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MFYS - Scientific Research

BLITS est également engagé dans la recherche scientifique, mais celle-ci se pratique au sein du département MFYS. Pour une liste complète de nos publications scientifiques, nous vous invitons à visiter le site web de notre département à la VUB.

vub VUB dienst Menselijke fysiologie
Pleinlaan 2, Gebouw L, 3e verdieping
1050 Brussel
http://www.vub.ac.be/MFYS/

 

The research of the department of Human Physiology (MFYS) is clustered in 3 major areas: ‘Exercise and the Brain'; ‘Exercise and Health'; and ‘Applied Sports science'. 

Exercise and the Brain:
The effects of exercise and training on the brain (and vice versa) are explored by measuring neurotransmitters (animal studies), while effects of exercise an neurogenesis, and the interaction between fatigue neurotransmitters and neuromuscular fatigue are examined in human and animal models. This research line has projects on thermoregulation, ADHD, cognition, fatigue, aging, …
For this research line there is a collaboration with dept of FASC (faculty of medicine), the universities of Roma, Loughborough, Köln, ULB.
Another application involving the brain studies psychophysiology.  To examine possible causes and the prevention of ‘overtraining' there is a collaboration with the Belgian and Dutch army, TNO (Holland), the Australian Institute of Sports, universities of Amsterdam, Wisconsin, ‘Topsport Vlaanderen'. 

Exercise and Health :
The effect of exercise and training on health is explored in different (patient) groups (cardiorehabilitation, obese persons, TypeI & Type II diabetes, whiplash, chronic fatigue).  Also the incidence and prevention of sports injuries is studied, while the health benefits of exercise are compared with the possible negative influence of pollution (ultra fine particles).
A specific research line in collaboration with the dept. of robotics and multibody mechanics is aimed at constructing a rehabilitation robot.
Collaboration with the university of Amsterdam, Maastricht, Virga Jesse Hospital Hasselt, UZBrussels, VITO, …

Applied Sport Science :
Applied sport research is performed in the field of cycling (Lotto Cycling Institute), recovery from exercise, applied research together with top sport schools in Flanders. For these projects there is a collaboration with the university of Roma, Lille, Amsterdam, the Australian Institute of Sports, other human performance labs ACAntwerpen, Mensana Brugge, …

Research projects

Excercise and brain

Thermoregulation, fatigue and brain neurotransmission during prolonged exercise in normal and high ambient temperatures.

Fatigue should be acknowledged as a complex phenomenon influenced by both peripheral and central factors. Because strenuous exercise is associated with cerebral metabolic and neurohumoral alterations that may relate to central fatigue, it is important to explore the influence of neurotransmitters (specifically serotonine, dopamine and noradrenaline) on the outcome of performance and in particular on fatigue. Prolonged exercise may induce homeostatic disturbances within the central nervous system that subsequently attenuates motor activation. Therefore, strenuous exercise is a challenge not only to the cardiorespiratory and locomotive systems but also to the brain.
In a series of experiments we explored this so-called ‘central fatigue hypothesis’ by the acute administration of different reuptake inhibitors during a 90 min time trial. The results clearly showed that performance could not be influenced, but peripheral hormonal measures indicated a ‘disturbed’ centrally driven response.Since this disturbed hormonal output from the hypothalamus due to ‘central manipulation’ is probably controlled by higher brain centers, the effect of two of these reuptake inhibitors was examined in a rat model where brain neurotransmitters (via microdialysis) and peripheral hormonal output was measured. These animal studies clearly showed that indeed brain transmission influences hormonal output.
Because there is now convincing evidence that brain temperature could be one of the important limiting factors during exercise, we recently performed an experiment where a “60min fixed intensity (55%Wmax) followed by a 30min time trial” protocol was used (exercise and brain manipulation), but exercise was performed in normal (18°C) and high ambient temperature (30°C). The first results indicate in these specific circumstances time trial performance in the heat was significantly influenced by a noradrenaline/dopamine (NA/DA) reuptake inhibitor when compared to placebo treatment. Not only was performance improved, core temperature rose higher, to 40°C, without any changes in perceived feelings of exertion and thermal stress. Furhter studies were already performed; a DA reuptake inhibitor (Ritalin) significantly improved performance in the hot (again also a strong rise in core temperature), while a NA reuptake inhibitor (Reboxetine) decreased performance in both 18°C and 30°C. A serotonine reuptake inhibitor (Citalopram) did not cause a significant change in time trial time, although 9 out of 11 subjects finished slower after serotonine reuptake inhibition.
Probably central fatigue is not the result of changes in one neurotransmitter system, but rather a co-operation between different neurotransmitter systems.

Contact: Bart Roelands

Effects of Ritalin uptake on exercise performance and thermoregulation in subjects with ADHD

ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurobehavioral disorder of childhood characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The specific cause of ADHD is not well understood but there is a converging evidence of the involvement of dysregulation of dopamine neurotransmission in the brain. ADHD is often treated with stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin) or amphetamine.
Although there are several studies about the effects of methylphenidate on exercise performance in healthy young men, only one examined the effects of this drug on performance and thermoregulation (exercise under temperate and high ambient temperatures). Acute ritalin uptake before intensive exercise by healthy adults results in increased performance and core temperatures above 40°C in 4 of 8 subjects under warm conditions (Roelands et al., 2008).
Knowing that many thousands children and adults with ADHD consume chronically this medication, it would be interesting to examine the effects of this drug on these subjects. The goals are to analyse the effects of Chronical Ritalin uptake during physical activity on performance, physiological data (heart rate, blood lactate concentrations, hormonal responses...) and cognition (memory) under hot conditions by adults but also children with ADHD. To determine the real effects of methylphenidate, similar studies will be performed with subjects diagnosed ADHD without any ritalin treatment.

Contact: Vincianne Fontenelle

Exercise, training and neurogenese

In certain brain areas, it is possible to generate new neurons. The mechanisms behind this observation are however not well known. Both ‘enriched environment’ and exercise are supposed to increase neurogenesis significantly in the hippocampus. An important factor, influencing neurogenesis, is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In animals, exercise is known to increase neurotransmission and BDNF in different brain areas.
The purpose of this project is to determine the effect of exercise on BDNF in both humans and animals. In humans, we will explore different exercise protocols and their influence on peripheral markers of neurogenesis. Cognitive function will be tested and we will study possible links between the peripheral markers and changes in cognition. Exercise training will consist of both aerobic and strength training in both young subjects and elderly.
In animals, we will study the influence of different exercise protocols on central parameters, and the connection between neurotransmission and neurotrophic factors.

Contact: Maaike Goekint

Physical and cognitive performance during sustained military operations

Soldiers are regularly exposed to extreme, complex and sustained (72 hours continuous performance) operations. During these operations soldiers are physically (physical performance) and cognitively (e.g. decision-making processes, stress and solving problems) challenged. Soldiers are expected to operate under conditions in which they can hardly sleep, have limited access to food (emergency rations) and have to deal with (sometimes) extreme and highly changing weather circumstances. These, sometimes extreme circumstances, affect the physical and cognitive performance in a negative way. Simultaneously, optimal performance is affected by both physical and cognitive strains interacting with each other. In my doctorate I will try to get insight in this mutual influence and the mutual interconnection on military physical and cognitive performance in extreme circumstances.

Contact: Susan Vrijkotte

 

Excercise and Health

Metabole pathologies

Since 2004 clinical trials are implemented to investigate the short- and long-term impact of various exercise training modalities in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease patients. These studies are executed at the Virga Jesse Hospital at Hasselt, Belgium, in close collaboration with Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Department of Human Physiology and Sportsmedicine), Belgium, as well as Maastricht University (Department of Movement Sciences), The Netherlands.

Contact: Dominique Hansen

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (T2DM) consists of four different cornerstones: teaching of the patient and his (para)medical treatment team, optimisation of the medical treatment (glycaemia, lipids, tension, thromboembolic prevention,..), dietary adjustment and physical exercise.
The latter can be realised in a in-hospital setting but also in cooperation with the regular fitness centres out of hospital.A study project is being designed in order to determine which kind of exercise is the most beneficial for the T2DM patient and to figure out how we can optimise the T2DM treatment by integrating all four aforementioned cornerstones in one consistent treatment plan. This study will be performed in narrow cooperation with the guiding fitness organisation.

Contact: Dr Luk Buyse

 

Sports specific research

Development Lotto Cycling Institute

Lotto Cycling Institute (Silence-Lotto, Mensana, BLITS) is a multidisciplinary, sports medical, scientific Institute for the support of Silence-Lotto cyclists.
This project arose from the fact that a cycling team always needs the latest innovative scientific information as quickly as possible. Many questions (technical or practical) can arise from the team members. LCI will provide evidence based answers.
Another purpose of the LCI is to develop and monitor cyclists from youth through the sub-elite towards the elite level, a plan should be developed where continuous monitoring of cyclist of each category should be performed.
Phase I of the project includes the development and practical application of the framework of Silence-Lotto Cycling team. In a later stadium this knowledge will be accessible for other cyclists.
Practically a scientific database will be prepared. Scientific literature is screened every day. Research performed in our lab will enlarge and reinforce this data pool. In this project sport physiological support, training guidance and advice (about nutrition and training, injury prevention and overtraining …) are major tasks of BLITS.

Contact: Kevin De Pauw

The use of psychophysiological parameters to optimize training and coaching practices of top athletes.

The aim of this project is to identify a set of psychological and physiological parameters which, according to previous research and experience, could be identified as potential indicators of the quality of performance of top athletes. Validate the predictive value of this set of parameters with regard to training and coaching practices:

  • As possible predictors to be used for selection of athletes in professional programs.
  • As early warning signals allowing the coaches to either adapt their management, or to optimize their selection.

Contact: Romain Meeusen

Recovery Study

In many sports like cycling, judo, sports climbing athletes train more than once a day. The success of the athlete will largely depend on the capacity to recover from these efforts. To attain certain goals, the athlete and his team will have to adopt the most successful recovery strategies between successive efforts.
BLITS is doing research on the underlying physiological mechanisms of the recovery processes and looks at which strategies are most suitable for a maximal gain in performance.
 

Contact: bas de Geus

SHAPES

Commuter cycling can enhance the long-term physical health in the general population. But it is not well understood whether cyclists are exposed to higher risks due to air pollution and accidents. A non-marginal shift to cycling helps to realize a better general air quality, a better overall physical condition of the population, and an increased general traffic safety. Quantifying these effects in costs will assist policy makers in their decisions. The SHAPES project will assess all health risks and benefits of commuter cycling in cities, compared to commuting by car. SHAPES is at the crossroads of transport and health research and uses advanced GIS techniques to integrate the results of basic studies and experiments in each expertise (air pollution, physical health and accidents) in order to support future transport and public health policies.

Contact: www.SHAPES-SSD.be or Bas de Geus

Sport specific injury detection and prevention

With the increasing promotion of a physically active lifestyle we can also expect an increased number of sports injuries. Over the past decades many sports have become increasing popular in Belgium and probably throughout the world. Since sports are more popular than before and more young athletes participate in these sports, there exists the need for determining and understanding the risk factors of sports injuries.
To prevent injuries it is necessary to have information about the factors that contribute to their occurrence. With this information we may understand the options for prevention. When the injury risks are determined, adjusted prevention programs can be developed so that athletes can fully enjoy their sports without the negative consequences.
Many studies are conducted on the 'anterior cruciate ligament' injury (ACL) but little attention is yet been paid to the overuse injuries of the knee. PT and Patellar Femoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) are the most frequently found overuse injuries in sports with running, jump-landing maneuvers and sudden stops and high demands on speed and power. Our focus is on the relation between jump-landing technique and overuse injuries.

Contact: Inne Aerts

Knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of sports injuries in Palestine

This PhD research project will investigate the following main issues:

  • Epidemiology of sports injuries among Palestinian athletes and physical education students.
  • Knowledge, beliefs and attitudes, in relation to sports injuries and their prevention, among university and college students in Palestine.

As a result this research project will try to implement the correct strategies of preventive measures to prevent or, at least, reduce sports injuries among university and college students in Palestine.

Contact: Rania Nabulsi

Fibromyalgia (FM), chronic Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CVS)

Fibromyalgia (FM), chronic Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CVS) are three syndromes which are characterised by chronic generalised musculoskeletal pain. With this PhD-project we try to further unravel the pain neurophysiology (during exercise) of chronic pain in these syndromes. The findings, which originate from this research, will be used to steer the management of chronic pain by examining treatment strategies such as rehabilitation, education and activity management.

Contact: Jessica Van Oosterwijck

ALTACRO - Automated Locomotor Training using an Actuated Compliant Robotic Orthosis

In everyday life, autonomous locomotion is imperative for the independence and personal and/or social functioning of a human being. Therefore, much effort is put in the recovery of patients suffering from  gait insufficiency due to neurological, orthopedic or traumatic conditions (e.g. spinal cord injured subjects). The ALTACRO-project aims at improving the rehabilitation outcome (i.e. walking capabilities) of these patients by means of automated locomotor training. Therefore a powered gait rehabilitation exoskeleton is being developed at the VUB, dept. R&MM    (http://mech.vub.ac.be/multibody_mechanics.htm). A few new challenges in robotic gait rehabilitation will be incorporated in this project: safe robot-human interaction, active ankle assistance and full body weight support provided by the exoskeleton.
 

Contact: http://altacro.vub.ac.be/ or Kristel Knaepen

 

Chronic low back pain

Link: http://www.roptrotherapy.info

Contact: Andre Farasyn

 

 

Important publications
 

Publications