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Research Proposal Submission

Research Proposal Application Process

All research performed in association with the Western States Endurance Run, whether funded by the organization or not, must be approved by the Research Committee.

Proposals should include the following sections:

  1. Cover Page: Include the title of the project, principal investigator’s name and contact information.
  2. Lay Abstract of the Project (1 page): Include the headings Introduction, Purpose, and Methods.
  3. Biographical Sketches of the Research Team (maximum 3 pages each): Include information regarding Education, Professional Experience, Memberships and Honors, Research Support, and Publications.
  4. Budget (if requesting funds from Western States Endurance Run): Please note that funding is limited to the range of a few thousand dollars. Funding for major equipment items and salary support will not be considered. In general, if subject reimbursement is appropriate, it is recommended that gift certificates to the Western States store be used.
  5. Narrative of Proposal (maximum 5 pages): Include the headings Specific Aims, Background and Significance, Preliminary Data (if available), Experimental Design and Methodology, Anticipated Problems, and Reference Citations.

The annual deadline for receipt of proposals is January 10. All proposals should be submitted electronically to [email protected].

Decisions regarding approval of proposed research will be based upon the importance of the work, feasibility of the work, likelihood that the work will result in a scientific publication, and evidence of an appropriate risk to benefit ratio and that the work will result in limited interference with the runners and the event.

Safeguarding the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in research performed at the Western States Endurance Run is the responsibility of the institution with which the researcher is affiliated. Research will not be allowed until a certificate is received assuring the work has been approved by an institutional review board (IRB). If the proposed work is approved to be performed at the Western States Endurance Run, the following information will be required prior to initiation of the project:

  1. Certification of IRB approval
  2. Copy of IRB approved human subjects consent form unless the protocol is approved with waiver of consent
  3. Copy of IRB approved recruitment information

 

PROPOSALS SUPPORTED SINCE 2007

2015

Investigation of popular recovery techniques for ultramarathon recovery
Investigators: Natalie Badowski, Martin D. Hoffman, Kristin J. Stuempfle 

2014

The electrocardiogram of the endurance athlete: The acute and chronic impact of completing the Western States Endurance Run
Investigators: David Oxborough, Keith George, Rob Shave, John Somauroo, Francois Haddad, Euan Ashley

Psychological predictors of performance in a 100-mile ultramarathon run: An exploratory study
Investigators: Dolores Christensen, Britton W. Brewer, Jasmin C. Hutchinson

Incidence and severity of GI distress during a 161-km ultramarathon and its association with hydration status, core temperature and endotoxemia
Investigators: Taylor R. Valentino, Kristin J. Stuempfle, Tamara Hew-Butler, Martin D. Hoffman

2013

Ultrarunners Longitudinal TRAcking (ULTRA) Study
Investigator: Martin D. Hoffman

Investigation into the cause of ultramarathoner’s eye (The ultra-eye study)
Investigators: Martin D. Hoffman, Kim Corrigan, Tracy Høeg

Gastrointestinal distress in runners participating in the 100-mile Western States Endurance Run
Investigators: Kristin J. Stuempfle and Martin D. Hoffman

The relationship of foot strike pattern, stride parameters, and creatine phosphokinase during a 161-kilometer ultramarathon
Investigators: Mark E. Kasmer, Martin D. Hoffman

The impact of training longevity, gender and age on the 12-lead ECG of the veteran ultra-endurance athlete: An aid for pre-participation screening
Investigators: David Oxborough, Keith George, Rob Shave, John Somauroo, Euan Ashley

The impact of completing the Western States 100 mile Endurance Run on right ventricular function: A focused study on athletes completing in less than 24 hours
Investigators: David Oxborough, Keith George, Rob Shave, John Somauroo, Euan Ashley

Injury pattern among 100-mile ultramarathon runners
Investigators: Morteza Khodaee, John C. Hill, Martin D. Hoffman

2012

The effects of ultra-endurance sport and carbohydrate restriction on membrane fatty acids, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity
Investigators: Stephen D. Phinney, Jeff Volek, Peter Defty, D. Bibus, Martin D. Hoffman

Foot strike pattern and gait changes in a 100-mile ultramarathon
Investigators: Martin D. Hoffman, Mark E. Kasmer, Jeremy Wren

2011

Drinking behavior, dehydration and exercise-associated hyponatremia in runners of the Western States Endurance Run
Investigators: Martin D. Hoffman, Kevin Fogard, James Winger, Tamara Hew-Butler, Kristin J. Stuempfle

2010

The incidence, etiology and treatment of exercise-associated hyponatremia in runners participating in the Western States 100 mile Endurance Run
Investigators: Tamara Hew-Butler, Martin D. Hoffman, Douglas Lewis, Kristin J. Stuempfle, Joseph G. Verbalis

2009

The cardiovascular consequences of completing the Western States 100 mile Endurance Run: the impact of athlete age
Investigators: Rob Shave, Keith George

Sodium balance in runners participating in a 160 km footrace
Investigators: Tamara Hew-Butler, Ian R. Rogers, Kristin J. Stuempfle, Louise B. Weschler, Martin D. Hoffman

The efficacy of oral versus intravenous hypertonic saline in the treatment of exercise-associated hyponatremia without altered mental status
Investigators: Tamara Hew-Butler, Ian R. Rogers, Kristin J. Stuempfle, Louise B. Weschler, Martin D. Hoffman

2008

The cardiovascular consequences of completing the Western States 100 mile Endurance Run: the impact of athlete age
Investigators: Rob Shave, Keith George

Food and fluid intake during the Western States 100 mile Endurance Run
Investigators: Marta Van Loan, Martin D. Hoffman, Daniel Lebus, Gretchen Casazza, Alison Ganong

2007

The impact of completing the Western States 100 mile Endurance Run upon cardiac function and the release of cardiac biomarkers
Investigators: Rob Shave, Keith George

Total energy expenditure, water turnover and dietary intake of ultrarunners
Investigators: Brent C. Ruby, Charles L. Dumke, Dustin Silvka, John Cuddy, Walter Hailes, Stephanie Harger

ImmuneGuard/Chia as a countermeasure to immunosuppression and infection risk induced by prolonged intense physical stress
Investigators: David C. Nieman, Dru A. Henson; Steven McAnulty, John Quindry, Charles L. Dumke