PFIZER-IOC OLYMPIC RESEARCH ON SPORT SCIENCES Researchers at the Olympic Winter Games are analyzing what it takes for figure skaters to land the quad jump, among other studies, as part of the Pfizer/IOC Olympic Research on Sport Sciences. The suite of nine studies encompasses health and nutrition, natural performance improvement and injury reduction through biomechanics research. (PRNewsFoto)[TC] SALT LAKE CITY, UT USA

                 2002 Pfizer/IOC Olympic Research Focuses On
                  Health, Nutrition and Biomechanics Studies

    SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Olympic
Committee (IOC) and Pfizer are conducting nine Olympic research projects at
the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City.  This year marks the first
time that research conducted on athletes in conjunction with the Olympic Games
will encompass health and nutrition in addition to natural performance
improvement and injury reduction through biomechanics research.

    The nine research studies focus on:

    Health and Nutrition
    *  Anorexia and low body weight in ski jumping;
    *  Nutrition issues and inadequate diets during preparation for the 2002
       Olympic Games in speed skating, skiing and bobsled;
    *  Prevalence of menstrual dysfunction in elite athletes preparing for the
       2002 Olympic Games;

    Biomechanics
    *  Pacing patterns in speed skating;
    *  Klapskate hinge position in speed skating;
    *  Quadruple revolutions in figure skating jumps;
    *  Double and triple twists in figure skating;
    *  Success in competitive figure skating performances;
    *  Flight trajectories and takeoff characteristics of ski jumpers.

    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020211/ATM009 )
    The 2002 Pfizer/IOC Olympic Research stresses the importance of studying
nutrition, performance and training in elite athletes to uncover valuable
health and fitness insights for all members of society.  By studying elite
athletes at the height of competition, researchers can better learn how the
body moves (biomechanics) and gain valuable insights for injury prevention and
natural performance improvement.
    "When top athletes are striving to break records and outperform each
other, researchers can analyze what exactly happens when the best are at their
best," said Prince Alexandre de Merode, Chairman, IOC Medical Commission.
"This research can benefit not only elite athletes but also those striving to
learn a new sport or coach others using new techniques that reduce the risk of
injury.  We share a commitment with Pfizer to conduct this research in an
effort to help all people live healthier and more active lifestyles."
    Chosen from 25 submissions from 11 countries throughout the world, the
nine studies were selected on the basis of quality, impact on the
Federation/sport and potential benefit to competing athletes.  All researchers
are established experts in their fields and are affiliated with reputable
academic, health or sports institutions.  Since the research methods do not
require any physical contact, they will in no way interrupt the athletes'
performances.
    "Sharing research and inspiring healthy living are Pfizer's primary
goals," said Randall Kaye, M.D., Senior Director of Olympic Affairs for
Pfizer.  "Our support of the Pfizer/IOC Olympic Research is part of our
commitment to further scientific knowledge that underscores the importance of
improving human movement, providing preventive care and better managing
disease states for people who seek healthy lifestyles."
    Biomechanics, a sport sciences application that studies human motion,
traces its roots to such disciplines as engineering, anatomy, aerospace
science, rehabilitation medicine and orthopedics.  Biomechanics researchers
seek to enhance their understanding of how people move to help athletes
perform more efficiently and suffer fewer injuries.
    To date, Olympians in nine Olympic Games (four Winter, five Summer) have
been studied in competition.  This research program was expanded during the
2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, when Pfizer and the IOC Medical Commission
entered a partnership supported by a Pfizer endowment.  Pfizer's endowment of
the IOC Olympic Research enables more comprehensive and in-depth analysis than
was previously possible.  Analysis of the Salt Lake Pfizer/IOC Olympic
Research studies will be conducted following the Olympic Winter Games and then
the Research projects will be presented at the Sixth IOC Olympic World
Congress on Sport Sciences to be held in May 2002.
    Pfizer and the IOC Medical Commission share a commitment to research
excellence that inspires healthy living among all people.  The Pfizer/IOC
Medical Commission partnership aims to eliminate physical inactivity by
enhancing the body, will and mind of athletes and humankind through further
scientific study of movement, exercise and sport.  In addition to the
Pfizer/IOC Olympic Research on Sport Sciences, Pfizer endows three other IOC
Medical Commission programs including the IOC Olympic World Congress on Sport
Sciences, the IOC Olympic Prize on Sport Sciences and the IOC Olympic Academy
on Sport Sciences.
    Pfizer Inc. discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading
prescription medicines, for humans and animals, and many of the world's best-
known consumer products.  Pfizer had global revenues of $32.2 billion in 2001.
Pfizer plans to make a research and development investment of $5.3 billion in
2002.

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