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:
- Cover Page: Include the title of the project, principal investigator’s name and contact information.
- Lay Abstract of the Project (1 page): Include the headings Introduction, Purpose, and Methods.
- Biographical Sketches of the Research Team (maximum 3 pages each): Include information regarding Education, Professional Experience, Memberships and Honors, Research Support, and Publications.
- 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.
- 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 research@wser.org.
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:
- Certification of IRB approval
- Copy of IRB approved human subjects consent form unless the protocol is approved with waiver of consent
- 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
