Our research team has extensive experience working with high performance athletes. We have examined extensively the mechanisms by which diverse athletic groups achieve their superior sport performance including working with elite field hockey players, elite speed skaters, elite cross country skiers, elite paralympic athletes, wheelchair athletes, ice hockey players, powerlifters, triathletes, cyclists, and ultra endurance runners. This also included exercise testing and prescription for diverse elite national teams and the National Hockey League. Our team (including Dr. Warburton, Dr. Bredin, and various graduate students) are currently heading the physiological assessment and training of various elite and developmental teams. We were also principal investigators in the Top Secret Research Program for Own the Podium.
We are proud of our ability to translate directly our research findings into practice to improve elite athletic performance in a wide variety of sports. Our team works closely with coaches and athletes to optimize sport performance. Individuals and/or teams interested in finding out more about the opportunities for elite athletic testing, prescription and exercise counselling should contact our laboratory (604-822-1337; email: cprlab@gmail.com).
We have provided a series of pictures and links for some of our various research trials (CLICK ON THE TITLE OF EACH STUDY FOR MORE INFORMATION):
Fat Dog 100 Trail Race Research Study
Runners and Pacers competing in the Fat Dog 100 Trail Race (who will complete a distance of at least 50 km) are invited to participate in this innovative research study. Each year we examine the effects of prolonged/ultra-endurance exercise on the function of the heart and blood vessels, and the control of blood pressure. All testing is non-invasive and often includes the assessment of the function (echocardiography with an ultrasound) and rhythm (electrocardiography, ECG) of the heart. We also often assess how blood vessels and blood pressure respond to prolonged exercise. All tests are non-invasive and painless. At each testing period (before and after the event) the testing procedures will require approximately 30 min of time. If you are interested in participating or would like further information regarding this research study, please click the link above or contact: Research Director, Dr. Darren Warburton, fatdog100study@gmail.com or call us at +1 (604) 822-1337.
Race Details (Website)
When: Generally the third week of July each year.
Why: Stunning alpine views, very runnable trails, point to point, challenging profile, sumptuous aid stations, great organization, enthusiastic volunteers, and a lake at the end for soaking.
Distances: 120 miles (17,500 foot ascent and descent), 100 km (10,200 foot ascent and 9,520 descent), and 6 relay legs that cover 100 mile route.
Where: 120 miler and relay start near Keremeos in Cathedral Provincial Park; 100 km starts in E.C. Manning Provincial Park.
Western States 100 mile Endurance Run
In 2007-2009, our research team travelled to Squaw Valley, California to examine the cardiovascular function of athletes performing in the Western States 100 mile Endurance Run. These research initiatives have resulted in several publications in leading journals. Here is a YouTube video (created by Kurt Bertilson) regarding the 2007 Western States 100 ultra endurance event:
Race Across America
In 2008, our research team joined our research collaborators from the United Kingdom (headed by Dr. Gregory Whyte) and the United States in an assessment of the effects of the legendary 3000 mile Race Across America. This was part of our international collaboration and supported the Cardiac Risk in the Young initiative. Here is an example publication from this work:
- Williams K, George K, Hulton A, Godfrey R, Lahart I, Wilson MG, Charlesworth S, Warburton D, Gaze D, and Whyte G. A unique case series of novel biomarkers of cardiac damage in cyclists completing the 4800 km Race Across America (RAAM). Curr Med Chem. 2011;18(23):3446-51.