Unlocking Your Genetic Potential

Personalised exercise through DNA testing

This research project is divided into two key components:

1. Muhdo Health Ltd: Focusing on assessing biological age through saliva DNA tests.
2. Bio-Synergy: Delivering an eight-week personalised exercise and dietary programme based on participants' genetic profiles.

This study aims to revolutionise personalised health interventions by helping us understand how genes influence responses to exercise and diet. By participating, you’ll receive valuable insights into your health and fitness while contributing to significant scientific advancements.

About the study

The project explores how DNA-based analysis can enhance health and fitness recommendations. Participants will engage in either:

• Part A (Muhdo Health Ltd): Focus on determining biological age using non-invasive salivary DNA tests, compared with chronological age and physiological health markers.
• Part B (Bio-Synergy): Participants will follow an eight-week personalised exercise and dietary programme, receiving advice tailored to their genetic profile.

The study will assess the effectiveness of these interventions on various health outcomes, such as strength, cardiovascular fitness, and body composition.

What you’ll get as a participant

By joining the study, participants will receive a comprehensive health assessment and valuable resources, including:

• Saliva DNA Test: Non-invasive test to determine biological age (Muhdo Ltd) and personalised health advice (Bio-Synergy).
• Access to Personalised Results via App: Participants will have access to an online app, which provides tailored exercise and dietary recommendations based on your genetic profile.
• DEXA Body Composition Assessment: Detailed measurement of body fat, muscle mass, and bone density.
• Blood Lipid and Glucose Assessment: Monitoring of important health markers such as cholesterol, glucose, and HbA1c levels.
• Fitness and Strength Assessments: Including a submaximal treadmill test (with the option to perform a maximal test if desired), push-ups, grip strength, and countermovement jump performance.
• Metabolic Rate Testing: Analysis of resting metabolic rate to understand your energy expenditure.
• Behavioural and Kinematic Assessment: Detailed monitoring of your movements during activities like walking and sit-to-stand tests using inertial measurement units (IMUs).

Who can join

We are recruiting adults aged 18 to 65 from a wide range of fitness levels and backgrounds. Participants will be required to engage in moderate exercise and attend laboratory visits for testing. You’ll have the opportunity to enhance your health and fitness while contributing to cutting-edge research.

How it works

Participants will attend 1-2 laboratory visits for physical and biological testing. After receiving your DNA results and health assessments, those in Part B will follow an eight-week personalised programme designed to improve strength, fitness, and body composition.

Join our study

We are now actively recruiting for this exciting project! To learn more, email Dr Chris McManus at cmcman@essex.ac.uk 

Funding

This project is funded by BBSRC IAA grants and involves collaborations with Muhdo Health Ltd and Bio-Synergy, leading companies in DNA analysis and sports supplements respectively.