The Life Fitness Academy Scientific and Medical Advisory Board has announced $20,000 in grants to be available for exercise science research to be conducted in 1998-1999.

The board, consisting of 32 of the country’s most renowned exercise science and sports medicine professionals, has awarded 22 grants totaling $80,000 since 1993.

Two $5,000 grants will be awarded to junior investigators who have finished their formal training within the past three years.

There will also be four grants of $2,500 each to be awarded to graduate students.

Life Fitness is well known for cardiovascular and strength training equipment, such as the Lifecycle exercise bike, used in health, fitness and wellness facilities worldwide.

With products distributed in over 80 countries, this Brunswick company is the leader in designing and manufacturing computerized fitness products, as well as developing innovative, technology-based fitness solutions.

The grants will go to support applied human studies that focus on the effects of physical activity on various health states, such as diabetes, osteoporosis, anorexia, hypertension, menopause, obesity, depression, stroke, back injury, asthma, cancer, arthritis and visual impairment.

Although the project to be supported by these grants can be a part of another project, the specific component must be an original idea of the graduate student or junior investigator.

Special arrangements may be made beyond the award if the research is conducted on Life Fitness equipment.

A two-page letter of intent sent to Life Fitness must include: the name, address and phone number of the principle investigator and institution, as well as a statement of purpose.

A short description of the project and the expected completion date should be included as well, since grants are usually awarded for projects with completion in one year, along with an outline of budget because the grant will not cover investigators’ salaries.

In addition, send four copies of the letter of intent and indicate where this notice was obtained.

No review or feedback will be provided since this is only for letters of intent and not proposals.

The significance to the body of exercise science knowledge, statistical design and merit of the proposal will determine the awarding of the grants.

Approximately 15 requests for full proposals will be sent by Feb. 13, 1998. Final decisions will be announced in June 1998, and grants will be funded in July 1998.

Letters of intent should be sent to Life Fitness, Attn: Barbara Usmial, 10601 W. Belmont Ave., Franklin Park, IL, 60131 or fax to 847-288-3791.

For more information about the Life Fitness Academy Scientific and Medical Advisory Board grants, contact Barbara Usmial at 1-800-735-3867 ext. 3617.