Come and be a guinea pig - again!

Following the very successful scientific study run by the University of Plymouth during last year’s Merida TransWales researchers from the Institute of Diet Exercise and Lifestyle (IDEAL) at the University of Glasgow have joined forces with the Chain Reaction Cycles TransScotland (powered by Merida Bikes) stage challenge and will be conducting a scientific investigation over the duration of the event into the ability of several commercially available ‘sports drinks’ to: maintain hydration, provide energy and aid recovery during prolonged competition.

What will be required from a volunteer?
To do this we need a large number of subjects who in addition to taking part in the event will need to perform a short submaximal exercise test before the event. They will also need to provide tiny (<0.1ml) blood and small urine samples at the beginning and end of each stage and their performance will be measured throughout the event. They will also be asked to complete a food diary. None of these measurements will have any negative effect on your performance.

How will I benefit from volunteering?
From this data we will learn how the different energy products currently available affect you both physiologically and functionally. You will be provided with all the sports drink you will require to fuel you through the event free of charge, worth £70. From the fitness test and monitoring throughout the race we will also provide you with feedback on your current fitness and information about how to focus your training on improving your performance.
For further details about the study and if you are interested in taking part, please contact Dr Andrew Cathcart: A.Cathcart@bio.gla.ac.uk, Tel: 0141 3302585