Kent State University’s Exercise Science/Physiology program was awarded a $248,000 grant by i-Health, Inc. to conduct a study relating to the use of probiotics and physical exercise. Faculty and students are interested in combating heat-caused complications during exercise, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Under the direction of Drs. Ellen Glickman and Adam Jajtner, exercise science/physiology faculty members, undergraduate and graduate students in the program will examine whether supplementation with a probiotic-containing beverage is protective during exercise in a hot environment through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
“Primary outcomes include multiple indices of physical performance during heat stress and recovery, including endurance, power, and strength. Secondary outcomes include psychological status and cognitive function during these same periods. A subset of individuals will provide biological samples to clarify possible mechanisms, including inflammatory markers,” said Glickman.
The i-Health grant will help to cover lab use, sampling, measurement, and disposal of items related to this experiment. i-Health is a consumer-packaged-goods company and focuses on helping people enhance their personal wellness.
For more information about the Exercise Science/Physiology program, visit www.kent.edu/ehhs/exph.
Photo: Drs. Adam Jajtner (left) and Ellen Glickman (right) in their research lab.