Optimising Creatine Dosing Strategies for Brain Health in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Explore how creatine dosing can be optimized to support brain recovery after mild traumatic brain injury. Conduct human trials using advanced imaging and cognitive testing to inform nutritional strategies with potential clinical impact.
AI-generated overview
Project Description
Project Overview
This project focuses on understanding how creatine supplementation can be optimized to improve brain energy metabolism, particularly following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Creatine, widely used for muscle performance, also plays a vital role in brain health. This research will systematically study the impacts of dose, timing, and duration of creatine on brain creatine availability and markers of brain function and recovery.
What You Will Do
You will engage in experimental design, conduct human trials, integrate advanced brain imaging techniques and cognitive assessments, and work interdisciplinarily across neuroscience, nutrition, and sports medicine. This work will develop your skills in clinical research methods, data analysis, and science communication within cutting-edge laboratory environments.
Expected Outcomes
The expected results include evidence-based dosing strategies for creatine supplementation that can inform sports-specific guidelines and broader nutritional approaches to support brain energy metabolism post-mTBI. This will aid recovery in both athletic and non-athletic groups and potentially transform clinical practices.
Why This Matters
Optimizing creatine dosing has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for individuals with mTBI, a common but often overlooked injury. By advancing knowledge in brain nutrition and rehabilitation, the project contributes to healthier brain function, enhanced recovery, and better quality of life for affected populations.
Entry Requirements
How to Apply
Eligibility
Supervisor Profile
Prof Craig Sale is an expert in muscle physiology and nutritional supplementation with a focus on enhancing human performance and recovery. He has extensive experience in studying the effects of supplements such as beta-alanine and creatine on muscle and brain function through human trials. Affiliated with Manchester Metropolitan University, he is a respected researcher with substantial contributions to sports medicine and neuroscience.