Integrative Physiology and Biochemistry Research Laboratories

Our present capabilities are focused in the areas of lipid & lipoprotein metabolism, assessment of performance (Dr. Chilek), cardio-pulmonary physiology (Dr. Carter), work physiology and ergonomics (Dr. Boatwright), and the application of cardiovascular physiology to any condition that may have a positive influence on health, well-being, and athletic performance .

Existing equipment includes ergometers (treadmills, cycles and arm ergometers), respiratory gas exchange, a variety of breathing and control circuits and devices, electrocardiography, hydrostatic weighing, spirometry, impulse oscillometry, and many other supporting items. In the area of basic sciences, we support a -80 degree freezer for preserving specimens, plate readers with IR and UV capabilities, centrifuges, and a wide array of other equipment and supplies.

Areas of investigational focus are addressing the following questions: How are lipids and lipoproteins altered by exercise and stress? How is obesity and lipid metabolism interrelated and can exercise be used successfully to reestablish normal values? What controls or singles lipid alterations? What obesity biomarkers are influenced by exercise and can these be used to intervene in the obesity epidemic? How do obesity biomarkers impact on airway control and the ability to ventilate? What are the limits for exercise in special populations and what are the best rehabilitative approaches (e.g., dose, method) to use? Which clinical practices are best for the improvement of range-of-motion, strength, stability and balance?

Any undergraduate or graduate students who are interested in research and our exercise science program, please contact one of the following faculty members.

Drs. Douglas Boatwright, Rick Carter, Daniel Chilek and Shannon Jordan

Equipments in the Human Performance and Biochemistry Laboratories (not all listed)