As the Ironman athletes start their well-earned taper for the gruelling Ironman triathlon (3.8km swim, 180km cycle followed by a 42,2km run) on 19 March in Port Elizabeth after months of challenging training, so the medical research team gear up for an extensive and unique programme of investigations planned for the day.

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The scientific and medical research team is headed up by Prof Martin Schwellnus, Dr Malcolm Collins and Professor Tim Noakes of the UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine based at the Sports Science Institute of SA in collaboration with Tswane University of Technology in Pretoria.

Through the research conducted on as many volunteers of the 1 200 strong field as possible, it is hoped that answers and possible solutions to some important medical and physiological problems associated with participation in this triathlon, will be found.

Six key areas of research focus include:

• management of the collapsed tri-athlete
• causes and treatment of “Exercise Associated Muscle Cramping” (EAMC)
• preventing post-exercise decreases in immune function and upper respiratory tract symptoms
• the genetic basis for performance and physiological responses during an Ironman Triathlon
• identifying causes of chronic Achilles tendon injuries in tri-athletes and
• identifying the relationship between training history, perception of effort during the race and the subsequent recovery after the race.

Good news for all Ironman athletes who are keen to volunteer for the research, is that all the components of these studies have been carefully designed not to interfere with their preparation or participation in the Ironman; affect performance on race day or recovery after the event. What is more - all the tests are not painful and non-invasive, aside from a small blood sample taken at registration and after the race for one of the studies. From their participation in the study, athletes can gain tremendous insight and knowledge about their bodies.

A team from the UCT/MRC Research Unit for Exercise Science and Sports Medicine also conducted research at the 2005 Comrades Marathon and the Comrades Marathon Association recently revealed that the athletes regarded this research as one of the key positive features of the race.

“Our research at the 2001 and 2002 Ironman Triathlon in Cape Town produced a wealth of new knowledge and has so far produced more than 10 scientific papers on diverse topics such as fluid balance and overhydration, genetic markers of performance, management of muscle cramps and post-exercise collapse, and the effects of the Ironman competition on heart function. These studies, perfected on the basis of our previous experience, will further advance knowledge of this intriguing event,” says Professor Tim Noakes.

Any Iron man athletes that are interested in participating in the studies, can contact the research team on (021) 650 4572 or ironman@sports.uct.ac.za. – (SSISA)

Press release from the Sports Science Institute of South Africa

Visit our Fitness Centre for more information.

March 2006
 

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