Wed 25th January, 2012
The University of Bedfordshire is calling for volunteers for a ground-breaking research project into the early prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in young people.
The research study, called SIRENS (Study of Insulin Resistance factors: Exercise and Nutritional Strategies) is being run in collaboration with the Luton and Dunstable Hospital, and the research team are currently recruiting 14-19 year olds who are overweight according to their waist circumference.
Interested volunteers will first have an initial health assessment and then eligible volunteers could be offered a 12 week programme of fully supervised aerobic exercise, resistance training or dietary changes designed to improve health. This would take place at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital site or at the University of Bedfordshire’s Bedford Campus.
Lead researcher Dr Catherine Kerr explained: “The research study is the first of its kind because we’re trying to find out how to prevent diseases in later life in young people that might be at slightly greater risk than others.
“The fact that we’re comparing the effectiveness of two different types of exercise – resistance type and aerobic exercises – on improving a variety of important health measures is completely new in this group. We’ll compare these exercises against nutritional changes and are really interested in finding out which works best.
“It would provide really fascinating, exciting findings and what we discover could help make important recommendations for better health and disease prevention.”
The project is supported by a trained team of postgraduate researchers from the University’s Department of Sport and Exercise Science and staff at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital.
Ben Davies, a postgraduate researcher working on the project said: “Everyone who is eligible will be enrolled on a supportive programme, led by our enthusiastic, friendly research team. The best thing is that you do not need to be currently fit or physically active to take part!”
Younger volunteers are able to come along with their parents to the sessions if they wish. For more information contact: Ben Davies on 07795 661777, e-mail: ben.davies@beds.ac.uk or contact Dr Catherine Kerr, e-mail: catherine.kerr@beds.ac.uk
Latest news» 2012» January» Sign up for Uni’s ground-breaking research
