Exercise@Heart

Assessing the long term health effects of differing amount of exercise

The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute is conducting a research study to compare the health of people who have been involved in differing amounts of physical activity throughout their lifetime. This study will also be assessing how much your genes (factors passed on from your parents) influence the changes to your heart size and function in response to exercise.

Enquire about participating in this study

Complete the application form for this study

Who can participate?

To be eligible, you must be:

• aged 16–23 or 28–45 years.
• completing less than 3 hours of aerobic activity per week (e.g. running, cycling, swimming).

Skill based athletes (e.g. golf) are welcome to apply.

You can not participate if:

• you are smoker
• you are on medications that may affect your heart or blood vessel function
• you have a known heart condition for which sports practice would not be recommended
• you are unable to undergo Cardiac MRI (e.g. you have an implanted metallic device such as a pacemaker).

What is involved?

This study involves baseline testing (approximately 5hrs) and a repeat test in 2 years.

The tests we will be conducting are:

• VO₂max
• DEXA (body composition) scan
• cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• heart ultrasound
• 24h Holter monitor
• electrocardiogram (ECG)
• blood samples, height, weight

Why should you get involved?

• You will be reimbursed for your time.
• You will receive a free in depth health assessment and summary of your results.
• Contribute to new research.
• This research project has been approved by the Alfred Hospital Ethics Department.
• Your results will contribute to a larger study involving endurance athletes.

If you are interested and would like further information please contact:

Amy Mitchell
T: +61 3 8532 1182
E: amy.mitchell@baker.edu.au