Department of Kinesiology

Division of Exercise Physiology

The Division of Exercise Physiology is focused on the genetic, biochemical and clinical evaluation of physiological alterations to exercise training and detraining in both human and animal models. This focus is centered on modifications in the muscular, cardiorespiratory and immune systems from an aging, disease or peak performance perspective.

Undergraduate and graduate training prepares students for careers in academia and/or clinical settings. Coursework is focused on building a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, and its application to health, disease and aging. In addition, the students are encouraged to gain additional experiences through research participation in the various laboratories.

By acquiring and advancing knowledge regarding the behavioral determinants and physiologic benefits of physical activity and exercise, the Division of Exercise Physiology prepares students for careers in academia and/or a variety of clinical settings. This graduate division program is decidedly applied with considerable focus on translation of theory into practice and offers M.S. and PhD degrees in exercise physiology as well as a clinical (non-thesis) M.S. degree. The clinical M.S. degree features structured coursework in biological and behavioral foundations necessary for program completers to enter the healthcare workforce as clinical exercise physiologists.

The division of exercise physiology prepares students for careers in academia or clinical settings

Vascular Physiology Laboratory

Examines vascular function in certain pathologic states such as chronic heart failure and peripheral neuropathy, and pursues questions regarding the measurement of vascular function and the interrelationships between vascular function and health, physical fitness, physical function, and general well-being.

Healthy Aging Laboratory

Examines determinants of functional lifespan, determinants of falls among older adults, and the influence of physical activity and exercises on functional lifespan and the health and well-being of older adults.

Exercise Biochemistry Laboratory

Emphasizes basic research into the relationship between the histochemical and mechanical properties of skeletal muscle; the interaction between botanicals, insulin sensitivity and exercise; and the relationship between exercise, inflammatory proteins and cardiovascular disease.

The Human Performance Lab

Supports applied research into the influence of ergogenic aids on muscle function and athletic performance; the acute and chronic responses of the cardiorespiratory systems to exercise; the influence of exercise on substrate utilization; and the molecular/biochemical role of exercise in the prevention of chronic disease.

Clinical Exercise Physiology

Provide the knowledge and skills necessary to meet various American College of Sports Medicine certifications as well as preparing students for positions with corporate fitness, wellness, and medical rehabilitation centers;
Offer a curriculum designed to provide students with the scientific background and technical skills necessary to evaluate physical fitness and cardiovascular disease risk, then prescribe preventive and rehabilitative strategies to promote optimal physical fitness and health.
Integrate course work from exercise physiology, health promotion, and exercise psychology that stresses assessment of physical fitness and well-being, interpretation of health evaluations, and design of exercise programs for healthy and high-risk populations.
Provide expanded opportunities for students’ experiences through the Vascular Physiology Lab and the Healthy Aging Lab.

Exercise Physiology

Provide a broad, theory-based program with an emphasis on the physiological responses to acute exercise and the adaptations that occur with training that will prepare students for teaching and research careers in exercise physiology in universities, industry, the military, and research institutes.
Conduct research that examines the relationship between the histochemical and mechanical properties of skeletal muscle, the role of exercise on mitochondrial function and mitochondrial DNA damage, and the relationship between exercise, inflammatory proteins, and cardiovascular disease.
Focus applied programs that include the influence of ergogenic aids on muscle function and athletic performance, the acute and chronic responses of the cardiorespiratory systems to exercise, the influence of exercise on substrate utilization, and the molecular/biochemical role of exercise in the prevention of chronic disease.