Exercise Physiology Research Facilities
Exercise Biochemistry Lab
Location
Grover Center W211B
About the Facility
The laboratory is used for investigations aimed at limiting the impact of chronic disease. The facility is used by faculty and both undergraduate and graduate students for research projects. Projects undertaken in the lab include analysis of inflammatory, fibrinolytic and hemostatic response to bloodflow-restricted exercise; glycolytic and hormonal response to carbohydrate ingestion; and influence of aerobic fitness on the oxidation of LDL.
Equipment
- Ultra-low freezer
- Plate Reader
- UV/VIS Spectrophotometer
- Gel Electrophoresis equipment (upright box, power unit, Gel Pro software)
- Miscellaneous equipment (single and multi-channel pipets, waterbaths, vortexers, etc.)
Exercise Physiology Lab
About the Facility
This laboratory is used to understand physiological response to exercise. The facility is also using in teaching the courses Exercise Testing and Prescription, Cardiovascular Evaluations, and Exercise Performance.
Human Performance Center (HPC)
Evidence-based performance, bridging the gap between scientific methods and practical application.
Facilities and Equipment
Facilities
- Exercise Physiology Testing Lab
- Biomechanics Lab
- Strength and Conditioning Lab
Equipment
- Metabolic carts
- Body composition: Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), InBody bioelectric impedance
- Biomechanics: Mounted and portable force plates, Vicon motion capture system
- PUSH Band and Gymaware linear velocity
- Omegawave electrocardiographic and brainwave potential analyzer
Available Services
Human performance testing
VO2 testing with matched HR thresholds, lactate threshold, Wingate tests, body composition, HR variability, biomechanical movement analysis, 30-15 team test, combine type testing for teams.
Data analytics
Consultation, daily data tracking and interpretation, visualization, statistical analysis.
Performance services
Consultation, physical training programs, workshops and clinics for athletes and coaches.
Industry Services
Validation studies, product enhancement, proof of concept.
Neuromuscular Biomechanics and Health Assessment Lab (NMBHAL)
About the Facility
Musculoskeletal disease is the most common, costly, and debilitating form of injury or illness. Over 135 million people (>46% of the U.S. population) report musculoskeletal disease as a primary health concern annually. Of these individuals, over 61 million seek medical treatment each year due to musculoskeletal injury resulting in over $950 billion dollars spent each year on total costs associated with musculoskeletal disease. The negative consequences of musculoskeletal injury go beyond initial trauma as 31% of men and 24% percent of women permanently stop exercise after suffering musculoskeletal injury. Chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, neurocognitive decline, and arthritis are linked to a lack of physical activity. To address this public health problem, the NMBHAL lab is focused on identifying mechanisms, risk factors, and preventive solutions for musculoskeletal injury, with an emphasis on the lower extremity. The lab comprises over 1500 square feet of state-of-the-art research equipment for testing and screening individuals of all ages and skill levels. This facility is designed for motion analysis of sports and daily activities. It includes a 15'x15' open space with a passive optical motion capture system to allow natural walking, running, and jumping.
Directors
Dustin Grooms, Janet Simon, and Melissa Anderson
Location
Grover Center E116
Equipment
- 13 Camera Vicon Passive Optical 3D Motion Capture System
- Two Bertec Embedded Force Plates
- Bertec Instrumented Staircase with Two Force Plates
- 16 Channel Delsys Trigno Electromyography (EMG) System
- Noraxon Inertial Measurement Unit System (In-the-field 3D kinematics)
- Software: Matlab, Visual 3D, SPSS, Labview
STEP (Strategies and Tools for Evaluating Play) Lab
Director
Cheryl A Howe, Ph.D.
Room
Grover Center E110
About the Facility
The STEP lab focuses on the measurement of children's physical activity energy expenditure and enjoyment and overall health. Equipment in the laboratory is centered around these measurements as well as the development of new and more effective methods for measuring children's free-play physical activity and health. Ultimately, the data and new methodologies inform interventions for preventing and treating childhood obesity and comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Many students have used this facility to participate in ongoing research projects or conduct their own research projects related to the lab mission, earning course credit (EXPH 4940 - Research Dynamics), practical, hands-on experience, or the completion of their honors or master's theses.
Equipment
- Portable resting (MedGem) and exercise (Oxycon Mobile) metabolic analyzers
- Physical Activity Trackers (ActiGraph, Omron, FitBit, Polar, Garmin, etc.) and associate software packages
- Global Positioning System (GPS) monitors (LandAirSea) and Geographical Information System software (ArcMap 10.0)
- Research quality heart rate monitors (Polar)
- Sports/Play equipment for children's physical activity
- Video Direct Observation video cameras, monitors and software (Dartfish Team Pro 6.0)
- Body composition assessment tools (portable stadiometer and scale, BIA, calipers, Gulick)
- Automated blood pressure assessment (Omron)