Campus Connection

Newly-renovated Human Performance Lab is a hub for cutting-edge research and teaching

Inside the newly-renovated Human Performance Lab at UW-La Crosse, wheels spin, treadmills hum, and bubbles rise in an underwater weighing tank — all part of the lab’s mission to explore the limits of human performance. 

"Whether it's measuring sports performance, monitoring health, or studying disease, this lab has the tools to do it all," says Jacob Caldwell, assistant professor in the Department of Exercise & Sport Science. 

Located in 229 Mitchell Hall, the lab boasts hundreds of pieces of state-of-the-art equipment designed to study the human body from both a sports performance and pathology perspective. It serves as the research hub for graduate programs in Athletic Training, Clinical Exercise Physiology, and Physical Education Teaching, as well as UWL’s popular undergraduate Exercise and Sport Science major. 

For both undergraduate and graduate students, the lab offers hands-on research opportunities that are critical to their education and future careers. "Exposing students to research is essential," says Kathryn Johnson, director of UWL’s Clinical Exercise Physiology program. "It prepares them for the demands of the profession, giving them the knowledge and experience they need to succeed." 

Johnson, who earned her degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology at UWL and later returned to run the program, recalls how formative the lab’s research environment was during her own studies. 

"At first, it was intimidating to be in that research environment, but the professors and lab staff made it accessible," she says. "They helped me realize how important research is to understand the field and prepare professionally." 

The Human Performance Lab has evolved significantly since its inception in the late 1960s. Originally funded by state and federal dollars from the 1969 Title VI education program, the lab was designed to measure physical efficiency, strength, and movement. Under the guidance of Philip K. Wilson, then assistant professor of Men’s Physical Education, the lab acquired $25,000 worth of equipment.

Chris Dodge, the technical director of the Human Performance Laboratory today, has seen the lab’s growth over the years and continual appeal to Exercise & Sport Science research faculty, many who remark how well equipped it is compared to other labs nationally.  

Today, the lab continues to evolve with the times. Just down the hall, a state-of-the-art cellular and molecular biology lab is equipped with advanced biochemistry tools to analyze blood and tissue samples. This setup allows researchers to bridge the work done in the Human Performance Lab with a deeper understanding of the complex cellular and molecular processes that contribute to human performance and disease. 

Nik Carpenter, a research student and graduate teaching assistant, is currently using the lab to investigate how a topical cream may help reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow during exercise. His research could have implications for individuals who experience abnormal blood pressure spikes during exercise, a condition linked to increased cardiovascular risk. Using specialized equipment to monitor heartbeat-to-heartbeat blood pressure changes, Carpenter is delving into how the cream affects vascular regulation. 

"The variety of equipment available in the lab has really allowed me to pursue my specific research interests," says Carpenter, who has developed a particular focus on neurophysiology. "As an undergraduate, I was exposed to so many different research methods and tools, which gave me a broad understanding of human physiology."  

The array of tools available in the Human Performance Lab enables faculty, staff, and students to explore a wide range of research questions related to both human performance and health. For students like Carpenter, the lab offers the opportunity to immerse themselves in cutting-edge research that will prepare them for careers in fields ranging from sports science to healthcare. 

Notable lab features

Other lab features

• EKGs: This equipment measures the electrical activity of the heart, helping researchers assess heart function and health. 
• Metabolic Carts: These devices measure oxygen consumption, allowing researchers to assess metabolic rates during exercise. 
• Finapres: A continuous, non-invasive method of measuring blood pressure, which provides real-time data on cardiovascular function during exercise.