UBC Research Participation
Over many years, Fat Dog athletes have been invited to participate in research projects being undertaken by graduate students from University of British Columbia. Focus of the research and qualifications for participation have changed over the years, but we are proud to be part of several important research studies into various aspects of ultra running and its effects on the human body.Fat Dog Trail Race Research Study
Cognitive and Functional Learning Laboratory & Cardiovascular Rehabilitation and Physiology Laboratory, Physical Activity Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit University of British Columbia.Runners and Pacers competing in the Fat Dog Trail Race who will complete a distance of at least 50 km/30 miles are invited to participate in this innovative research study. The focus of research varies each year. Pre and post-race measurements will involve a maximum time commitment of 30 minutes each. The benefits of participating in this research study include: a personalized cognitive assessment, a research t-shirt, entrance into a draw for a Polar Heart Rate monitor, a free assessment of maximal aerobic power (VO2max) at the University of British Columbia. Your confidentiality will be respected. No information disclosing your identity will be released or published without your specific consent to the disclosure. Participants will be free to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty.
Our research team has been involved in ultra-endurance research for several years. Our team has participated in Fat Dog 120, the Western States Endurance Run (WS 100), and the Race Across America (RAAM). We have published many key articles in leading journals around the world.
Focus for 2022
Title: The effects of prolonged exercise on cognitive and cardiovascular function in ultra-endurance athletes.
Purpose: Understanding cognitive and cardiovascular functioning/fatigue after prolonged exercise, which will help us to identify potential interventions to reduce cognitive impairments and cardiac fatigue during prolonged exercise.
Proposed Procedures: A research team will conduct anthropometric assessments (e.g., height, weight, waist circumference, grip strength, vertical jump, body composition), cognitive assessments pre and post-race (e.g., reaction time, and short term memory), and cardiovascular assessments pre and post race (e.g., blood pressure, and electrocardiography ECG).