UVic Research Participation 2024
Far Dog is proud to partner with post-sedcondary institutions to support the important research they do into the effects of endurance sport on the human body. This year we are pleased to host a team from the University of Victoria. Participation is voluntary, and you may contact them directly to learn more about what is involved.
Theoretical & Applied Neuroscience Laboratory
Department of Exercise, Science, Physical Activity & Health Education
Runners competing in the FatDog Trail Race who will complete a distance of at least 40 miles are invited to participate in this research study. The goal of this research is to examine the effects of prolonged/ultra-endurance exercise on cognitive function and brain activity.
What is involved?
- Surveys will be sent up to a week in advance for demographic and training history information
- Pre and Post-race (approx 20 min each) your cognition will be assessed using a mobile EEG device to measure brain activity while you complete a task on an iPad.
- Weigh-in at a private tent
- During the race your heart rate will be measured using a Forearm Sleeve and Garmin Watch
Total Time Commitment is approx 1 hour
Anyone between the ages of 19 and 60 is welcome to participate as long as they meet the following criteria:
- must have good vision (corrective lenses are ok)
- must be free from neurological impairments such as epilepsy or prior serious brain injuries
- must be free from heart conditions unsuitable for exercise
- must be registered in a 2024 Fat Dog race.
Benefits of participation in this research study:
- You will be helping researchers to better understand how physical depletion and exhaustion affects human brains
- Access to a free assessment of maximal aerobic power (VO2 max) at the University of Victoria.
Confidentiality
Your confidentiality will be respected and all data will be immediately de-identified upon collection. No information disclosing your identity will be released or published without your specific consent to the disclosure. This study will be promoted through the internet (by pages on websites and via posts on social media channels) through the FatDog120 race and our laboratory. Please note that if you choose to “post”, “like”, or “follow” a page or post related to the study (e.g., on Instagram) that you may be publicly associated with the study. Participants will be free to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty.
Contact Us
If you are interested in participating or would like further information regarding this research study, please contact the lead researcher Katherine Boere at athletecognition@gmail.com.
To learn more about the Theoretical & Applied Neuroscience Laboratory - https://www.krigolsonlab.com/people.html
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.2023 Research Study
Physical Activity Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Unit
University of British Columbia
Runners and Pacers competing in the FatDog 120 Trail Race who will complete a distance of at least 50 km are invited to participate in this innovative research study. This investigation is examining the effects of prolonged/ultra-endurance exercise on your ability to process information (i.e., cognitive function), musculoskeletal function, and cardiovascular function. Pre- and post-race measurements will involve a maximum time commitment of 60-80 minutes each.
Your confidentiality will be respected. No information disclosing your identity will be released or published without your specific consent to the disclosure. This study will be promoted through the internet (by pages on websites and via posts on social media channels) through the FatDog120 Trail race and our laboratory. Please note that if you choose to “post”, “like”, or “follow” a page or post related to the study (e.g., on Twitter) that you may be publicly associated with the study. 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 FatDog 120, the Western States Endurance Run (WS 100) from 2007-2009, and the Race Across America (RAAM). We have published many key articles in leading journals around the world.
If you are interested in participating or would like further information regarding this research study, please contact Kai Kaufman kai.kaufman@ubc.ca.
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).