ATHENS, Ga. -- The University of Georgia's Aging and Physical Performance Laboratory is looking for a few good men, or for that matter a few good women. 

Actually researchers in the College of Education's School of Health and Human Performance are looking for anyone who is in good health, between the ages of 70 and 95, and who has elected to live in a less demanding environment - like an apartment, a retirement community or with their own extended family.

Elaine Cress, an associate professor in exercise science and director of the Ramsey Center-based lab, is seeking participants for a new research study and will host an Open House at the lab on Sunday, Jan. 10 from 2-4 p.m.

The lab may look more like home and other familiar surroundings than anything else. It includes a simulated bus stop, grocery store, kitchen and bedroom. It is the flagship lab for the Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance (CS-PFP) test, a state-of-the-art measure used to assess physical function of older adults in a community and homelike setting.

The lab's research is designed to understand the physiological determinants of functional performance and to develop interventions to enhance functional independence in older adults. Research involves the use of a portable metabolic system for assessment of oxygen consumption during tasks of independent living, a power rig to assess leg power, a leg press for isotonic strength, balance equipment and 3-dimensional portable physical activity monitoring devices.

The public is invited to be an active part of the lab's Open House, trying out equipment or experiencing some of the tests. Refreshments will be served. The lab is located in Room 211 of the Ramsey Center at 300 River Road.

For more information, contact: Tanya Misko at 706/542-9400 or Elaine Cress at 706/542-2202 or at mecress@coe.uga.edu. 

Monday, Jan. 4, 1999

Writer: Michael Childs, 706/542-5889, mchilds@coe.uga.edu
Contact: Elaine Cress, 706/542-2202, mecress@coe.uga.edu