The gene SMART study: method, study design, and preliminary findings

The gene SMART (genes and the Skeletal Muscle Adaptive Response to Training) Staims to identify genetic variants that predict the response to both a single session of Hi Intensity Interval Exercise (HIIE) and to four weeks of High-Intensity Interval Train (HIIT). While the training and testing centre is located at Victoria University, Melbour three other centres have been launched at Bond University, The Queensland University Technology, Australia, and The University of Brighton, UK. Currently 47 participants h already completed the study and the overall aim is to recruit 200 moderately-trained, heal Caucasians participants (all males 18-45 y, BMI < 30). Participants will undergo exerc testing and exercise training by an identical exercise program. Dietary habits will be asses by questionnaire and dietitian consultation. Activity history is assessed by questionnaire current activity level is assessed by an activity monitor. Skeletal muscle biopsies and bl samples will be collected before, immediately after, and 3 hours post HIIE, with the fou resting biopsy and blood sample taken after four weeks of supervised HIIT (3 train sessions per week). Each session consists of eight to fourteen 2-minute intervals perfor at the pre-training lactate threshold (LT) power plus 40 to 70% of the difference between p training lactate threshold (LT) and peak aerobic power (Wpeak). A number of muscle blood analyses will be performed, including (but not limited to) genotyping, mitochond respiration, transcriptomics, protein expression analyses, and enzyme activity. A subgroup the participants will undergo a 4-week control period, and would serve as control group