The Hatchett Lab
The Impact of Diet and Exercise on Weightlifting Performance and Behavioral Indicators
Lab Overview
This lab explores the effects of diet, exercise, and supplementation on weightlifting and other athletic performance and behavioral outcomes. Research indicates that various dietary components—such as macronutrient composition (e.g., fats, sugars, proteins)—can significantly influence physical performance and behavior. Additionally, exercise and supplementation (such as creatine or protein) can play a crucial role in enhancing performance. Students will design and conduct experiments to test the effects of different diets, supplementation strategies, and exercise routines on athletic performance, cognitive function, and behavioral responses. The hands-on experience will also focus on the ethical treatment of participants and proper research protocols, including the administration of supplements, exercise testing, and behavioral assessments.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the physiological and behavioral impacts of different dietary components and supplementation on weightlifting performance.
- Gain experience in designing and conducting experiments to assess the effects of diet and exercise on performance and behavior.
- Learn the ethical guidelines and techniques necessary for conducting human-subject research.
- Develop skills in analyzing performance data and interpreting behavioral changes resulting from diet and exercise interventions.
- Participate in research activities involving dietary interventions, supplementation administration, exercise protocols, and behavioral assessments.
Lab Activities
1. Dietary and Exercise Protocol Design
Students will design dietary and exercise protocols aimed at testing the effects of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-protein diets combined with various exercise routines (e.g., weightlifting, endurance activities). They will also examine the effects of supplementation, such as creatine and protein, on physical performance metrics.
2. Exercise and Performance Testing
Students will measure performance outcomes, including strength, power, endurance, and recovery, through a series of weightlifting and exercise protocols. Metrics such as one-rep max (1RM), muscle endurance, and recovery time will be used to evaluate the impact of different dietary strategies and supplementation.
3. Behavioral and Cognitive Assessments
In addition to physical performance, students will assess behavioral and cognitive indicators, such as anxiety, stress, and cognitive performance. Cognitive tasks may include memory recall and task-switching, while behavioral assessments could include stress response protocols (e.g., observation, surveys). Students will explore how diet and exercise influence mood, anxiety, and cognitive abilities, particularly in response to performance-based tasks.
4. Data Collection and Analysis
Students will collect data on performance outcomes and behavioral responses throughout the lab. They will analyze the data to determine the relative effects of diet, exercise, and supplementation on both physical and behavioral outcomes. This includes statistical analysis of performance metrics and behavioral data, comparing different dietary and exercise conditions.
5. Research Report and Presentation
After completing the experimental trials, students will write a detailed research report, summarizing the study design, data analysis, results, and conclusions. Students will present their findings, discussing the implications of diet, supplementation, and exercise for weightlifting performance, cognitive function, and behavior.
Skills Developed
- Research design and experimental protocols for testing diet and exercise interventions.
- Data collection and analysis in both physical performance and behavioral research.
- Application of ethical guidelines in human-subject research.
- Ability to critically assess the impact of diet and supplementation on performance and behavior.
- Scientific writing and presentation skills.