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* Home > Capabilities > Human Performance Facilities > Metabolic Laboratory *
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Metabolic Laboratory
We use the metabolic facility to evaluate exercise capacity We use the metabolic facility to evaluate exercise capacity and performance, muscle strength, energy expenditure, activity levels, energy and nutrient intakes, nutritional status, body composition, muscle metabolism, substrate oxidation, whole body glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity.
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We have carried oput studies on the efficacy of dietary interventions, and the effects of ergogenic and cognitive aids on muscle metabolism, energy stores, and physical performance.

Some examples of the procedures undertaken in the metabolic laboratory are listed below:
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Clamping
Investigation of insulin resistance and abnormalities of glucose metabolism e.g. diabetes, obesity & ageing.

Method of choice to measure an individual's sensitivity to insulin, provides control of the circulating insulin level, and allows identification of threshold levels for metabolic effects e.g. of food supplements.

Tolerance tests
The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) and the Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test (IVGTT) both provide a measure of overall glucose tolerance, and are common tools in the assessment of diabetes.

Indirect calorimetry
Whole body substrate oxidation calculated from gas exchange at the mouth during resting metabolic studies (ventilated hood), and during exercise (breath by breath, Douglas bags, portable head systems).

Arterialised-venous blood sampling
Surrogate for arterial sampling.

Arterio-venous concentration differences
Arterialised and deep venous blood sampling for measurement of net substrate flux across a muscle bed.

Strain gauge plethysmography
Measurement of limb blood flow. Measures arterial inflow and maximum venous outflow.

Bio-impedance and anthropometry
Measurement of body composition.
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Related sections
> Centre for Defence Nutrition
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