The Vascular Research Group
Our group perform interventional and observational work to better understand how indices of vascular health might be altered by a range of different exposures. These include, but are not limited to: ageing, disease, physical (in)activity and sedentary behaviours, exercise, diet, sleep, early life exposures, head impacts and repeated periods of ischaemia. Our group benefit from two bespoke vascular research laboratories, excellent international and domestic collaborations and links with industry, charities and communities.
Current projects
Sleep, age and cerebrovascular function
Supervisors: Dr Bert Bond, Dr Dwayne Mann, Prof Simon Smith, Dr Jenna Taylor
Exploring ischaemic preconditioning for vascular health
Supervisors: Dr Bert Bond, Dr Jemma Perks, Assoc Prof Marie Gernigon
Exploring ischaemic preconditioning for exercise performance
Supervisors: Dr Bert Bond, Prof Andy Jones
Ischaemic preconditioning and cerebrovascular function
Supervisors: Dr Bert Bond, Assoc Prof Alan Barker, Dr Owen Tomlinson, Dr Salim Elyas
Examples of past projects
The acute effect of boxing on cerebrovascular outcomes
William Wallis
Supervisors: Dr Bert Bond, Assoc Prof Genevieve Williams
Who we are
Staff
Research students
Alumni
- Rohit Banger MSc by Res
- Bert Bond PhD
- Jodie Koep PhD and MSc by Res
- Jacob Jack MSc by Res
- Sascha Kranen PhD
- Rebecca Lear PhD
- Alice Lester MSc by Res
- Miguel Munoz Munoz PhD
- Ricardo Oliveira PhD
- Kate Sansum MSc by Res
- Oliver Smail MSc by Res
- William Wallis MSc by Res
- Max Weston PhD
- Alex Woodgates MSc by Res
Our capabilities
We are able to consider indices of arterial stiffness/distensibility via duplex ultrasonography (Acuson Sequoia, Terason 3300) and beat-beat measurement of blood pressure (AD Instruments, NOVA Finapress). These approaches have allowed us to consider the vascular and autonomic components of the baroreflex (example paper from our group).
We also have the capacity to assess the Carotid Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI).
We can minimally-invasively assess peripheral endothelial function via flow mediated dilation (FMD). This incorporates the use of high resolution ultrasound in duplex mode, the acquisition of ECG-gated images, rapid cuff inflation (Hokanson) and automated analysis of arterial diameter.
We are able to determine microvascular reactivity to a variety of stimuli (local heating, post occlusive reactive hyperaemia) via laser Doppler imaging and the use of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).
We have successfully used these techniques across a range of populations, including adolescents.
We can use transcranial Doppler to assess brain blood flow regulation during:
- Cognitive challenges (neurovascular coupling)
- Oscillations in blood pressure (cerebral autoregulation)
- Alterations in arterial carbon dioxide concentration (Cerebrovascular reactivity to CO2)
- Exercise
We can also use duplex sonography to determine blood flow, diameter and shear in the common, internal and external carotid arteries, as well as the basilar and vertebral artery.
