Performance and Training Unit

Research area profiles

Muscle Metabolism & Biochemistry (Eva Blomstrand)

Skeletal muscle is a highly adaptive tissue responding to varying forms of acute and chronic exercise loading as well as dietary factors that induce specific intracellular signaling cascades involved in muscle protein anabolism and catabolism. Areas of research include the effect of combined endurance and strength training on AMPK-dependent inhibition of mTORC1 signaling, and gene and protein expression in the regulation of muscle hypertrophy and mitochondrial biogenesis. Our recent findings in this area demonstrate that signaling of muscle growth through the mTORC1-S6K1 axis after heavy resistance exercise is not inhibited by subsequent endurance exercise. Markers for protein catabolism are differently influenced by the two modes of exercise, however elevation in AMPK activity does not inhibit mTOR signaling after subsequent resistance exercise. Recent studies include the investigation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) splice variant induction by resistance exercise, the specific stimulatory effect of dietary leucine on mTORC1 signalling and amino acid metabolism in connection with resistance exercise.

Sample Publications

Biological Profile and Exercise Performance (Mikael Mattsson)

There is evidence for the contribution of genetic differences in training responsiveness as a factor in sport performance. Whole exome and genome sequencing and omics profiling offer the possibility to profile individual genetic makeup that may impact the tolerance, biological effects, and performance expected from training. Athletic personal omics profiling can facilitate monitoring over time and of different training approaches integrating biological information with change in physiological states (e.g., activity intensity, duration, response to training or performance level). This includes proteomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses during a period of training or recovery. This research approach is being undertaken in studies in competitive athletes in a variety of sports, including the effects of unilateral versus bilateral complex training combined with high intensity interval training on the development of strength, power and performance for elite male and female handball players. A similar approach is being undertaken in studies examining the response to prolonged physical exertion in military personnel.

Selected Publications

Applied Sports Physiology (Hans Rosdahl & Johnny Nilsson)

GIH has a rich tradition in sport physiology research and has led the field in establishment of gold-standard methods for measurement of oxidative metabolism in sport-specific events such as cross-country skiing and kayaking. Metabolic measurements coupled with kinematic, kinetic and electromyographic methods have been developed to examine components of performance enhancement in elite athletes. Development and validation of new ergometer technology and measurement software continues in close collaboration with Monark AB and Oxycon Mobile in combination with state-of-the art applications to field-monitoring of training and performance in rowing kayaking and skiing. Extending from this foundation, a central area of research is focused on the physiology of upper body sport performance, merging GIH's tradition and expertise in cardiovascular and muscle physiology.

Selected Publications

Biomechanics (Toni Arndt)

GIH scientists have unique expertise in methods to study neuromuscular function and musculoskeletal biomechanical factors in sport performance and training. Application areas in advanced musculoskeletal biomechanics entail analysis of loading and behavior of specific anatomical structures during controlled physical activity. A specific focus of biomechanics research at GIH is the study of the muscle-tendon complex during different forms of loading exercise. Tendons and aponeuroses transmit forces from contracting muscles to bone, but these load-bearing tissues also act as biological springs, storing and releasing elastic energy. This elasticity enables tendons to fulfil a number of functions related to the mechanical efficiency and effectiveness of animal and human movement. Ongoing research projects include application of ultrasound-based methods coupled with force measures to quantify tendon mechanical properties in vivo during exercise performance. In partnership with Monark AB, cutting-edge research is also focused on the biomechanics of the lower extremity to develop world leading bicycle ergometers to optimize training for athletes. Developments within sensor technology, GPS systems and computer availability and performance have facilitated widespread interest in such monitoring. Specialized ergometry performance protocols and in-crank measurement of 3-dimensional forces to measure and visualize the effectiveness of the pedal cycle are being developed for aerobic endurance performance assessment.

Sample Publications

Motor Control (Maria Ekblom)

The study of brain function in motor activation is of high interest for sport performance. A primary focus of research in motor control in sport performance at GIH is on central neural mechanisms involved in activation of motor units and measurement of intracortical facilitation and inhibition. An additional area of research is to examine the interplay between muscle and cortex mechanisms involved in of fatigue and the link between brain and muscle measures of oxygenation. Applying various modes of muscle activation, our research group also investigates the mechanisms by which the nervous system regulates muscle activation in the upper and lower limbs of sedentary and resistance trained individuals. Ongoing projects include the measurement of V-waves and MEPs in limbs and examining how short interval intracortical inhibition in the upper limbs is regulated with increased muscle activation.

Sample Publications

Sport Psychology (Sanna Nordin-Bates)

Research in the psychology of sport performance at GIH includes the investigation of psychological correlates of adherence, maturation and physical factors relating to dance performance. Integration of psychological, physical and enviromental factors reveal that greater levels of harmonious passion predict greater likelihood of adherence to dance programs, and greater ego-involving motivational climate perceptions predict less likelihood of adherence in young talented dancers. Other research findings indicate that perfectionistic concerns may color perceptions of training/performing environments. They also suggest that perceptions of a task-involving climate in training/performing environments may encourage striving for excellence and perfection without promoting excessive concerns regarding their attainment. Further research includes examination of applied perspectives on perfectionism and creativity in elite dancers, burnout and motivation in dance, teacher perceptions of dancer talent, and predictive indices of disordered eating. An extended area of research is directed towards promoting adolescent mental health in the school environment including the effect of dance participation.

Sample Publications