Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management Research Laboratories

The Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management is equipped with comprehensive, state-of-the-art laboratories to support our research and teaching. From our main 6,445 square foot laboratory complex to our new Sport Consumer Experience and Technology lab, our facilities enable department faculty to investigate the most relevant and important questions in exercise science and sport management.

Exercise Science Physiology Laboratory

Our Exercise Science Physiology Laboratory is a well-equipped facility where our students have access to a host of equipment that allows for the assessment of body composition, muscular fitness, neuromuscular function, aerobic capacity, metabolic function, and other relevant physical performance and health outcomes.

  • Three Parvo Medics TrueOne 2400 metabolic carts are used to quantify oxygen consumption, energy expenditure, and substrate (carbohydrate and fat) oxidation. Our laboratory is equipped with two Woodway treadmills—these treadmills are durable and versatile, allowing exercise in motorized and non-motorized modes.
  • The squat racks are utilized to demonstrate practical skills during the laboratory sections of our Strength and Conditioning course. The Tendo Power Analyzers allow for the measurement of velocity and power during applied movements such a squat, countermovement jump, or chair-rise task.
  • The dynamometer allows for measurements of strength, velocity, and joint angle for most joints of the body. EMG is commonly used in conjunction with the dynamometer in order to assess the timing and amplitude of muscle activation during muscle contraction.
  • Provides total body and segmental body composition measurements via measurement of resistance to a low electrical current.

  • Muscle Microbiopsy, or fine-needle biopsy, is a technique used for the collection of skeletal muscle tissue. Microbiopsies of human skeletal muscle are increasingly adopted by physiologists for a variety of experimental assays given the reduced invasiveness compared to the classic Bergstrom biopsy technique.
  • Blood specimens are collected by individuals trained in phlebotomy for subsequent laboratory testing. Common assessments in our laboratory include insulin, glucose, metabolic panels, creatine kinase, lactate, C-terminal agrin, testosterone, cortisol, human growth hormone, markers of oxidative stress, leptin, and ghrelin.
  • The COSMED BOD POD enables for the measurement of body composition parameters via measurement of air displacement.
  • The Woodway Force is a non-motorized, electromagnetically braked treadmill capable of providing 15–150 pounds of resistance. Gait analysis parameters and a host of performance indices can be measured using this device.
  • ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart, and is used to study and detect heart problems resulting from heart disease, such as heart attacks, arrhythmias, or irregular heart beats.
  • Measures slight variations in postural sway during static and dynamic balance assessments. The system also has options for balance specific training.

  • A portable, cable-resistance device that uses a servo motor to modulate resistance load between 1–15 kilograms. In addition, the software obtains performance data such as force, velocity, and power during the movement.
  • ECG machine that measures Heart Rate Variability, with the ability to measure cardiac output. (Main Lab)
  • This is a portable gas analyzer for oxygen consumption. It runs off a battery pack and can be worn on your chest or your back.
  • Hydrostatic weighing is used to measure body density in order to obtain measures of body composition. This unit is commonly used for course lab assignments.

  • The portable force plates are used to obtain kinetic data such as ground reaction forces and power during applied movements such as the vertical jump. Mobile EMG is used, in conjunction or separately, to assess the timing and amplitude of muscle activation during applied movements.

  • Ultrasound is used for obtaining visceral fat, as well as morphological and architectural measures of skeletal muscle and tendons such as cross-sectional area or pennation angle.

Exercise Science Biomarkers Laboratory

The Exercise Science Biomarkers Lab (ESBL) is a general biological sample testing lab outfitted to measure a broad spectrum of acute and adaptive markers. This lab utilizes the most up-to-date equipment to run some of the most commonly performed tests: ELISAs, Western Blotting, and PCR analysis. The ESBL allows the Exercise Science faculty and students to answer several physiological based questions, broadening the scope and impact of the research being conducted.

  • This device is used for Western Blotting. It separates proteins based on weight/size/or charge. This is an all-in-one blotting system that can complete a test within 4 hours.
  • Plate reader that measures a variety of signals including fluorescence, absorbance, luminescence, or time-resolved fluorescence.