Applied Physiology Laboratory
The Applied Physiology Lab is part of the Osness Human Performance Laboratories housed in the Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences.
Mission & Vision
The research direction at the Applied Physiology Laboratory has two major concentrations: one on skeletal muscle physiology and the other on the effects of stress on immune function. Conditions such as aging and many diseases elicit significant muscle loss. Thus, it is our goal to investigate the underlying mechanisms and etiology of muscle atrophy and hypertrophy with the long-term intent of developing a successful countermeasure strategy to muscle wasting. Furthermore concurrent physical and mental challenges precipitate an exaggerated endocrine response that potentially increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections through suppression of innate immunity. By gaining a better understanding of factors contributing to disease and infection susceptibility we will help in the design of future wellness interventions and strategies to help formulate future health care policies.
Research Team
Joseph P. Weir, Ph.D. is currently the Chair of the Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences at the University of Kansas. Dr. Weir received his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. From 1993-1995, he was a faculty member in the Applied Physiology program... more
Andrew Fry is currently a professor in the Department of Health, Sport & Exercise Sciences at the University of Kansas. After obtaining his B.S in Physical Education at Nebraska Wesleyan University, where he was a captain of the wrestling team, he owned and operated a commercial fitness... more
Philip Gallagher is an associate professor and program director of Exercise Science, in the Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Sciences (HSES). He is also the director of the Applied Physiology Laboratory. Dr. Gallagher joined the faculty in 2004 after completing doctoral studies in Human... more
Trent J. Herda, Ph.D., is an assistant professor and is currently the Director of the Neuromechanics Laboratory and the Hawk Fitness Academy. Dr. Herda completed his doctoral work in exercise physiology at the University of Oklahoma under the mentorship of Dr. Joel Cramer. Dr. Herda received... more
Opportunities for Students
Currently, the Applied Physiology Laboratory is conducting several different research studies:
- Examining the role that heat-shock proteins play in preventing muscle damage and atrophy.
- The interaction of nutraceuticals and exercise on intracellular signaling pathways in skeletal muscle.
- Effects of exercise and inactivity on cytokine responses in skeletal muscle and blood.
- Examining the role that apoptosis and the ubiquitin proteosome pathway has on aging skeletal muscle and other forms of muscle atrophy.
Community Collaborators
- Translating neuromuscular effects of targeted isometric strength training, National Institute of Health / National Institute of General Medical Sciences K-INBRE Partnerships for Translational Research Training Award – P20 GM103418, ($20,000). 05/01/14 – 04/30/15.
- Establishing Optimal Training Intervals for the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) For Improvement in Physical Performance and Warrior Mindset. Office of Naval Research, ($711,519). 03/01/14 – 02-28/17.
Testing Capabilities & Equipment
The University of Kansas Applied Physiology Laboratory is a freestanding facility with 4,500 square feet of research and office space. The Applied Physiology Laboratory houses a biochemistry area, a molecular biology area, a blood draw and muscle biopsy procedures room, an exercise testing area, a histochemical area, and various areas for exercise/metabolic testing.
Opportunities for Fellow Researchers
More information to be provided. Please check back often.
