Current Projects

Sodium bicarbonate supplementation & heat stress mitigation

Sodium bicarbonate supplementation, often used to offset the deleterious metabolic effects of intense exercise, has been widely researched in various capacities since the early 1900’s. Briefly, the kidneys produce the molecule bicarbonate (HCO3-), which in turn tightly regulates acid-base balance in the body and ultimately provides a “first line of defense” during high rates of metabolic flux (e.g., exertional, high intensity work or exercise). Although more commonly used in athletic scenarios to improve exercise performance, we’ve begun a series of investigations focused alternate uses of the supplement that are focused on potential thermoregulatory and renal benefits during prolonged physical activity in the heat.

Anthocyanins & exercise in hot environments

Anthocyanin, a type of polyphenol, is found abundantly in berries (e.g., New Zealand blackcurrant) and is the pigment responsible for coloring those that are blue and purple. In recent years, research has focused on anthocyanin’s efficacy as antioxidants and potential to promote health outcomes by reducing systemic inflammation. We have begun a line of research focused on exploring optimal dosing strategies, as well as investigating the effects anthocyanins may have on gut permeability during exercise in the heat.

Contrast therapy & functional recovery

The use of cold, hot and massage therapy modalities to improve physical recovery acutely and enhance human performance adaptation has existed for centuries, however recent evidence at the molecular level has questioned the appropriateness of these modalities in certain exercise contexts. For example, although cold therapy treatment reduces acute inflammation after trauma (e.g., ankle sprain) or exhaustive eccentric exercise (e.g., downhill running), it has been shown to blunt positive adaptation in skeletal muscle in instances of repeated application. Alternatively, heat application after exercise has shown promise in terms of facilitating greater cellular adaptations, but these have not consistently translated into exercise performance benefits. We are working on a series of industry-supported studies investigating the efficacy of different treatment modalities to improve functional recovery during training.