This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/health/7518888.stm
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Rock drummers 'are top athletes' | Rock drummers 'are top athletes' |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Playing the drums for a rock band requires the stamina of a Premiership footballer, research suggests. | Playing the drums for a rock band requires the stamina of a Premiership footballer, research suggests. |
Tests on Clem Burke, the veteran Blondie drummer, revealed that 90 minutes of drumming could raise his heart rate to 190 beats a minute. | Tests on Clem Burke, the veteran Blondie drummer, revealed that 90 minutes of drumming could raise his heart rate to 190 beats a minute. |
Despite rock's reputation for unhealthy living, Dr Marcus Smith, from Chichester University, said drummers needed "extraordinary stamina". | Despite rock's reputation for unhealthy living, Dr Marcus Smith, from Chichester University, said drummers needed "extraordinary stamina". |
A hour in concert could burn between 400 and 600 calories, he said. | A hour in concert could burn between 400 and 600 calories, he said. |
Clem Burke, who provided the beat for hits such as "Heart of Glass", "Atomic" and "Call Me" was invited to take part in the eight-year project by Blondie fan Dr Smith. | Clem Burke, who provided the beat for hits such as "Heart of Glass", "Atomic" and "Call Me" was invited to take part in the eight-year project by Blondie fan Dr Smith. |
It is hoped that the results could help develop outreach programmes for overweight children who are not interested in sport. | It is hoped that the results could help develop outreach programmes for overweight children who are not interested in sport. |
Connected up | |
Burke was connected to equipment to measure his heart rate and oxygen uptake, and the levels of lactic acid in his blood. | Burke was connected to equipment to measure his heart rate and oxygen uptake, and the levels of lactic acid in his blood. |
He found that during a performance, his heart averaged between 140 and 150 beats a minute, peaking at 190, levels comparable to other top athletes. | He found that during a performance, his heart averaged between 140 and 150 beats a minute, peaking at 190, levels comparable to other top athletes. |
It is clear that their fitness levels need to be outstanding Dr Marcus SmithChichester University | It is clear that their fitness levels need to be outstanding Dr Marcus SmithChichester University |
However, Dr Smith said that while top footballers were expected to perform once or twice a week, drummers on tour would be doing it every night at a different venue. | However, Dr Smith said that while top footballers were expected to perform once or twice a week, drummers on tour would be doing it every night at a different venue. |
He said: "Footballers can normally expect to play 40 to 50 games a year - but in one 12 month period, Clem played 90-minute sets at 100 concerts. | He said: "Footballers can normally expect to play 40 to 50 games a year - but in one 12 month period, Clem played 90-minute sets at 100 concerts. |
"Footballer find playing a Champions League game once every two weeks a drain, but these guys are doing it every day when they are on tour. | "Footballer find playing a Champions League game once every two weeks a drain, but these guys are doing it every day when they are on tour. |
"It is clear that their fitness levels need to be outstanding - through monitoring Clem's performance in controlled conditions, we have been able to map the extraordinary stamina required by professional drummers." | "It is clear that their fitness levels need to be outstanding - through monitoring Clem's performance in controlled conditions, we have been able to map the extraordinary stamina required by professional drummers." |
The project was conducted jointly by the University of Gloucestershire and the University of Chichester. | The project was conducted jointly by the University of Gloucestershire and the University of Chichester. |
A dedicated "drumming laboratory" is now being built at the Gloucester campus and it is hoped that other professional drummers will be tested. | A dedicated "drumming laboratory" is now being built at the Gloucester campus and it is hoped that other professional drummers will be tested. |
Dr Steve Draper, from Gloucestershire University, said: "This is the first facility of its kind in the world." | Dr Steve Draper, from Gloucestershire University, said: "This is the first facility of its kind in the world." |
Professor Edward Winter, a specialist in the physiology of exercise at Sheffield University, said that the challenge of playing the drums should not be underestimated. | |
He said that at 190 beats per minute Clem Burke was probably exceeding the maximum heart rate predicted for a man of his age. | |
"Rock drumming in particular is very energetic, and to add to this, these guys are playing in a hot environment - you'll see them literally dripping with sweat." |