Human Performance Laboratory

Our Human Performance Laboratory, located on the Miami Shores campus, contains state-of-the-art equipment that you will learn to use during weekly lab sections that are associated with the upper-level major courses. Examples of the more advanced equipment available for student use and research include:

• Two metabolic gas analyzers
• pulmonary function analyzer
• electrocardiographs
• multi-frequency bioelectric impedance analyzer
• air displacement plethysmograph (BodPod©)
• underwater weighing tank
• DEXA
• Two Wingate test cycle ergometers
• Two motorized treadmills
• Kayakpro ergometer

Current HPLS Research Projects:

Dr. Feito is investigating the accuracy of a “low-frequency extension” in the ActiGraphTM activity monitor.  The primary aim of this project is to determine the accuracy of two version of the ActiGraphTM activity monitor (GT1M and GT3X) in the free-living environment and during treadmill walking while using the ‘low-frequency extension.’  A second aim is to compare the step output of the devices to a criterion method, such as the StepWatchTM.

Dr. Mier, in collaboration with Dr. Sue Shapiro, is evaluating gender differences in spine posture during the sit-and-reach test. The purpose of this study is to determine differences between men and women in spine posture during performance of the sit-and-reach test. Spine posture is assessed using video analyses (Dartfish software) of spine angles.

Dr. Mier recently acquired a grant to test energy expenditure during long distance kayaking. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate (HR) during kayak ergometry exercise and estimate energy expenditure during kayaking on the water using HR measures.

Currently, graduate students under the supervision of Dr. Mier and Dr. Tal Amasay are evaluating gender differences in relative load encountered during the push up test. The purpose of this study is to compare the relative load experienced during a standard and modified push up test between men and women. Force plates are used to measure the relative load (% of body weight) applied during the push up.


Graduate Student Research: Published papers or presentations at national conferences:

Mageean A. L., R. P. Alexander, & C. M. Mier. Repeated sprint performance in male and female college athletes matched for VO2max relative to fat free mass. Int J Exerc Sci. 4: 229-237, 2011.

Alexander R. P. & C. M. Mier. Intermittent vs continuous graded exercise test for VO2max in college soccer athletes. Int J Exerc Sci.4: 185-191, 2011.

Holmes, J. A. L. Gibson, C. M. Mier, and G. Cremades. Body density measurements in children, the BODPOD® versus hydrodensitometry. Int. J. Sport Nutr. Exerc. Metab. 21: 240-247, 2011.

Andrade R. P., A. L. Gibson. G. Cremades, and C. M. Mier. Training effects of adding resistive arm exercise to a walking program. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 37: S47, 2005.

Hildner G., R. P. Andrade, M. Butcher-Mokha, A. L. Gibson, and C. M. Mier. Relationships between balance efficacy and functional test results of older adults. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc.  37: S96, 2005.

Cavani V., N. Tummers, A. A. Musto and C. M. Mier. Effects of a progressive resistance training program on functional abilities in older men and women. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 33:S254, 2001.


Faculty Research: Recent published papers or presentations at national conferences:

Feito, Y, Tyo, BM, Bassett, DR, Thompson, DL.  Effects of BMI and Tilt Angle on Output of Two Wearable Activity Monitors.  Med Sci Sport Exerc. 2011; 43(5):861-866.

Feito, Y, Bassett, DR, Thompson, DL.  Accuracy of Accelerometer-Based Step Counters in Controlled and Free-Living Environments.  Med Sci Sport Exerc. In press.

Feito, Y, Tyo, BM, Bassett, DR, Thompson, DL.  Effect of BMI and Speed on Step Count Output.  JPAH. In press.

Feito, Y.  Parkinson’s Disease: Etiology, Clinical Characteristics and the role of Exercise.  ACSM’s Certified News, 2009; 19(2): 9-12.