The overall aim of our research is to gain a better understanding of the physiological and health effects of nutrition and exercise in humans, from a molecular to a functional level. A specific focus is on skeletal muscle, the immune system, and the vascular system. Inspired by the concept of ‘translational physiology’, our goal is to assess the efficacy of lifestyle interventions to promote, preserve, and restore physiological function and health. Particular emphasis is on middle-aged/older adults and individuals with cardiovascular risk factors.

Our research is centred around well-controlled experimental studies, including randomized controlled studies, to examine functional and clinical outcomes of dietary interventions or interventions combining exercise training with dietary approaches. In addition, we use a combination of multiple blood biomarkers and systems biology approaches to gain insights into possible mechanisms of how these interventions may modulate physical function. Our current Austrian Science Fund (FWF)–funded clinical research is aimed at investigating cardiovascular effects of inorganic nitrate from beetroot juice as a dietary ‘adjuvant’ to anti-hypertensive medication or exercise in middle-aged/older adults with hypertension and women after menopause.

Cross-disciplinary collaborations with national and international partners are a cornerstone of our research. In addition to cooperation arrangements with other research groups at the University of Vienna, key partners include researchers and clinicians at the Medical University of Vienna, the University for Continuing Education Krems, Queensland University of Technology (Australia), Edith Cowan University (Australia), and the University of Virginia (USA).