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Arthur L. Weltman

Professor of Kinesiology and Professor of Medicine, University of Virginia

Dr. Weltman is the Director of the Exercise Physiology Laboratory (EPL) of the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC).

Our research is focused in the area of exercise and lifestyle intervention on clinical outcomes and quality of life. Some examples of recent and current research projects include the following:

Effects of macronutrient composition of a meal on endothelial function. In this study we found that a breakfast high in cereal fiber and carbohydrate resulted in an acute improvement in endothelial function (measured by brachial artery flow mediated dilation), whereas a high fat meal of equal caloric content impaired endothelial function.
Effects of exercise training intensity on changes in abdominal visceral fat in obese women with the metabolic syndrome. In this study we trained obese women with the metabolic syndrome at one of two training intensities, a low to moderate training intensity and a moderate to hard training intensity. Training volume and caloric expenditure was equated over the 16 week training program. We found that high intensity exercise training resulted in significantly greater weight loss and reduction in abdominal visceral fat than either low intensity exercise or control.
Effects of exercise training on endothelial function in postmenopausal Caucasian and African American women. Postmenopausal African American women are known to have impaired endothelial function when compared to Caucasian women. Exercise training is known to improve endothelial function. In this ongoing study we are examining whether African American and Caucasian post menopausal women will have similar improvements in endothelial function in response to exercise training.
Effects of exercise intensity on post prandial glucose disposal. In individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, exacerbated post-prandial glycemic excursions occur, with higher levels of both glucose and insulin in the blood for longer periods of time. Increasing evidence suggests that these exacerbated post-prandial excursions are closely associated with, and may be pre-disposing for, many of the complications associated with diabetes and insulin resistance, including atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Exercise has been shown to reduce the risks associated with insulin resistance and is an effective means of reducing glycemic excursions and increasing insulin sensitivity. In this study, we will examine the dose-response relationship between intensity of exercise at equal caloric output and the resultant glycemic effects, with the ultimate aim of identifying the minimum effective exercise intensity for the reduction of post-prandial glycemic excursions.

Experience

  • –present
    Professor of Kinesiology, University of Virginia