Human Performance & Sport Physiology Laboratory

Current Research Projects

• "Differences in Muscle Activation and Other Physiological Measures Between Sandbag and Dumbbell Resistance Exercise"
  The purpose of this study is to examine various physiological measures during lunges, a commonly utilized resistance training exercise, while utilizing the two different resistance training modalities of sandbags and dumbbells.  The physiological measures of interest are heart rate, breathing rate, body temperature, activity level via Zephyr Bioharnesses.  Muscle activity levels of the lower extremities and abdominals are also being examined via surface electromyography (sEMG).
  IRB Protocol # = 13.407
  Study Flyer
  
  
• "Heart Rate Variability in Professional Baseball Players"
  The purposes of this study are to: (1) monitor and quantify the day-to-day changes in heart rate variability in baseball pitchers across an entire season; and (2) determine the influence of pitching on heart rate measured during in-game situations.
  IRB Protocol # = 13.249
  
  
• "Increasing Performance, Enhancing Health & Fitness, and Decreasing Injury Risk Among Firefighters"
  The overall purposes of this study are to:  (1) identify the physiological determinants of performance among firefighters; (2) enhance the general health and fitness levels among firefighters; and (3) utilize movement assessments to identify movement impairments and decreases future musculoskeletal injury rates among firefighters.  

• "Occupational Athletes:  An Integrated Approach to Firefighting Performance"
  The purposes of this study are to:  (1) use descriptive data from physiological and psychological assessments to characterize the multi-dimensional performance states of active-duty and novice firefighters; (2) compare the current performance states of active-duty and novice firefighters; and (3) provide evidence-based recommendations for the development of comprehensive recruit training programs.
  IRB Protocol # = 13.180
  

• "Relationship Between a 100-point Functional Movement Screen Screen Score and Vertical Jump Performance"
  The purpose of this study is to investigate if a Functional Movement Screen (FMS) score, on a 100-point scale, is related to power output during a vertical jump.
  IRB Protocol # = 13.313
  Study Flyer
  

• “Relationship Between Counter Movement Jump Performance and Extraversion Level”
  The purpose of this study is to examine whether personality traits (i.e., extraversion & neuroticism) influences the physiological parameters of counter movement jump performance.
  IRB Protocol # = 12.293
  Study Flyer
  
  
• "Biopsychosocial Characteristics of Experienced and Novice Marathon Runners"
  The purpose of this study is to examine whether psychosocial factors influence the movement patterns, injury risk, and marathon performance of novice and experienced marathon runners.
  IRB Protocol # = 12.290
  
  
• “Effect of Lower Extremity Muscle Massage on Attitude and Anxiety”
  The purpose of the proposed study is to determine the relationship between psychological variables following the application of massage.
  IRB Protocol # = 11.272
  
  
• “The Effect of Exhaustive Cycling on Cognitive Function”
  The purpose of this study is to examine: 1) how an exhaustive cycling protocol effects the brain’s ability to perform cognitively demanding tasks and 2) how psychosocial factors (i,e., mood state & personality trait) are related to the performance on the cognitive tasks across the exhaustive cycle protocol.