Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Danielle Norris, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Danielle Norris
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Scott Ferguson
Abstract
This investigation explores the combined effects of respiratory muscle training (RMT) and dietary nitrate supplementation on exercise performance at sea level and at simulated altitudes. The study aims to understand the correlation between exercise intolerance, acute mountain sickness (AMS), and the redistribution of blood flow from skeletal muscles to respiratory muscles during high-intensity exercises and at high altitudes. We will test the effects of RMT and dietary nitrate supplementation on muscle tissue oxygenation, vascular endothelial function, and exercise tolerance. The study has two main objectives: First, we will assess the effects of six weeks of RMT on muscle tissue oxygenation and exercise performance at sea level and under simulated altitude in young adults. We hypothesize that RMT will enhance muscle tissue saturation index (TSI), the quantitative measurement of muscle oxygenation and blood flow, in the vastus lateralis muscle during severe intensity exercise, and improve overall exercise tolerance. Second, we will evaluate the impact of dietary nitrate supplementation (via beetroot juice) alone and with RMT on vascular endothelial (vessel) function and exercise performance at sea level under simulated altitude conditions via the high altitude lab (HAL). We predict dietary nitrate supplementation will improve cardiovascular and exercise tolerance and that these improvements will be further enhanced when dietary nitrate supplementation is combined with RMT. This investigation will provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between respiratory muscle fitness and exercise tolerance, thus paving the way for effective interventions to improve exercise tolerance, reduce AMS occurrences, and increase the exercise capacity of patient and healthy populations.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
Yes, Spark Grant
Impact of Respiratory Muscle Training and Nitrate Therapy on Exercise Tolerance in Hypoxia
This investigation explores the combined effects of respiratory muscle training (RMT) and dietary nitrate supplementation on exercise performance at sea level and at simulated altitudes. The study aims to understand the correlation between exercise intolerance, acute mountain sickness (AMS), and the redistribution of blood flow from skeletal muscles to respiratory muscles during high-intensity exercises and at high altitudes. We will test the effects of RMT and dietary nitrate supplementation on muscle tissue oxygenation, vascular endothelial function, and exercise tolerance. The study has two main objectives: First, we will assess the effects of six weeks of RMT on muscle tissue oxygenation and exercise performance at sea level and under simulated altitude in young adults. We hypothesize that RMT will enhance muscle tissue saturation index (TSI), the quantitative measurement of muscle oxygenation and blood flow, in the vastus lateralis muscle during severe intensity exercise, and improve overall exercise tolerance. Second, we will evaluate the impact of dietary nitrate supplementation (via beetroot juice) alone and with RMT on vascular endothelial (vessel) function and exercise performance at sea level under simulated altitude conditions via the high altitude lab (HAL). We predict dietary nitrate supplementation will improve cardiovascular and exercise tolerance and that these improvements will be further enhanced when dietary nitrate supplementation is combined with RMT. This investigation will provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between respiratory muscle fitness and exercise tolerance, thus paving the way for effective interventions to improve exercise tolerance, reduce AMS occurrences, and increase the exercise capacity of patient and healthy populations.