PhD Student

Course start: October 2019

Supervisor: Dr Joanna Richards
Second Supervisor: Dr Rebecca Jones

Working thesis title

Understanding the cardiac morphology of the resistance trained heart

Abstract

A proposed mechanism for the cardiac adaptions observed in resistance trained athletes is underpinned by the relationship between pressure, tension and radius – known as Laplace’s Law (Haykowsky et al.,2001). When applied to the heart this states that wall stress(σ) - the ‘pulling pressure’ on the tissue - is proportional to the pressure inside the chamber (P), it’s radius (r) and wall thickness (ℎ)- σ ∝ (P × r)/ ℎ. To prevent damage the ventricle structure, σ must remain steady thus explaining a possible relationship between a pressure overloaded heart and consequent increases in LVWT. Support for this proposal has been found in the pathological heart by Grossman, Jones and McLaurin (1975). However, whilst the authors provided support for the effect of pressure overload on concentric hypertrophy, this is reflective solely of a pathological morphology. Unlike the 24-hour influence of high pressures observed in conditions such as aortic stenosis, less is known about whether resistance training can elicit similar changes, thus highlighting the need for further research.

Therefore, the aim of this project is to use cross-sectional and interventional studies to examine the acute and chronic responses to resistance exercise. Furthermore, each phase of this project will be conducting in a young adult (18-40 years) population (a) and older adult (60+) population (b) to explore aspects of ageing and its influence on cardiac morphology. By exploring the mechanisms underpinning changes in cardiac function induced by exercise, we will be able to understand the importance of how optimising these parameters may influence sports performance from recreational athletes to the elite. Furthermore, replicating these studies in previous untrained and older individuals could highlight impacts on health and wellbeing, with possible links to cardiac rehabilitation in the future.

Research Questions

• What are the acute effects of resistance exercise on cardiac function, wall stress and blood pressure during multiple exercises and contraction types?
• Does prolonged exposure to resistance training cause functional adaptions to cardiac structure and function?
• How does the impact of chronic resistance training differ between a younger and older population?

Want to take part in my research?

I would welcome contact from anyone aged 18+ willing to participate in my research. Resistance trained individuals should be engaged in a structure programme that is predominantly resistance trained in nature and ideally competing at an elite or sub-elite level. ‘Untrainied’ individuals should be completing less than 150 minutes moderate intensity exercise per week and not engaged in any structured sporting activity.

About Me

Following completion my BSc in Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Leeds I moved back to my hometown to study a taught masters in Clinical Exercise Physiology here at the University of Bedfordshire. Recently, after achieving a distinction in my MSc, I was given the opportunity to expand on my dissertation study further and undertake a PhD awarded within the ISPAR faculty. In addition to this, I am currently enjoying the new challenge of lecturing undergraduate students in Human Physiology and Scientific Research Methods, and liaising with local schools to allow students the opportunity to experience sessions within the department of Sport and Physical Activity. During any spare time I have at the university I have spent the last year as an integral part of the Human Performance Centre where I have been responsible for data collection and analysis of various exercise and clinical tests for members of the general public- a role I hope to take further in the future.

Outside of academia, I regularly play hockey for the local team here in Bedford and am a keen golfer- though advice on how to improve my game would be greatly appreciated!

Contact information

E: abigail.saunders@study.beds.ac.uk
Twitter: @AbiSaunders38
LinkedIn: Abigail Saunders