Hosted by the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. 

Target Audience

Des Moines University faculty, staff, and students.

Learning Objectives

1. Define the metabolism of HMB, a metabolite of Leucine. 
2. Define the mechanism of action of HMB on muscle protein metabolism
3. Define the role of HMG in improving body composition in young and older adults with exercise, and
4. Define the role of HMB in improving muscle recovery following exercise. 

Speaker

John Rathmacher, PhD
Metabolic Technologies, Iowa State University 

Dr. John Rathmacher is the Director of Clinical Research and Laboratory Science at Metabolic Technologies, Inc. in Ames, and is also a Collaborating Assistant Professor at Iowa State University. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Purdue University in 1987 and 1989, and received his Ph.D. from ISU in 1993 under the direction of Dr. Steven Nissen, who discovered beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) and its beneficial effects on human health and performance. Dr. Rathmacher also completed his post-doctoral training in Dr. Nissen’s lab, completing studies utilizing HMB. Dr. Rathmacher focuses on protein nutrition and the role of protein synthesis and proteolysis in regulating protein deposition in and animals and humans. Hi research has utilized kinetic modeling techniques to measure 3-methylhistidine metabolism as we as other protein turnover techniques. His work focuses on using HMB to increase muscle mass, as well as wound healing, sarcopenia and muscle wasting.  He has authored 39 articles in peer reviewed journals, several books and chapters and 68 abstracts. He is currently working in collaboration with the DMU Physical Therapy department.