The Applied Exercise Physiology Laboratory is directed by Scott Crouter, PhD, who teaches courses in exercise physiology, clinical exercise physiology, physiology of athletes, and recent topics in obesity. The lab is housed in a 4,000-square-foot facility. Equipment is available for graded, maximal testing, including treadmills, cycle ergometers, and Nordic Track machines. There are two computerized systems for the measurement of oxygen consumption and a portable metabolic system for doing field work. Equipment exists for measuring cardiovascular variables (blood pressure, cardiac output, and forearm blood flow). A biochemistry laboratory with a fume hood, centrifuges, spectrophotometer, Mettler balances, pH meter, refrigerators, and chromatography equipment is used to carry out biochemical assays. In addition, a microtome, cryostat, and biopsy needles are used to examine muscle fiber characteristics.
For body composition, the laboratory has a hydrostatic weighing tank and a modified spirometer to determine residual volume by the oxygen dilution method. Additional equipment include a Bod-Pod device that estimates body composition using air displacement, bioelectrical impedance analyzers, and a dual energy x-ray absorptiometer.
Information about the graduate programs in exercise physiology, assistantship opportunities, and applications can be found on the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies Graduate Programs webpages.