Research Labs

The Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology Programs have nine laboratories that are dedicated to research and classes. These laboratories vary in focus from behavioral science to environmental physiology, as well as motor control and cardiovascular health. 

We strongly encourage undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research projects within these laboratories.  Part of this involvement includes individual investigation credit hours for undergraduate students and research credit hours for graduate students.  When registered for these credit hours, students will work with a faculty member on one of the ongoing research projects.

Please contact the faculty member associated with each lab for more information on how to become involved and how to volunteer as a research subject.

Faculty members within the Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology Programs also have a wide net of collaborations including:

  • Department of Psychology
  • Department of Biological Sciences
  • Department of Athletic Training
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • The Cleveland Clinic
  • Cleveland VA Medical Center

Research Labs

Behavioral Science Laboratory

Behavioral Science Laboratory

The Behavioral Science Laboratory focuses on physical activity behavior, primarily in the pediatric population. The lab is presently equipped to perform a wide array of measures including exercise tests, anthropometric measures, and assessments of relative reinforcing (motivating) value. Nearby gymnasium space is also regularly utilized to re-create a naturalistic physical activity environment for participants.

Learn more about the Behavioral Science Laboratory

Cardiovascular Dynamics Laboratory

Cardiovascular Dynamics Laboratory

The Cardiovascular Dynamics Laboratory is dedicated to understanding and disseminating data related to how the body responds to physiological stress. Specifically, to elucidate how the cardiovascular systems respond to various resistance exercise regimes and ergogenic aids in healthy populations and those with cardiovascular dysfunction.

Learn more about the Cardiovascular Dynamics Laboratory

Environmental Physiology Laboratory

Environmental Physiology Laboratory

Research in the Environmental Physiology Laboratory focuses on normobaric hypoxia and cold exposure, i.e., extreme environmental conditions and developing strategies that enhance our ability to treat, compete and better understand the human condition under these stressors, both physiologic and cognitive.

Learn more about the Environmental Physiology Laboratory

Exercise Biochemistry and Immunology Laboratory

Exercise Biochemistry and Immunology Laboratory

The Exercise Biochemistry and Immunology Laboratory is an interdisciplinary facility dedicated to processing and analyzing various biological samples in response to diverse exercise stimuli. This is a shared laboratory space among the faculty of the Exercise Science/Physiology Program.

Learn more about the Exercise Biochemistry and Immunology Laboratory

Exercise Performance and Recovery Laboratory

Exercise Performance and Recovery Laboratory

The Exercise Performance and Recovery Laboratory focuses on the fatiguing effects of both aerobic and resistance exercise, and the recovery from these various exercise modalities.  We focus on changes in functional performance following exercise, as well as the inflammatory actions that take place within the body during and after exercise.

Learn more about the Exercise Performance and Recovery Laboratory

Exercise Physiology/Testing Laboratory

 Exercise Physiology/Testing Laboratory

The Exercise Physiology/Testing Lab is primarily used for the laboratory portion of several classes offered by the Exercise Physiology department, as well as various research projects.

Learn more about the Exercise Physiology Lab

Motor Control Laboratory

Motor Control Laboratory

The Motor Control Laboratory is interested in how aging and neurological disorders limit exercise and movement in humans.

We are also interested in how exercise can be used to promote neurorehabilitation. Our current research examines the benefits of exercise and movement training on motor function in individuals with Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis.

Learn more about the Motor Control Laboratory

Strength Laboratory

Strength Laboratory

The Strength Laboratory is a multipurpose room aimed towards research projects utilizing resistance exercise, and graduate and undergraduate courses that are learning about resistance exercise. 

Learn more about the Strength Laboratory

Vascular Health Laboratory

Vascular Health Laboratory

The research interests of the Vascular Health Laboratory focus on the links between vascular health, blood flow regulation and muscle function. Our studies include a variety of techniques aimed at measuring vessel stiffness, vasodilatory capacity, endothelial function, blood flow and autonomic function in both healthy and diseased populations.

Learn more about the Vascular Health Laboratory

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