Latest news from Loughborough University

16 Jun 2015

Volunteers needed: Can you get stronger by lifting light weights?

Image: Pixabay

Researchers from the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences are looking for volunteers to help with a new study.

The study will investigate new ways to increase muscle strength which involves performing low-intensity resistance training combined with blood flow restriction.

To take part, participants must be:

  • Male
  • Aged 18-40
  • Recreationally active but not currently participating in resistance training

The study will involve a 6 week training programme consisting of three sessions a week, each lasting no more than 20 minutes. Before and after the training, muscle strength and size will be assessed and muscle biopsies taken from the thigh. Overall, a commitment of 8 weeks is required from participants.

All testing and training will take place at the National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine and the Clyde Williams Building on Loughborough University campus.

Sessions are organised around the participant’s availability.  Volunteers will receive an extensive screening of lower limb strength and size, a fully supervised lower limb training programme and get to take part in the development of exciting strength training techniques. Travel and inconvenience costs will also be covered.

Anyone interested in taking part or finding out more should email Dr Richard Ferguson on R.Ferguson@lboro.ac.uk or call 01509 226333.

Notes for editors

Article reference number: June News

Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.

It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme, putting it among the best universities in the world, and was named University of the Year in the What Uni Student Choice Awards 2015.Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’ and is in the top 10 in England for research intensity. It was 2nd in the 2015 THE Student Experience Survey and was named Sports University of the Year 2013-14 by The Times and Sunday Times. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.

In 2015 the University will open an additional academic campus in London’s new innovation quarter. Loughborough University London, based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, will offer postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities.