Human Performance Lab
The Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) is an interdisciplinary research and service unit. Our programs which span undergraduate to post-doctoral education, translational research, as well as service to the university and local communities. Our mission is to study disease states affecting the human condition such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, muscle wasting, the metabolic syndrome, and diabetes and subsequently determine how a physically active lifestyle can aid in the prevention or as an intervention for these conditions. The HPL is an integral part of the B.S. and M.S. degree in Exercise Physiology for which we provide assistantship opportunities for students who work directly in the HPL. Students in the Ph.D. program in Bioenergetics and Exercise Science are mentored and funded by HPL faculty. The HPL is located in the Ward Sports Science Building room 363. For additional information please complete the Contact HHP form on the right.
Student Research Opportunities
Students outside of Exercise Physiology and Bioenergetics and Exercise Science programs can also utilize HPL resources for their thesis or culminating research project. Our research focus’ upon discerning the underlying mechanisms linked with conditions such as obesity, muscle wasting, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, The Metabolic Syndrome and negative aspects of the aging process. Many of our students participate in service programs demonstrate how to successfully perform and integrate physical activity into your life by providing diagnostic testing, exercise prescriptions and specialized exercise programs to the community. These service programs support 8 to 10 graduate student stipends per year in Exercise Physiology in addition to providing internships for undergraduates in Kinesiology.
Community Outreach and Services
The HPL offers a number of services to the surrounding communities. These services include the Cardiovascular Health Assessment program and HPL Exercise Membership (only open to individuals in the Cardiovascular Health Assessment program). The Cardiovascular Health Assessment program is housed within the FITT (Fitness, Instruction, Testing and Training) Building and analyzes fitness levels, detects participants’ coronary heart disease risk status, and provides insight on modifying heart disease susceptibility. This comprehensive cardiovascular program goes beyond just an assessment. Participants receive an advanced report and explanation of their results, in addition to an individualized exercise prescription and lifestyle instruction. The cost of this program is $350 and is approved for reimbursement by NCFLEX. For more information about this program and HPL Exercise Membership please contact Allison Bartlett at 252-737-1294 or bartletta21@ecu.edu.
Human Performance Lab – Translational Research Core Services
The Human Performance Laboratory and its Translational Research Core Services supports the University mission 1) by supporting the growth in research by providing quality services with expert support, 2) by providing opportunities for student learning through direct participation in the research and services, 3) by extending services to the local community and supporting the health and fitness assessment needs of first responders.
Services for research are primarily provided to the University community. Some services may be provided to external research entities as part of research collaborations with OSP approval.
Research funding within the University will drive demand for these services. These services are expected to be available on a continual basis with sporadic use depending on research funding, focus and recruitment strategies. The HPL may limit availability of services based on its capacity (personnel, space, equipment) which will be assessed prior to each new contract or agreement to provide services.
HPL Translational Research Core
Contact Chuck Tanner at 252-737-4683 (tannerc@ecu.edu)
HPL Faculty and Staff
