Exercise physiology and health sciences labs
Exercise physiology and health sciences research
Our exercise physiology and health sciences labs investigate how physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, nutrition and other lifestyle factors affect health across the lifespan. Faculty and students study cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological health, with research focused on topics such as cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, vascular function, chronic disease risk and health interventions.
Through hands-on research and laboratory testing, students gain experience in participant recruitment, data collection, analysis and scientific communication while research teams generate evidence that can inform disease prevention and lifelong health.
Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory
The Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory is an interdisciplinary applied research facility focused on how lifestyle behaviors influence cardiovascular and metabolic health across the lifespan. Faculty and students use advanced tools to assess physical activity, fitness, cardiac function, vascular health, body composition and metabolic risk.
Research focus
- Physical activity and sedentary behavior physiology
- Cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition
- Vascular function, inflammation and insulin resistance
- Cardiometabolic disease risk and chronic disease prevention
- Female health, exercise and nutrition
Current and recent work
- Effects of Sedentary Time on Cardiovascular and Cognitive Health (STAC)
- Low Energy Availability and Menstrual Cycle Characteristics in Female Triathletes
- Sedentary Behavior and Central Adiposity in Older Adults
- Associations of Sedentary Behavior with Gut Microbiome Composition
Student research opportunities
Undergraduate students can contribute to community assessments, participant recruitment, data collection, data analysis and conference presentations. Students may also complete practicum or internship requirements in the laboratory. Graduate students can pursue teaching and research opportunities through the Department of Movement Sciences.
Community services and participation
The Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory offers body composition and VO2max testing to community members and U of I faculty, staff and students for a fee. Payments can be in cash, check or credit/debit card. Discounts are available for groups.
For more information and rates, call 208-885-2007 or email exphys@uidaho.edu.
Available services
BOD POD® Gold Standard: Uses whole body air plethysmography (i.e., air displacement) to accurately measure your fat and lean tissues in addition to estimating resting metabolic rate and total energy expenditure. The assessment takes approximately 10 minutes, and our staff will discuss the results with you following your assessment.
InBody BWA 2.0: Provides information on total body composition as well as segmental body composition to assess imbalances in muscle mass, fat mass, and intracellular/extracellular fluid distribution that can occur from injury, aging, obesity and other chronic health conditions. The assessment takes approximately 5 minutes, and our staff will discuss the results with you following your assessment.
VO2max: Measures your body’s ability to take in, transport, and use oxygen during exercise, making it one of the strongest indicators of cardiovascular fitness and endurance. Our VO₂ max testing provides precise, personalized insights to help you understand your current fitness level and guide training, performance, and long-term health goals. Our team works with you to determine the best modality (cycle ergometer vs. treadmill) and intensity for your assessment. The assessment takes approximately 30 minutes including warm-up and cool-down, and our staff will discuss the results with you following your test.
Partnerships and impact
The lab collaborates with the College of Science, WWAMI Medical Education, Washington State University and Boise State University. It also contributes to statewide clinical and translational research development through the Healthy Idaho CTR-D partnership.
Contact information
Location: Physical Education Building, Rooms 120 and 121
Contact: 804-404-5841 | msat-cardiodream@uidaho.edu
Cardio-DREAM Laboratory
Cardio-DREAM — Cardiovascular Research in the Dynamics of Rest, Environment, Insomnia, Apnea and Metabolism — examines how sleep and circadian behaviors affect cardiovascular, neural and metabolic health. The interdisciplinary lab supports hands-on research for students in exercise science, health science, nutritional science and medical education.
Research focus
- Sleep loss, sleep extension, sleep quality, sleep stages and napping
- Circadian timing and chronobiology
- Cardiovascular, neural and metabolic health
- Nutrition, exercise and technology-based interventions
- Body composition, vascular function, stress, brain activity, inflammation and insulin resistance
Current and recent work
- ASLEEP-HTN pilot study examining whether acoustic stimulation can improve sleep and reduce blood pressure in adults with hypertension
Student research opportunities
Undergraduate research assistants may participate in data collection, data analysis and professional conference presentations. Students may also complete practicum or internship requirements through laboratory experience. Graduate students can explore teaching and research opportunities in Movement Sciences.
Community services and participation
The laboratory recruits participants for research on sleep, circadian change, physical activity and cardiometabolic health. Community members interested in participating or learning more should call 804-404-5841 or email msat-cardiodream@uidaho.edu.
Partnerships and impact
Cardio-DREAM collaborates with Washington State University, Harvard University and Old Dominion University.
Contact information
Location: Physical Education Building, Rooms 120 and 121
Contact: 804-404-5841 | msat-cardiodream@uidaho.edu
Get involved
Students can gain experience in research design, participant recruitment, laboratory testing, data analysis and dissemination. Community members can access testing services through the Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory or inquire about active research studies in either laboratory.