Research Activities - Research Labs
Athletic Training Lab
The Athletic Training Laboratory (1,800 square feet) is equipped for instruction and research related to diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. The laboratory features a NeuroCom used for the assessment of balance and vestibular dysfunction in people with mild brain injury and in older adults.
Biomechanics Lab
The Biomechanics Laboratory (5,500 square feet) is equipped for study related to the application of mechanical principles to analysis of human movement Research in the lab has focused on determining mechanical similarities as well as defining strategies individuals utilize to perform effective movements. Of particular interest is the determination of strategies used by individuals to protect the lower extremity from injury during impact situations, such as landing during jumps or impacting with the ground during running.
Cognition and Skill Acquisition Lab
The Cognition and Skill Acquisition Laboratory is designed to conduct theory-based research that systematically examines the effects of physical activity on cognitive function. The laboratory is equipped with systems that measure physiological function and behavioral performance. These systems include multiple computer work stations that permit the development of experimental protocols to assess attention, information processing, and problem solving. Studies are conducted that involve electromyography, electroencephalography, and event-related potentials.
Exercise Vascular Biology Lab
The Exercise Vascular Biology Laboratory (1400 square ft) is equipped to study blood flow and oxygen delivery to skeletal muscle. Dr. McCully is the director of this laboratory. Research is focused on determining whether flow limitations or impaired vascular function exist in various patient populations. The goal of these measurements is to determine if vascular limitations impair muscle metabolism, and whether vascular limitations can be reduced with increased physical activity.
Exercise Psychology Lab
The Exercise Psychology Lab (2,500 square feet) is instrumented with physiological recorders for assessing heart period, automated indirect blood pressures, respiration, and electrical potentials for skin, muscle, and brain with biofeedback capabilities. Sound-restricted, humidity/temperature controlled, and electrically shielded tested chambers are also housed in the lab.
Metabolism and Body Composition Lab
The Metabolism and Body Composition Laboratory is equipped to study metabolic, thermal and cardiorespiratory responses to exercise, and body composition assessed using a four-component model. Research in the past focused on the interaction among body composition, physical performance and metabolic responses to exercise in children and recreational athletes, and the validation of body composition methods using a four-component model.
Movement Studies Lab
The mission of the Movement Studies Lab is to investigate movement and strength development in children and adults. Research is focusing on gait and balance parameters in individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Parkinson Disease, as well as strength development in children and athletes. The lab works closely with the VA Medical Center in Atlanta and the strength performance component at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.
Neuromuscular Physiology Lab
The Neuromuscular Physiology Laboratory is equipped to study physiological and biochemical responses of skeletal muscle to acute and chronic overload stress (aerobic and resistance exercise) and disuse associated with inactivity. The director, Dr. Lesley White specializes in resistance training models for enhancing functional performance and reducing secondary disease risk in clinical populations.
Physical Activity Measurement Lab
The Physical Activity Measurement Laboratory specializes in the objective measurement of free-living physical activity among diverse populations. Resources include a range of portable activity monitors including accelerometers, pedometers, and body position sensors as well as measures of physiologic workload such as heart rate monitors and portable indirect calorimeters. The laboratory can also provide assistance in [...]
Sport Instruction Research Lab
The primary mission of the Lab is to advance scholarship in teaching and coaching. Research is undertaken on issues pertinent to the fields of education and sport pedagogy.





