utilisation, hydration, body temperature, blood parameters) differences that occur due to riding environment.
The final phase of the studentship will be the application of the theoretical models devised, in the evaluation of differences that may occur between environments as a result of intervention strategies (e.g. fluid intake, training status, nutrition).
Informal Enquires to:
Dr Garry Palmer, Tel: +44 1902 32 32 63, Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Further details and application forms are available from:
Miss Julie Payne, Graduate School Office, University of Wolverhampton, Dudley Campus, Castle View, Dudley, DY1 3HR, tel: (01902) 323313, Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Please quote reference number RS339
THE CLOSING DATE FOR RETURN OF APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE STUDENTSHIP IS FRIDAY, 3RD MAY 2002
Many thanks
Garry Palmer
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Dr Garry Palmer
Reader in Sport and Exercise Physiology
School of Sport, Performing Art and Leisure
University of Wolverhampton
Gorway Road
Walsall, WS1 3BD
ENGLAND
Tel: 01902 32 32 63
Fax: 01902 322 894
Mobile: 077 333 00 277
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