Labs and centers

Affordance Perception-Action Laboratory (APAL)

http://cehd.umn.edu/Kin/research/apal

The principle focus of the Affordance Perception-Action Laboratory is on perception and action in virtual environments. Research programs are motivated primarily by the ecological approach to human-machine systems. Areas of research include driving, postural control, performance in head-mounted displays, and motion sickness. Collaborative links exist with researchers in the US, Canada, France, and Japan. The APAL was formerly the Human Factors Research Laboratory (HFRL).

Gait and Posture Laboratory (GPL)

http://cehd.umn.edu/Kin/research/gait

This research lab focuses on the study of human posture and the mechanics of how humans move on their feet-walking, running, and other gaits. Biomechanical tools that have been created specifically to measure such motion such as force platforms and foot pressure sensors are used in the lab along with high-speed video analysis.

Human Performance Teaching Laboratory (HPTL)

The principle focus of the HPTL is to provide Kinesiology graduate and undergraduate students the latest laboratory equipment and experiences in biomechanics, human and exercise physiology. In addition to the lab’s full complement of physiology and biomechanics laboratory teaching equipment the HPTL also has a small classroom for laboratory instruction.

Human Sensorimotor Control Laboratory (HSCL)

http://cehd.umn.edu/kin/research/motorlab

Researchers in this lab attempt to enhance understanding of how the human brain controls movement. Studies focus on recording neuropsychological, psychophysical, electrophysiological, and biomechanical measurements in humans. Researchers examine how infants and children learn to reach for objects and how people with certain diseases lose their coordination. Through these studies, we hope to learn how the nervous system coordinates multiple limb movement.

Laboratory of Integrative Human Physiology (LIHP)

http://cehd.umn.edu/kin/research/lihp

The principle focus of the LIHP is to examine the effects of various disease states and treatments on vascular as well as cardiac systems in an integrative approach. Numerous collaborative studies are being conducted with a number of researchers at the University of Minnesota in various departments such as Pediatrics, Epidemiology, Preventive Cardiology, Oncology, as well as researchers in the University of Minnesota General Clinic Research Center, St. Paul Heart Clinic, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Laboratory for Musculoskeletal Health (LMH)

In the Laboratory of Musculoskeletal Health (LMH), we take a multi-disciplinary approach to improve our understanding of how bone adapts its dimensions, geometry and strength to changes in mechanical load. Our focus is on physical activity interventions in children and adolescents both for optimizing bone development, and also for obesity prevention and management. We also work with clinical populations who have altered mechanical load from reduced muscle force or neurological changes such as patients with stroke or athletes after ACL surgery. We incorporate biomechanical assessments into our studies to define "load" on bone and are interested in how, hormones, psychosocial stress, and nutrition influence the bone response to loading.

Laboratory of Physiological Hygiene and Exercise Science (LPHES)

http://cehd.umn.edu/Kin/research/exercise

LPHES has recently completed the large multi-center HERITAGE Family Exercise Study. This study examined the interaction of exercise and genetics on risk factors for coronary artery disease and diabetes. Other research focuses at LPHES include studies funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs evaluating the relationships between insulin resistance, sodium sensitivity, blood flow, vascular structure and function, and blood pressure.

Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Research Cooperative (OBHRC)

http://cehd.umn.edu/Kin/research/OBHRC

The purpose of the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Research Cooperative (OBHRC) is to carry out a comprehensive research program on outdoor behavioral healthcare programs operating in North America.

Sport Business Institute (SBI)

http://cehd.umn.edu/kin/sbi

This research group provides sport industry clients outstanding consulting services while providing sport management students with real world experience in which to apply current sport management theory and practices.

Sports Marketing Research Group (SMRG)

http://cehd.umn.edu/Kin/research/smrg

This research group concentrates on conducting and disseminating marketing research for both the public and private sectors of sport. Research studies focus on the behaviors of sport consumers, brand management of sport organizations, and the psychological and sociological principles associated with marketing strategies.

Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport

http://tuckercenter.org

This interdisciplinary center, the first of its kind in the nation, is dedicated to exploring the impact of sport, recreation, and physical activity on the lives of girls and women. The center focuses, not just on research, but also emphasizes education, community outreach, and public service.

August 2007