WADA study at the University of Glasgow
During this study, the
volunteers will perform exercise performance tests and blood parameters
profiling. This study would be a great opportunity to learn more about your
physiological capabilities.
Maximal aerobic capacity test on bicycle or treadmill:
The “VO2max” test consists of pedalling on a bicycle or running on a treadmill while the load or speed is gradually increased until exhaustion. You will wear a mask during the test which will allow us to measure your gas exchanges. The following parameters will be measured:
- Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max)
- Maximal hear rate which can be used to define training zones
- Maximal “aerobic” power output (bicycle) or speed (treadmill)
- Ventilatory thresholds which can be used to define training zones
Repeated sprint ability test:
This test consists of 10 x 10 s all-out sprints on a bicycle separated by a 50 s rest interval. The ability to reproduce maximal performance in subsequent short-duration sprints separated by brief recoveries is a key fitness requirement in most team and racket sports.
- Peak power output (the highest power output during each sprint).
- Average power output over the 10 sprints
- Fatigue index
- Maximal blood lactate
Blood measurements:
The blood parameters assessment consists of taking a small amount of blood from your arm with a needle, which will then be analysed using blood analyser. Among others, the following parameters will be measured:
- Haematocrit: proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells
- Haemoglobin concentration: unit in red blood cells which transports oxygen
- Reticulocytes: proportion of young red blood cells
In addition, using the CO-rebreathing method which consists of breathing a small non-toxic dose of carbon monoxide through an equipment for measuring breathing, we are able to measure the following parameters:
- Total haemoglobin mass: total amount of haemoglobin which transports oxygen from lungs to muscles
- Blood volume: amount of blood in the circulatory system
- Plasma volume: amount of liquid portion of blood volume
These key blood parameters contribute to the blood oxygen carrying capacity and therefore to endurance performance.
Maximal aerobic capacity test on bicycle or treadmill:
The “VO2max” test consists of pedalling on a bicycle or running on a treadmill while the load or speed is gradually increased until exhaustion. You will wear a mask during the test which will allow us to measure your gas exchanges. The following parameters will be measured:
- Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max)
- Maximal hear rate which can be used to define training zones
- Maximal “aerobic” power output (bicycle) or speed (treadmill)
- Ventilatory thresholds which can be used to define training zones
Repeated sprint ability test:
This test consists of 10 x 10 s all-out sprints on a bicycle separated by a 50 s rest interval. The ability to reproduce maximal performance in subsequent short-duration sprints separated by brief recoveries is a key fitness requirement in most team and racket sports.
- Peak power output (the highest power output during each sprint).
- Average power output over the 10 sprints
- Fatigue index
- Maximal blood lactate
Blood measurements:
The blood parameters assessment consists of taking a small amount of blood from your arm with a needle, which will then be analysed using blood analyser. Among others, the following parameters will be measured:
- Haematocrit: proportion of blood volume occupied by red blood cells
- Haemoglobin concentration: unit in red blood cells which transports oxygen
- Reticulocytes: proportion of young red blood cells
In addition, using the CO-rebreathing method which consists of breathing a small non-toxic dose of carbon monoxide through an equipment for measuring breathing, we are able to measure the following parameters:
- Total haemoglobin mass: total amount of haemoglobin which transports oxygen from lungs to muscles
- Blood volume: amount of blood in the circulatory system
- Plasma volume: amount of liquid portion of blood volume
These key blood parameters contribute to the blood oxygen carrying capacity and therefore to endurance performance.
Jérôme Durussel | PhD Student | University of Glasgow
contact: j.durussel.1@research.gla.ac.uk | 0141 330 7377
contact: j.durussel.1@research.gla.ac.uk | 0141 330 7377