Research
Research opportunities abound in the Exercise and Sport Science Department. Please see the list below for research projects going on in the department.
Dr. J. David Symons
We assess mechanisms responsible for vascular plasticity (i.e., dysfunction and improved function) in animal models of acute exercise, exercise training, nutritional alterations (e.g., polyphenolic compounds, folate depletion), and disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, myocardial ischemia), and also in cell-culture systems.
Students have the opportunity to learn techniques used to measure arterial reactivity (myographs, constant pressure), mRNA and protein analyses (RT-PCR, Western blot), intracellular signaling mechanisms, indices of oxidative stress (DCF, ELISA, RIA, EIA), nitric oxide production and enzyme activity (DAF, amperometric electrodes), blood pressure (acute and chronic catheterization), cell culture systems.
Contact person:
Dr. J. David Symons
j.david.symons@hsc.utah.edu
(801) 581-4769
Dr. Hester Henderson
Research project to determine if children with autism spectrum disorder will pedal a stationary recumbent bicycle if pedaling is contingent on DVD viewing.
Contact person:
Dr. Hester Henderson
hester.henderson@health.utah.edu
(801) 581-7964
Dr. Maria Newton
Research: Youth, motivation, character development, positive youth development, physical activity, caring.
Contact Person:
Dr. Maria Newton
maria.newton@health.utah.edu
(801) 581-4729
Dr. Zan Gao
Dr. Gao’s major research line is fighting childhood obesity through school-based physical activity intervention (interactive games) among urban school children. Specifically, he has implemented Dance Dance Revolution into recess and after school to improve Latino children’s physical fitness and academic achievement. His other research interests include measurement of school children’s physical fitness and physical activity levels, student motivation and physical activity levels, and teaching effectiveness and childhood obesity.
Contact person:
Dr. Zan Gao
zan.gao@hsc.utah.edu
(801) 587-7900
Dr. James C. Hannon
Various intervention research in community sites and schools targeted towards increasing physical activity and overall health related behaviors among children and youth age Pre-K through 12th grade. Research projects assessing measures of physical activity and fitness in children, youth and adults. Gender issues in sport, physical activity, and physical education.
Contact person:
Dr. James C. Hannon
james.hannon@hsc.utah.edu
(801) 581-7646
Dr. Andrea White
Effects of exercise on fatigue and pain in fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
This study compares neuroendocrine markers of pain and fatigue in FMS and CFS patients to controls. Blood samples are collected before and at 30 min, 8, 24, and 48 hours after a moderate exercise bout. We also measure a variety of subjective responses including somatic awareness, treatment strategies, pain, and fatigue, among others. Blood samples are processed in house using RNA extraction and PCR. We plan to test other populations with severe fatigue including those treated for breast and prostate cancer and MS patients.
Contact person:
Dr. Andrea White
Andrea.white@hsc.utah.edu
(801) 573-5387
Dr. Janet Shaw
Various projects related to physical activity and health, with an emphasis on women’s health. Specific projects include physical activity and nutrition assessment and guidance for behavior change in clinics that provide care for medically underserved women; determining whether physical activity plays a role in the development of pelvic floor disorders in women; and assessing physical activity and nutrition behaviors in retired athletes.
Contact person:
Dr. Janet Shaw
Janet.shaw@health.utah.edu
(801) 585-5107
Josh La Reaux -- PEAK Academy
The purpose of ESS 4920 is to give students a hands-on experience conducting biometric screenings, health coaching, fitness assessments and data collection for the University of Utah's employee wellness program. Students enrolled in this course will learn how to complete the following: fingerstick cholesterol screenings, manual blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, and various fitness assessments. This course is especially beneficial for any student pursuing a career in the medical field, corporate fitness, or health promotion and education.
Contact Person:
Josh La Reaux, M.S., CSCS
joshua.lareaux@hsc.utah.edu
(801) 585-7325
