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.
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.
See also the following articles:
August 2007
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