Research by SHMS Faculty
The Fatigue and Physical Activity Research Priority Area researches the causes and manifestations of fatigue in the context of physical activity. That is, why does fatigue happen during physical activity and what forms does it take? The Fatigue and Physical Activity Research Group aims to produce research that places it at the leading edge of worldwide scholarship concerning the theoretical understanding of fatigue. There are obvious reasons why fatigue is an important concern in the area of sports performance but fatigue is also of interest to those who study physical activity for well being. This is because fatigue limits and constrains the types and amount of physical activity that people want and feel able to do. In addition, fatigue is an important consideration in the study of certain disease states such multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and metabolic syndrome because physical activity is known to improve related symptoms and quality of life for people suffering these conditions.
The members of the proposed research grouping conduct research in a variety of physical activity related sub-disciplines, addressing a variety of research questions. However, all members do work which relates to fatigue. For example, there are group members who research thermo-regulation during exercise (Professor Marino, Dr Duffield) but, in so doing, their research helps to explain the role of heat production in fatigue onset. Likewise, other group members (Dr Dionigi, Dr Cannon) study forms of exercise prescription that lead to improved musculo-skeletal capacity amongst older people. This work sheds light on how we can help to delay muscular fatigue amongst older people, thus improving their physical independence and quality of life.
Professor Rob Robergs
Dr Rob Robergs' research is multifaceted, spanning topics that assess exercise performance, fatigue, muscle metabolism and sports nutrition. At CSU, he is developing a research program that addresses the role of exercise and physical fitness in disease prevention and rehabilitation in diverse special populations..
Professor Frank Marino
The main focus is related to understanding the mechanisms of fatigue during prolonged exercise. In particular, the relationship between the control of body temperature and central (Central Nervous System) fatigue.
Dr Jack Cannon
Age-Related Changes in the Determinants of Peak Force in Women and the Effect of Resistance Exercise.
The aim of this research is to determine the mechanism most responsible for the reduction in peak force with age in women and examine the effect of resistive exercise in attenuating such degenerative changes in muscle function. Specifically, this research will examine the contribution of changes in muscle cross-sectional area, central activation, neuromuscular recruitment, and the force generation capacity of the contractile apparatus to the age-associated reduction in isometric peak force in women. Furthermore, this research will investigate the effect of progressive high-intensity resistance training on these variables in young and older women, and examine the effect of high versus low training volumes on these relationships.
Dr Rylee Dionigi
Involves qualitative research into understanding the experiences of older adults who compete in sport.
Dr Stephen Bird
Influence of nutritive interventions on biochemical signals and modification of molecular programs controlling protein degradation following resistance training in untrained men
My area of interest focuses on the interactions between resistance exercise (weight training), nutritive intervention (CHO/EAA ingestion), biochemical signals (hormonal response), and modification of molecular programming (genetic expression), following resistance exercise, as there is little information regarding hormonal and nutritional regulation of proteolytic pathways. The principal purpose of my research is to examine and describe whether the modification of biochemical signals (hormonal response) via nutritive interventions (CHO, EAA or a combined CHO/EAA supplement) can further modify molecular programming (genetic expression), and positively impact the skeletal muscle hypertrophic adaptation to resistance training. Accordingly, such research will attempt to improve our understanding of the physiological response(s) associated with nutrient status; hormonal action; and genetic programming, as to date, no research has examined the independent or synergistic effect of CHO/EAA nutritive interventions during an acute bout of resistance exercise and chronic resistance training with respect to the mechanism(s) responsible for protein turnover. Elucidating the role of nutritive interventions on post-prandial and exercise-induced biochemical responses is warranted as the anabolic and catabolic hormonal milieu plays a significant role in regulating metabolic balance during resistance exercise. Blocking or inhibiting catabolic mediators (signals activating the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway) may favour the conservation of myofibrillar protein, thereby enhancing skeletal muscle growth by suppressing mechanism(s) responsible for protein degradation.
For more specific information about research in the School of Human Movement Studies, see the staff profile pages.