University of Tasmania, Australia

Effect of Probiotics on immune function associated with exercise

Intense exercise training and/or heat stress lead to various immune and gastrointestinal disturbances, which may impair performance and reduce heat tolerance.  Supplementation with probiotics has a variety of health benefits including alleviating inflammatory conditions, reducing the incidence and severity of gastrointestinal disorders and improving immune function.  To date the ability of probiotics to dampen endotoxin stimulated inflammatory responses in the heat and influence other aspects of exercise induced immune suppression is currently unknown.  The overall aim of the PhD is to investigate the influence of probiotics on exercise associated inflammation and immune modulation.

Research questions include:

1. Does supplementation with probiotics influence the inflammatory response to exercise, particularly with exercise stress associated with elevated levels of endotoxin?
2. Does probiotic supplementation enhance immune function during periods of exercise-associated immune suppression?

The candidates will be enthusiastic and self-motivated with a strong interest in the areas of exercise immunology and performance enhancement.  A first class honours degree or a Masters degree in Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology is required.