Human Performance Laboratory
The Human Performance Laboratory (HPL), developed and directed by Ann Brown, PhD, is an applied research laboratory in the Department of Movement Sciences. The HPL is a comprehensive research space that regularly collaborates with faculty and graduate and undergraduate students from the Integrated Sport Medicine Movement Analysis Laboratory (ISMMAL), the UI Dance program, Family and Consumer Sciences, the Exercise, Sport and Health Sciences and the WWAMI medical education programs. In addition, Dr. Ann Brown operates as co-director of the Vandal Athletics Fueling Center, opening additional research collaborations and nutritional consultations with Vandal student-athletes.
The HPL focuses on athletic populations and specializes in dance science. The HPL focuses its research interests on the optimization of human performance through utilization of dietary and exercise interventions manipulating body composition, metabolism, performance, and overall health. The HPL is unique because it is one of the only exercise science labs co-located in the same department as the dance program – allowing for robust dance science research opportunities.
HPL Undergraduate Research Experience
Undergraduate research is integral to the HPL. The HPL values the undergraduate research experience and believes students often find career inspiration through these unique opportunities to investigate their own questions. There is nothing quite like getting involved in research to better understand the research process, how to interact with participants, properly conduct testing, learn how to analyze data, and develop friendships and networks that will last far beyond your time at UI.
Any student interested in human performance research is welcome to apply to work in the HPL. Every semester there are 6 available undergraduate research opportunities in the HPL. Writing Office of Undergraduate Research Grants is highly encouraged for students interested in asking their own research question.
Laboratory Details
The laboratory is located on the first floor of the Physical Education Building (PEB-116).
The HPL features the following equipment:
- Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometers and ActiLife software
- Parvomedics True One 2400 Metabolic cart (exercise and resting metabolism)
- Hologic Horizon® Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA)
- InBody BSM 170 Stadiometer
- InBody 270 for portable bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)
- Detecto Apex medical scale with height rod
- OURA rings for assessment of sleep stages
- Alere Cholestech LDX Analyzer
HPL Testing Services
The HPL currently offers DXA scans to assess bone mineral density, fat mass (including visceral adipose tissue) and muscle mass. To sign up for a DXA scan use the QR code to go to the HPL scheduler. You can also email hpl@uidaho.edu for more information.
Pricing
Individual Scans
- UI Student: $65
- UI Faculty/Staff: $95
- Community Members: $125
3 Scan Packages (suggested to be performed over a year for tracking)
- UI Student: $165
- UI Faculty/Staff: $240
- Community Members: $315
20% off DXA scans for the remainder for 2021!
**Coming Soon**
Additional metabolic and performance services will be available 2022 for UI faculty/staff, students and community members!
