Timothy D Noakes

Cape Peninsula University of Technology | CPUT · Department of Applied Design

In exercise science, the crossover effect denotes that fat oxidation is the primary fuel at rest and during low-intensity exercise with a shift towards an increased reliance on carbohydrate oxidation at moderate to high exercise intensities. This model makes four predictions: First, >50% of energy comes from carbohydrate oxidation at ≥60% of maximu...

Recently we reported similar performances in both progressive tests to exhaustion (VO2max) and 5km running time trials (5KTT) after consuming low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) or high-carbohydrate, low-fat (HCLF) diets. Accordingly, we tested the null hypothesis that the metabolic responses during both tests would be similar across diets. In a rand...

A growing number of endurance athletes have considered switching from a traditional high-carbohydrate/low-fat (HCLF) to a low-carbohydrate/high-fat (LCHF) eating pattern for health and performance reasons. However, few studies have examined how LCHF diets affect blood lipid profiles in highly-trained runners. In a randomized and counterbalanced, cr...

The introduction of the needle muscle biopsy technique in the 1960s allowed muscle tissue to be sampled from exercising humans for the first time. The finding that muscle glycogen content reached low levels at exhaustion suggested that the metabolic cause of fatigue during prolonged exercise had been discovered. A special pre-exercise diet that max...

The Women's Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Dietary Modification Trial (WHIRCDMT) was designed to test whether the US Department of Agriculture's 1977 Dietary Guidelines for Americans protects against coronary heart disease (CHD) and other chronic diseases. The only significant finding in the original 2006 WHIRCDMT publication was that post...

Between June 2015 and June 2018, I was engaged in a 28-day hearing conducted by lawyers representing the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). I faced a charge of unprofessional conduct for a seven-word Tweet that I typed in February 2014. The charge of unprofessional conduct was based essentially on the accusation that by answering a...

The shift of academic discourse to an online space without guardians gives motivated academic cyberbullies an opportunity to harass susceptible recipients. Cyberbullying by higher education employees is a neglected phenomenon; despite the dangers it poses to academic free speech as well as other negative outcomes. In the absence of an adequate defi...

Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat (LCHF) diets have become very popular among athletes due to recent research suggesting performance and numerous health benefits. However, few studies have examined the chronic effects of LCHF diets on the blood lipid profile and other cardiovascular disease risk factors in athletic populations. PURPOSE: To examine the effe...

Very little is known about how long-term (>6 months) adaptation to a low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diet affects insulin signaling in healthy, well-trained individuals. This study compared glucose tolerance; skeletal muscle glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) content; and muscle enzyme activities representative...

Background Low carbohydrate high fat (LCHF) diets are increasing in popularity amongst patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), however it is unclear what constitutes a sustainable LCHF diet in a real-world setting. Methods This descriptive multi-method study characterized the diets, T2D status, and personal experiences of individuals with T2D who cla...

A common belief is that high intensity exercise (>60%VO2max) is best sustained by high rates of carbohydrate oxidation. The belief is based, in part, on an idea developed by Krogh and Lindhard in 1920. In the 100 years since, few studies have tested its validity. We tested the null hypothesis that performance in competitive recreational athletes ex...

Introduction The brain plays a key role in the perceptual regulation of exercise, yet neuroimaging techniques have only demonstrated superficial brain areas responses during exercise, and little is known about the modulation of the deeper brain areas at different intensities. Objectives/methods Using a specially designed functional MRI (fMRI) cycl...

This study primarily analysed the batting backlift technique (BBT) of professional cricket players. The study also investigated whether the lateral batting backlift technique (LBBT) affects other components of the batting performance. The participants (n = 37) were male English County professional players (CP) (n = 25) and South African internation...

This study primarily analysed the batting backlift technique (BBT) of professional cricket players. The study also investigated whether the lateral batting backlift technique (LBBT) affects other components of the batting performance. The participants (n = 37) were male English County professional players (CP) (n = 25) and South African internation...

Background: This study aimed primarily to investigate the lateral batting backlift technique (LBBT) among semi-professional, professional and current international cricket players. A key question was to investigate whether this technique is a factor that contributes to success for cricket players at the highest levels of the game. Methods: The par...

Background: This study aimed primarily to investigate the lateral batting backlift technique (LBBT) among semi-professional, professional and current international cricket players. A key question was to investigate whether this technique is a factor that contributes to success for cricket players at the highest levels of the game. Methods: The part...

Cricket coaching manuals published after 2009 accept as a norm for batsmen to lift the bat in the direction of the slips. A mixed-methods study conducted among 161 coaches around the world showed that most cricket coaches (83%) coach the straight batting backlift technique (SBBT) as opposed to the lateral batting backlift technique (LBBT) at variou...

Since the inception of the game, cricket coaches have been coaching batting techniques to cricketers at various levels using mainly cricket coaching manuals. Most of these manuals advocate the straight batting backlift technique (SBBT). However, previous research has shown that the practice of elite batsmen does not match the theory of the backlift...

Since the inception of the game, cricket coaches have been coaching batting techniques to cricketers at various levels using mainly cricket coaching manuals. Most of these manuals advocate the straight batting backlift technique (SBBT). However, previous research has shown that the practice of elite batsmen does not match the theory of the backlift...

A three-dimensional framework of perceived fatigability emphasises the need to differentiate between the qualitatively distinct inputs of sensory-discriminatory, affective-motivational and cognitive-evaluative processes that shape the perceptual milieu during prolonged endurance exercise. This article reviews the framework’s utility to better under...

Introduction: A three-dimensional framework of centrally regulated and goal-directed exercise behaviour emphasised the integration of distinct sensory-discriminatory, affective- motivational and cognitive-evaluative dimensions that underpin perceived fatigability. This study aimed to capture the complex interdependencies and temporal dynamics in th...

While proficient cardiac resuscitation has improved survival following cardiac arrest during road races in Japan, this accomplishment does not address coronary artery disease as the underlying cause of an increasing frequency of cardiac arrest in middle-aged men during marathons and ironman triathlons in the United States since the year 2000. Based...

Background: Locomotor muscle fatigue (LMMF) and exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) are common conditions experienced during long-distance running due to the pooled effect of mechanical and metabolic strain on the locomotor muscles. However, little is known about the instant effects of combined LMMF and EIMD on pacing behaviour and performance d...

Background: "Hitting the wall" (HTW) can be understood as a psychophysiological stress process characterised by (A) discrete and poignant onset, (B) dynamic interplay between physiological, affective, motivational, cognitive, and behavioural systems, and (C) unintended alteration of pace and performance. A preceding companion article investigated...

How and even why do humans experience mental and physical fatigue? Since fatigue is one of the commonest complaints prompting humans to seek medical attention, it is clearly an important topic. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Introduction: Locomotor muscle fatigue (LMMF) and exercise induced muscle damage (EIMD) are common conditions in long-distance running characterised by pooled mechanical and metabolic strain on locomotor muscles. So far, research has focussed on the physiological consequences of EIMD day(s) after inducing it and therefore largely on symptoms of del...

Christie CJ, Sheppard B, Goble D, Pote L, and Noakes TD. Strength and sprint time changes in response to repeated shuttles between the wickets during batting in cricket. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2018-No studies have investigated the impact of repeated sprints between the wickets on lower-limb strength and sprint performance. Therefore, t...

This case study documents the performance of an elite-level, exceptionally well fat-adapted endurance athlete, as he reintroduced carbohydrate ingestion during high-intensity training. He had followed a strict low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) diet for 2 years during which he ate approximately 80 g of carbohydrate per day and trained and raced while...

Introduction: A preceding article investigated the psychophysiological responses to falling behind a performance matched opponent. The following temporally linked cause–effect relationships were hypothesised: falling behind precedes deterioration in valence, deterioration in valence precedes development of an action crisis, experience of an action...

"Grâce à ce livre, les Français vont être plus en forme que jamais" Tim Noakes Manger sain, éviter le sucre, perdre du poids, retrouver la forme, abaisser la glycémie : quels que soient vos objectifs, l'alimentation cétogène ou LCHF (low carb high fat) est une option judicieuse. Mais suivre cette alimentation pauvre en glucides, riche en bonnes gra...

The Central Governor Model (CGM) ignited a paradigm shift from concepts of catastrophic failure towards central regulation of exercise performance. However, the CGM has focused on the central integration of afferent feedback in homeostatic control. Accordingly, it neglected the important role of volitional self-regulatory control and the integratio...

Introduction: It is widely accepted that psychological factors can greatly influence human endurance performance. However, little is known about the mechanisms that underpin facilitative and even more so debilitative cause-effect relationships between psychological factors and endurance performance during competition. A three-dimensional framework...

Objectives: To assess whether the absence of a known endpoint, at the beginning of repeated-sprint bouts between the wickets, affects how skilled compared to less skilled batsmen pace themselves. Design: Repeated measures. Methods: Twelve skilled and 12 less skilled batsmen completed three trials. All trials required the same number of sprints...

Introduction: It is widely accepted that psychological factors can greatly influence human endurance and strength performance. However, little is known about the mechanisms that underpin facilitative and even more so debilitative cause-effect relationships between psychological factors and endurance performance during competition. We recently devel...

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to characterise the cerebral oxygenation (Cox) response during a high-intensity interval training session in Kenyan runners, and to examine any relationship with running performance. Methods15 Kenyan runners completed a 5-km time trial (TT) and a Fatigue Training Test on a treadmill (repeated running bouts of 1-...

Low-carbohydrate high-fat (LCHF) diets are a highly contentious current topic in nutrition. This narrative review aims to provide clinicians with a broad overview of the effects of LCHF diets on body weight, glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk factors while addressing some common concerns and misconceptions. Blood total cholesterol and LDL-ch...

A 2014 meta-analysis from the universities of Stellenbosch and Cape Town reported that diets with a lower-carbohydrate (CHO) content are no more effective for producing weight loss than are high-CHO diets, so-called isoenergetic ‘balanced’ diets. We have re-examined the article and found numerous errors, many material in nature. Studies were includ...

A 2014 meta-analysis from the universities of Stellenbosch and Cape Town reported that diets with a lower-carbohydrate (CHO) content are no more effective for producing weight loss than are high-CHO diets, so-called isoenergetic ‘balanced’ diets. We have re-examined the article and found numerous errors, many material in nature. Studies were includ...

A 2014 meta-analysis from the universities of Stellenbosch and Cape Town reported that diets with a lower-carbohydrate (CHO) content are no more effective for producing weight loss than are high-CHO diets, so-called isoenergetic ‘balanced’ diets. We have re-examined the article and found numerous errors, many material in nature. Studies were includ...

Background In the current literature, it is questionable whether cricket bats in their current form and dimensions allow a young cricketer to hit the ball effectively. The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of a novel coaching cricket bat among junior cricket batsmen with regard to enhancing performance and the direction of the backlif...

Lifestyle interventions (LIs) can treat metabolic syndrome and prevent type 2 diabetes mellitus, but they remain underutilised in routine practice. In 2010, an LI model was created in a rural primary care practice and spread with few resources to four other rural practices. A retrospective chart review evaluated changes in health indicators in two...

Introduction: The Central Governor Model (CGM) revolutionized our current understanding of fatigue and ignited a paradigm shift in the exercise sciences from catastrophic failure towards central regulation. However, the CGM and alternative psychobiological models rely heavily on the Gestalt measurement of perceived exertion to explain behavioral ch...

One of the first principles of cricket batsmanship that is coached from a young age is to play with a straight bat. Limited studies to date have examined whether top international batsmen use this traditionally described technique. Accordingly, we performed a descriptive, observational study of the backlift technique adopted by 65 of the most succe...

Key points: Blood glucose is an important fuel for endurance exercise. It can be derived from ingested carbohydrate, stored liver glycogen and newly synthesized glucose (gluconeogenesis). We hypothesized that athletes habitually following a low carbohydrate high fat (LCHF) diet would have higher rates of gluconeogenesis during exercise compared to...

Introduction Linkages between carbohydrates, obesity and cancer continue to demonstrate conflicting results. Evidence suggests inconclusive direct linkages between carbohydrates and specific cancers. Conversely, obesity has been strongly linked to a wide range of cancers. The purpose of the study is to explore linkages between carbohydrate intake a...

One of the first principles of cricket batsmanship for batting coaches is to teach junior cricketers to play using a straight bat. This requires the bat to be lifted directly towards the stumps with the bat face facing downwards. No study has yet examined whether there are differences in the batting back lift techniques (BTT) of coached cricketers...

Cricket has a known history spanning from the 16 th century till present, with international matches having been played since 1844. The game of cricket arrived in Australia as early as colonisation began in 1788. Cricketers started playing on turf wickets in the late 1800's but the dimensions only became available later for both the boundary and pi...

Introduction: The art and science of cricket has continuously evolved in the last century. The straight backlift was institutionalised first in 1912 followed by the Marylebone Cricket Club's coaching manual in 1954. Until 2007, it was common knowledge to coach the straight backlift to non-elite cricketers. Presently, it is common practice for coach...

Introduction: One of the first principles of cricket batsmanship that is coached from a young age is to play with a straight bat. This requires the bat to be lifted directly back towards the stumps with the elbow “up”, pointing in the direction of the ball's trajectory. Limited studies to date have examined whether top international skilled cricket...

BACKGROUND: The temporal and insular cortex (TC, IC) have been associated with autonomic nervous system (ANS) control and the awareness of emotional feelings from the body. Evidence shows that the ANS and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) regulate exercise performance. Non-invasive brain stimulation can modulate the cortical area directly beneath...

Background The temporal and insular cortex (TC, IC) have been associated with autonomic nervous system (ANS) control and the awareness of emotional feelings from the body. Evidence shows that the ANS and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) regulate exercise performance. Non-invasive brain stimulation can modulate the cortical area directly beneath t...

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of emotional eliciting pictures on neuromuscular performance during repetitive supramaximal cycling exercises (RSE). In a randomized order, twelve male participants were asked to perform five 6-s cycle sprints (interspaced by 24 s of recovery) on a cycle ergometer in front of neutral, pleasant or unpl...

The aim of this study was to examine the impact of emotional eliciting pictures on neuromuscular performance during repetitive supramaximal cycling exercises (RSE). In a randomized order, twelve male participants were asked to perform five 6-s cycle sprints (interspaced by 24 s of recovery) on a cycle ergometer in front of neutral, pleasant or unpl...

This study examined the independent relationships between cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness with cardiometabolic risk in adolescents. Subjects were 192 adolescents (118 boys), aged 15-17.5 years. The 2 m multi-stage fitness test assessed cardiorespiratory fitness and the counter movement jump assessed muscular fitness. Additional measures incl...

A recent report from the UK's Academy of Medical Royal Colleges described ‘the miracle cure’ of performing 30 min of moderate exercise, five times a week, as more powerful than many drugs administered for chronic disease prevention and management.1 Regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, dem...

The hypothesis that ethnicity and sport practice influence the relationship between maximal power in cycling (Pmax) and countermovement jump (CMJ) has been studied by relating CMJ and Pmax in two groups (volleyball players, VB and physical education students, PES) including subjects with Caucasian (67 C) or West African (39 WA) origins. Maximal pow...

The purpose of this study was to analyze the cerebral oxygenation response to maximal self-paced and incremental exercise in elite Kenyan runners from the Kalenjin tribe. On two separate occasions, 15 elite Kenyan distance runners completed a 5-km time trial (TT) and a peak treadmill speed test (PTS). Changes in cerebral oxygenation were monitored...

Our human ancestors thrived on a diet high in fat and protein of animal or fish origin for at least 2.5 million years. Foods with a high-energy content and nutritional density were required for the development of the large, energy-expensive human brain. A reduction in human height and deterioration in our health followed the introduction of agricul...

Minimal research has investigated physical activity and health profiles among university students in Africa. Research has however shown the need for health intervention programmes across all domains to advocate both physical activity participation and exercise education. The purpose of this study was to objectively analyse physical activity and hea...

Patients suffering from glycogen storage disease V (McArdle disease) were shown to have higher surface electrical activity in their skeletal muscles when exercising at the same intensity as their healthy counterparts, indicating more muscle fibre recruitment. To explain this phenomenon, this study investigated whether muscle fibre type is shifted t...

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of potentiation on stimulation-induced muscle function during and after an intense bout of self-paced dynamic exercise. Ten active subjects performed a time trial involving repetitive concentric extension-flexion of the right knee using a Biodex dynamometer. Electrical stimulation before and after...

SEASONAL EFFECTS ON AUTONOMIC AND BEHAVIOURAL TEMPERATURE REGULATION Urša Ciuha2,3, Stelios Kounalakis1, Tarsi Bali1, Tim Noakes4, Elske Schabort4 & Igor B. Mekjavic1 1Department of Automation, Biocybernetics and Robotics, Jozef Stefan Institute; 2International Postgraduate School Jozef Stefan, Ljubljana, Slovenia; 3Biomed d.o.o., Ljubljana, Slov...

Abstract A key element contributing to deteriorating exercise capacity during physically demanding sport appears to be reduced carbohydrate availability coupled with an inability to effectively utilize alternative lipid fuel sources. Paradoxically, cognitive and physical decline associated with glycogen depletion occurs in the presence of an over-a...

PURPOSE: The study was designed to determine the effect of drafting on running time, physiological response and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) during 3000m-track running. METHODS: Ten elite middle and long distance runners performed three track-running sessions. The first session determined maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and maximal aerobic speed...