Research
Division of Applied Physiology
CHRONOBIOLOGY LABORATORY
The Chronobiology Laboratory is directed by Shawn Youngstedt, Ph.D. Our laboratory focuses on sleep, circadian rhythms, and psychological benefits of exercise and bright light exposure. Our research has been supported by NIH, ACSM, USC, the Litebook Company and the Gatorade Sports Science Institute.
CLINICAL EXERCISE RESEARCH CENTER
The laboratory is equipped for state-of-the-art measurement of metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses and adaptations to exercise in human subjects. A fully automated system for measurement of metabolism is included. Also, this laboratory includes a hydrostatic weighing system for measurement of body composition that is equipped for on-line data reduction. This facility is also now equipped with the state-of-the-art DEXA machine for body composition and bone mineral analysis. Full phlebotomy capability and a TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) apparatus are also available. The facility is the site for laboratory instruction in exercise physiology and for the conduction of exercise physiology graduate student research.
INTEGRATIVE MUSCLE BIOLOGY LABORATORY
The Integrative Muscle Biology Laboratory is directed by Dr. James Carson. Investigations examine cellular and molecular mechanisms that influence muscle plasticity in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Specific attention is given to the interaction of endocrine signaling and muscle mass regulation through extracellular matrix remodeling and inflammation. Scientific models examine alterations in muscle activity due to disuse, increased loading and regeneration from injury. The regulation of these processes in conditions of underlying disease (cancer cachexia, diabetes) or aging is also examined.
LABORATORY OF MUSCLE & TRANSLATIONAL THERAPEUTIC RESEARCH
The mission of the lab is to utilize scientific experimentation to understand the molecular mechanisms of muscle growth, repair, and function and the application to a human context; such that this understanding will ultimately be used to prevent, treat, or rehabilitate muscle from the effects of disease, aging, or injury in order optimize human health. Current projects include the manipulation and examination of gene expression in skeletal muscle in vivo and in vitro and a pharmacologic trial in the study of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Laboratory Director: Matt Kostek, PhD.
Division of Health Aspects of Physical Activity
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE LABORATORY
The Behavioral Science Laboratory is directed by Sara Wilcox, Ph.D. The laboratory studies factors that influence physical activity as well as interventions to promote physical activity and healthy eating in individuals and in communities. Current projects focus on health promotion with older adults, women, and African American churches.
CHILDREN'S PHYSICAL ACTIVITY RESEARCH GROUP
The Children’s Physical Activity Research Group (CPARG) is an interdisciplinary team of faculty, staff, and graduate students who are dedicated to expanding the body of knowledge on physical activity and its promotion in children and adolescents. An overarching aim of CPARG is to enhance the health of young people by generating the knowledge needed to design and implement effective public health policies.
PREVENTION RESEARCH CENTER
Steven P. Hooker, Ph.D., is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Exercise Science and Director of the CDC-funded Prevention Research Center (PRC), whose theme is Promoting Health Through Physical Activity. Dr. Hooker, along with other faculty in the USC PRC, conducts research exploring environmental and policy approaches to promoting physical activity. In addition, Dr. Hooker is involved with research investigating the factors that influence physical activity in middle-aged and older African American men (CRISP abstract), and the relationship between physical activity and the risk of stroke and cognitive function in older adults.
Division of Motor Control and Physical Therapy
FUNCTIONAL HEALTH BEHAVIORS ASSESSMENT LABORATORY
Dr. Harriet Williams directs the Functional Health Behaviors Assessment Laboratory. The research of Dr. Williams has three major foci: developmental and age-related aspects of balance and postural control, the potential benefits of physical activity and other related interventions on cognitive executive function in older adults, and the role of motor skill development in promoting an active lifestyle in children. A specific interest of the research emphasis on balance and postural control is the implementation and evaluation of fall prevention programs in community settings. Dr. Williams also studies ways of preventing declines in cognitive function in healthy older adults and in those with some form of dementia. Her work with children also has a community-based focus. Most of Dr. Williams’ recent work has been done with young children and older adults.
PHYSICAL THERAPY REHABILITATION LABORATORY
The Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Laboratory is directed by Dr. Bruce McClenaghan, PED, PT. Faculty in this laboratory also includes Dr. Stacy Fritz, PhD, PT. Their work has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health and the South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Research Fund and have published their findings in journals such as Stroke, Physical Therapy, Gait and Posture, and Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Individuals have traveled, both nationally and internationally, to participate in the different research studies offered in the Rehabilitation Lab.
