Nicholas Sculthorpe

As an Exercise Physiologist, my experience spans a number of related disciplines.  My primary area of expertise is in the use of exercise to prevent or reduce cardiovascular risk.  This includes using ultrasound to non-invasively assess numerous indices of cardiovascular health. I also have experience in using exercise to treat different populations, and have performed exercise prescription and exercise testing in athletes and clinical patients. I also have an extensive background in sports doping, and androgenic anabolic steroid abuse in particular.  This background has meant that, in addition to research outputs, I have also worked on media productions in both print and television.  I also have expertise in data combination and synthesis having published a number of meta analyses and meta regressions, as well as ROC analyses.

My current work reflects these areas.  My research group has recently completed the Carmarthen Healthy Ageing Project (CHAP) which examined Low Frequency Interval Training (LFIT) in ageing sedentary men.  In a number of publications stemming from this work we have demonstrated improvements in vascular function, cardiovascular risk, body composition, aerobic, and muscle power despite requiring only 3 min of exercise every five days.  We are currently investigating how the heart adapts in response to different types of exercise training including LFIT.  Using the relatively new techniques of strain and strain rate imaging, to asses how any adaptations contribute to improved cardiac mechanics, and ventricular torsion in particular, both at rest and during exercise.

My future work is based around expanding and strengthening these research themes.  We are already planning data collection on a 3 year follow up to the CHAP study.  This will provide invaluable data regarding the how LFIT might ameliorate the age released decline in physical function and cardiovascular health.  In a related project, we will examine if LFIT can also improve the quality of life and physical function of treated hypothyroid patients.  Once again this will involve assessing changes in metabolic, musculoskeletal, cardiac and vascular function in response to the programme.  Outwith our exercise programming, I am also involved in an international collaboration with the European Anti Doping Education Network (EADEN).  This seven country group aims to improve the education available amateur and recreational coaches and athletes.  These individuals operate outside the elite arenas in which the majority of anti-doping resources tend to be focused, and consequently are in urgent need of greater support and education.

1. Delapre PS

2. Maximuscle Ltd

3. Actiflow

1. HEA

2. UEFA