KANNAPOLIS — The Appalachian State University Human Performance Laboratory on the N.C. Research Campus needs at least 30 more male and female walkers and runners for a study that is underway.

The study is titled the “Influence of 2-Weeks Flavonoid Supplementation and an Acute 45-Minute Walking Bout or 2.5 h Running Bout on Plasma Levels of Gut-Derived Phenolics.” The purpose of the study is to determine if a 45-minute brisk walk can have the same effect as running on the digestion and circulation of flavonoids, which are health-promoting compounds in fruits and vegetables.

Previous research conducted by David Nieman, director of the Human Performance Laboratory, showed that running improves the transfer of the small flavonoid molecules from the colon back into the body, producing healthful effects.

In this study, 85 walkers and 25 runners who are healthy men or women between 18 and 50 years old will be tested. Volunteers must have a regular history of walking more than 100 minutes per week, both short and long duration, and be capable of walking 45 minutes briskly on a treadmill.  Runners must have a history of participating in 10 km to 42.2 km races and be capable of running for 2.5 hours on a treadmill.

Volunteers will visit the ASU laboratory at the Research Campus four times, taking a total of five to six hours. During the first visit to the lab, volunteers will receive baseline fitness testing and an orientation. After two weeks of taking a supplement or a placebo, volunteers will visit the lab twice within 24 hours to be in either a group that walks or rests in the laboratory.

A comparative group of 20 to 25 runners will ingest the flavonoid supplement for two weeks and then run 2.5 hours on treadmills in the lab. Volunteers will also collect urine for 24 hours, provide four blood samples, and keep one three-day food record.

People who complete the study will receive $275.  For more information or to sign up, email ASU-NCRC@appstate.edu.

The North Carolina Research Campus, located in Kannapolis, has the mission of improving human health through nutrition and exercise. The scientific community of eight universities, including Appalachian State University, the David H. Murdock Research Institute, global companies and entrepreneurs, focuses research and development on safer, more nutritious crops, healthier foods and precision nutrition. Learn more at www.ncresearchcampus.net.