Professor and researcher from the Department of Physiology at the University of Granada (UGR) Francisco Amaro Gahete on Tuesday managed to win the prize for the best dissertation in the world in sports medicine compared to 16 other candidates.
His thesis defense took place in 2019. In it he collects 18 published scientific articles. The 29-year-old Spanish man has been awarded the most prestigious scientific journal in this discipline, the British Journal of Sport Medicine. Except he became the first Spanish scientist to receive this award.
Amaro has a degree in Physical Activity and Sports Science and a 5th year Medicine student. He did his thesis in English and can be translated as: “‘Exercise increases levels of the anti-aging protein Klotho: cardiometabolic implications related to health. The FIT-AGING randomized controlled trial”.
His work has focused on the study of plasma Klotho protein levels associated with physical fitness, cardiometabolic health and genetic metabolism. He applied his proposal to various exercise programs in sedentary middle-aged adults. His dissertation confirms the importance of exercise for enjoying good health and for slowing down aging, especially in adults between 40 and 65 years old.
The Klotho protein was discovered several decades ago, but it has only been possible in recent years to understand the mechanisms responsible for “rejuvenation.” The award-winning scientist shares his passion for science with the practice of various sports disciplines such as fitness, cycling, walking, running, among others.