Understanding the contribution that increased muscle temperature has on muscle function across a range of demanding tasks is important with a view to optimising the preparation for physical activity of this nature.
The overarching research question associated with this project is to determine whether passively heating muscles reliably increases the ability to produce high force contractions, and highly fatiguing contractions. This work is being conducted in younger and older adults to determine whether increase age modulates the heating-response.
Muscular function, largely strength, predicates regular human function and sustains a higher quality of life by supporting bodily movements, locomotion, and postural control. Muscle function commonly decreases with increased age as part of a phenomena known as sarcopenia. For the aged adult decreased in muscle function can result in mobility disorders, increased risk of falls and injury, loss of independence and diminished quality of life.
Warm up routines prior to physical activity are a common practice in young, athletic performance contexts with increased muscle temperature being one of the primary benefits of a warmup through direct and indirect mechanisms. Due to situational circumstances, older adults may not be able to warm up via exercise prior to physically demanding tasks. Indeed activities of daily living such as getting out of a chair or climbing stairs may be considered a performance task in the elderly.
Passive heating of the limbs to induced skeletal muscle hyperthermia has been shown to improve some aspects of neuromuscular function in young adults. To date, the benefits associated with acutely increasing muscle temperature have not been explored in older adults.
Given muscle hyperthermia can be induced by using heated clothing or blankets, the aim of this project is to understand whether passively heating muscle can enhance muscle function across a range of contexts in healthy older adults.
It is anticipated that this research will assist older adults in understanding how they should prepare for demanding tasks, particularly during periods of inactivity. Should positive outcomes associated with increasing muscle temperature in young adults be replicated in older adults, then lifestyle modifications to maintain independence and quality of life can be implemented. This may include sitting with heating applied to the legs to ensure that the limbs can function optimally immediately after a period of inactivity.
Meet the Principal Investigator(s) for the project
Dr Oliver Gibson - Dr Oliver Gibson is a Senior Lecturer in Exercise Physiology and a member of staff in the Division of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Department of Life Sciences and a member of the Centre for Physical Activity in Health and Disease. Oliver is the Department of Life Sciences Senior Tutor.
Oliver was awarded his Ph.D from the University of Brighton in 2015 following undergraduate and postgraduate study at the institution where he obtained MSc Sport and Exercise Physiology, PGCE Post Compulsory Education, and BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science degrees. Oliver is a fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a member of The Physiological Society.
Oliver's primary research interests relate to Exercise and Environmental Physiology and in particular the impact of Heat Stress on Human Health, Performance, and Function. Research in this area includes understanding the impact of climate change/heat waves on human health, quantifying changes in endurance and team sport performance in the heat and examining methods to attenuate performance declines. Oliver’s research also examines cross adaptation between environmental stressors, and the mechanistic role(s) of heat shock proteins in thermal adaptation. These publications can be viewed in the 'Selected Publications' tab.
Oliver provides peer-review for a number of international journals, and has presented at a number of national and international conferences winning several young investigator awards.
Related Research Group(s)
Physical Activity in Health and Disease - The centre conducts interdisciplinary research to improve human health and performance through regular physical activity and exercise, and by limiting sedentary behaviour.
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Project last modified 22/02/2024