Laboratories & Centers
Human Movement Sciences
Neuromechanics Laboratory
chs.uwm.edu/neuromechanics
(Formerly: Athletic Training Laboratory, Biomechanics Laboratory and Motor Control Laboratory)
2400 E. Hartford Ave., Enderis Room 132, Milwaukee, WI 53211
414.229.5147 or 414.229.5160
Director(s):
Jennifer Earl, Ph.D., A.T.C., Jearl@uwm.edu
Kevin Keenan, Ph.D., keenan@uwm.edu
Kristian O'Connor, Ph.D., krisocon@uwm.edu
Yiorgos Papaioannou, Ph.D., gp@uwm.edu
Jinsung Wang, Ph.D.,
wang34@uwm.edu
The Neuromechanics Laboratory performs interdisciplinary research involving muscle physiology, motor control, and biomechanics. A primary focus of our research is to address basic and applied research questions that inform clinical practice in areas such as athletic training and physical therapy. Our group of research faculty investigates questions relating to neuromuscular control deficits encountered in both young and older populations that could increase the risk of musculoskeletal injury and affect quality of life.
Primary research equipment:
- Seven-camera Motion Analysis Eagle motion capture system
- Motion Monitor electromagnetic system
- Force Plates (1 AMTI and 2 Bertec)
- EMG Systems:
- Noraxon Telemyo 8 channel
- Run Technologies Myopac 16 channel
- Custom 8-channel
- Biodex Dynamometer and accessories
- Tekscan in-shoe pressure system
- Uniaxial and Triaxial accelerometers (PCB)
- Treadmill (Precor)
Primary research software includes:
- Visual3D version 3.0
Labview version 7.0
Matlab version 6.0
Datapac 2K2 Acquisition and Analysis (Run Technologies)
Exercise Physiology Laboratory
www4.uwm.edu/exphys/
2400 E. Hartford Ave., Enderis Room 434, Milwaukee, WI 53211
414.229.5676
Director(s):
Scott Strath, Ph.D., sstrath@uwm.edu
Ann Swartz, Ph.D., aswartz@uwm.edu
The Exercise Physiology Laboratory conducts basic and applied research in the area of physical activity/exercise and health. Laboratory research focus' physical activity and obesity assessment, determinants of physical activity behavior, physical activity promotion, physical activity/exercise and cardiovascular responses, and physical activity/exercise and metabolic responses, namely interactions with obesity and type 2 diabetes/glucose tolerance. Our laboratory team conducts research in adults of all ages. For further information please contact the laboratory directors.
The laboratory is made up of three core sections, each comprising of the following primary research equipment.
Body Composition Assessment Core
- Bod Pod air displacement plethysmography
- Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry
- Bioelectrical impedance analysis
- Skinfold and anthropometric calipers
- Total body water assessment
- Circumference measures
Metabolic Assessment Core
- 2 ParvoMedics computerized metabolic assessment systems
- Flow through hood for resting metabolic rate assessments
- Portable (Cosmed K4b2) metabolic assessment system
- Welch Allen ECG system
- Monarch cycle and arm ergometers
- Multiple TrackMaster treadmills
- YSI glucose and lactate analyzer
- Phlebotomy / blood sampling / analysis
Physical Activity Assessment Core
- MTI accelerometers, interface, and calibrator
- Pedometers
- Polar downloadable heart rate monitoring
- Physiological combination monitors
- Computerized test-bank of physical activity questionnaires
Human Performance Laboratory
2400 E. Hartford Ave., Enderis Room 130, Milwaukee, WI 53211
414.229.5127
Director(s):
Ann Snyder, Ph.D., acs@uwm.edu
The Human Performance Laboratory is equipped to conduct research and deliver undergraduate and graduate education pertaining to cardiovascular, endocrine, metabolic, muscular, and respiratory system responses to exercise and adaptations to exercise training. Equipment in the Human Performance Laboratory includes:
- Portable/computerized oxygen uptake system
- ECG instrumentation
- Lactate analyzer
- Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)
- Ventilation measurement module
- Woodway treadmill
- Electronically braked cycle ergometer
- Computrainer
- Monarch cycle ergometer
- Hydrostatic weighing tank
- Skinfold calipers
- Various computer software modules
In the Human Performance Laboratory, a number of studies have been performed dealing with the mechanism responsible for amenorrhea (absence of a menstrual period) in athletes. These studies have included the rejection of the hypothesis involving a low percentage of body fat, as well as the examination of a hypothesis involving nutritional inadequacies. Nutritional inadequacies and the blood iron status of athletes have also been studied to determine whether performance and health are compromised by certain diets. Nutritional and physiological profiles of elite athletes are continuously being developed along with training records in an effort to establish a training program for optimal performance that also minimizes the occurrence of overtraining.
Most recently, the lab has examined muscle oxygen saturation through NIRS (near-infrared spectroscopy) to detect a breakpoint in percent oxygen saturation of the muscle during different exercises. We have determined that muscle oxygen saturation can track the changes in training adaptations of triathletes training. To enhance our ability to prescribe exercise training for athletes, muscle oxygen saturation has been examined in relation to oxygen uptake, heart rate, blood lactate levels and ratings of perceived exertion during both cycling and running.
Dr. Snyder brings extensive experience to the lab in working with local and national team speed skaters, triathletes, runners and cyclists to enhance their performance.
Pediatric Neuromotor Laboratory
3409 N. Downer Ave., Pavilion, Room 356B
Milwaukee, WI 53211
414.229.2449
Director(s):
Victoria A. Moerchen, PT, Ph.D., moerchev@uwm.edu
The Pediatric Neuromotor Laboratory is engaged in translational research, blending developmental inquiry with clinical application. Our emphasis is on skill acquisition and early motor control in infants and toddlers. Populations studied include: Spina Bifida, Prader Willi syndrome, and typical development. Undergraduate and graduate students contribute to the laboratory team.
Current projects:
- Enhanced Sensory Input and Step Output in Infants with Spina Bifida.
- Visual flow and Stepping in Infants with Typical Development.
- Pelvic Muscle Activation in Stepping and Kicking in Infants with Typical Development.
- Growth Hormone Supplementation and Motor Development in Infants with Prader Willi syndrome.
Primary Research Equipment:
- Six camera Motion Analysis Eagle Motion Capture System
- 16-channel Noraxon Myosystem 1400A EMG
- Two infant treadmills
- Digital video cameras
- Swiss Anthropometer
- Infant recumbent scales
Primary Research Software:
- MatLab
- Labview
- Visual 3D
- Origin
Psychosocial Laboratory
www.uwm.edu/Dept/sportexresearch
2400 E. Hartford Ave., Enderis Room 466, Milwaukee, WI 53211
414.229.5120
Director(s):
Margaret Duncan, Ph.D., mduncan@uwm.edu
Barbara Meyer, Ph.D., bbmeyer@uwm.edu
This laboratory supports research and instruction relevant to the psychology and sociology of sport, exercise, and other forms of physical activity. Faculty supporting the laboratory utilize positivistic and naturalistic methods of inquiry, as well as quantitative and qualitative research methods. As such, the laboratory is designed for the production and processing of research assessment inventories, analysis of videotaped and audiotaped data, and to securely store large data sets. Equipment includes:
- Current computer software
- Audio and video recording equipment
- Television and video player
- Psychosocial and health-related assessment inventories
Students in the graduate and undergraduate programs are encouraged to become involved in faculty research. As a result of their contributions, students have been included as co-authors on various publications as well as presentations at national and international meetings.
The Psychosocial Laboratory also serves as a home for the application and dissemination of sport and exercise psychology information. Students with the appropriate coursework and experience are invited to participate in ongoing performance enhancement consultation with University athletic teams, and may be invited to assist in the organization and delivery of sport psychology workshops to various community organizations.
Visuomotor Laboratory
http://www4.uwm.edu/visuomotor/
3409 N. Downer Ave., Pavilion 365A
Milwaukee, WI 53211
414.229.3368
Director(s):
Wendy Huddleston, PT, OCS, Ph.D.
The focus of the visuomotor laboratory is to study goal-directed visuomotor behavior. Specifically, research questions involve the relationship between visual attention and the motor intention to move. Physical therapists oftentimes address movement impairment without addressing the attentional components of behavior. Answers to questions addressed in the laboratory will help clinicians understand how a person uses visual information to inform and guide goal-directed movement.
Interested undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to contact the lab director to participate in this line of research. Students contributing to faculty research will be included as co-authors on publications and supported to present their work at national and international conferences. Research is performed on adults of all ages, and interested volunteers should also contact the lab director.
Primary research equipment:
- Applied Science Laboratories remote optics bright pupil eye tracking system
- Human psychophysics set-up with 37” plasma monitor display
Software:
- Presentation (visual stimulus presentation software)
- Eyenal
