ASU researcher receives funding, needs volunteers for study

MESA, Ariz. — ASU Exercise and Wellness master’s degree candidate Laurie Black is one of the 36 recipients of the 2006-2007 Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) Research Grant Competition. The monetary award is to be used on her research titled “Acute effects of resistance exercise protocols on insulin sensitivity in individuals with elevated blood glucose.”

More than 100 proposals were submitted and roughly one third were awarded research funds by the GPSA, the student government for Arizona State University’s graduate and professional students.

Now that she has funding to get her started, Black needs volunteers to participate in her research study relating to resistance exercise and blood sugar. She is looking for men and women, ages 18 to 45, non smokers, with fasting glucose at 100 to 125 mg/ml. Individuals must have no exercise limitations and be able to volunteer about nine hours in six testing sessions over a two week period. All testing will be done at ASU’s Polytechnic campus.

This study has been constructed to identify the most effective resistance exercise protocol for increasing insulin sensitivity in adults with pre-diabetes. The proposed study will include two moderate and two high intensity resistance exercise protocols using both single-set and multiple-set protocols to determine 24-hour post-exercise insulin sensitivity. The order of training will be randomized and include a three-day washout period between protocols. Insulin sensitivity changes will be evaluated at baseline (prior to each exercise session), and 24-hours following the exercise bout.

Participants will receive free blood sugar, body composition and strength testing, as well as a personalized resistance training program.

For more information, contact Laurie Black at (480) 727-1967 or laurie.e.black@asu.edu.