Graduate Student Profile: Haley Terndrup
WINTER 2016
For my thesis work, I am investigating the effects of a uniformly weighted exercise suit on bone metabolism markers in the blood of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The exercise suit is made of spandex, other synthetic fibers, and stainless steel beads to combine flexibility, breathability and weight during movement.
All participants will complete two exercise trials, one with the exercise suit and the other without it. They will be randomly assigned to wear the suit or not during the first trial and will do the opposite for the second trial. Participants will have their blood drawn before each trial and at 24 and 72 hours post-exercise.
The STRIDE A-Team is helping me evaluate various physiological parameters during each of the exercise trials. Through my research, the team is also learning different aspects of data analysis. The results of this study will provide a better understanding of how a weighted exercise suit influences bone metabolism and maintenance. We may find that these results could address issues related to osteoporosis, which is a major public health issue.