Bearcat Performance Lab expands exercise science research, engages the community

A BPL worker monitors an individual wearing a facial apparatus. Photo/CECH Marketing

"We have a wide range of really nice equipment enabling us to take a lot of different physiological measures," explains Matt Chatlaong, Ph.D., an assistant professor with CECH's Exercise Science program and director of the BPL. With research interests in cardiovascular and metabolic function, strength and conditioning performance, blood flow restriction modalities, cycling and non-invasive physiological measures, Chatlaong sees the BPL as an important resource for college researchers seeking insight into the science of human movement and exercise.

The lab is also an exciting advancement for both undergraduate and graduate students in the Exercise Science program, who can take advantage of the space to work alongside faculty members engaged in active research. In addition to enabling learners to gain hands-on experience with professional-grade equipment commonly used in the field, the BPL allows students to take part in athlete monitoring research, professional development, and presentation and publication opportunities.

Assistant professor Matt Chatlaong demonstrates use of one of the BPL's weightlifting machines. Photo/CECH Marketing

"Essentially we're trying to use our expertise combined with the equipment in a way that people can use outside of being a part of the Exercise Science program or being a part of a research study or anything like that," says Chatlaong. He notes there's a signup form available on the BPL website that people can use to get in touch. "What we'll do is go through what the comprehensive fitness assessment will include and different results we'll get. And then if folks are interested in proceeding, we'll discuss what protocols will work best for them and find a time to have them come into the lab.

"And the important application of this sort of testing is to be able to track progress, so the goal would be to have it not just be a one-time thing," adds Chatlaong. "We would encourage folks to do the testing, do training outside of the lab, then come back to see what kind of progress that is having on their body. We can go through some of the results with them each time."

BPL assessments offer obvious benefits to athletes seeking to optimize physical performance. But Chatalong notes that the lab's services can provide insights for a range of individuals, including those new to exercise, fitness club members, runners and cyclists, and even civil servants such as firefighters and police officers for whom physical ability can be essential.

"We want to help those in the community access to state-of-the-art equipment that can measure health parameters," says Sanders. "Then we can make objective recommendations about their test results to help them improve health and performance."

The cutting-edge equipment in the lab is a mixture of new pieces and machines lightly used for research and classroom purposes in the Exercise Science program. Chatlaong is especially excited about a machine known as the InBody 770 Body Composition and Body Water Analyzer. "That's a really state-of-the-art, noninvasive, super-fast way to assess things like body fat percentage, muscle mass, lean mass-that sort of thing," he says. "A person will stand on two electrodes and then grab two electrodes. It's sort of like a really, really hi-tech scale in a way."

You can learn more about the Bearcat Performance Lab at its website, as well as check out the full list of equipment currently in the lab. Interested in getting information about fitness assessments offered by the BPL? Read more and fill out the signup sheet here.

Featured image at top: Assistant professor Matt Chatlaong monitors the pulse of a lab participant performing exercise. Photo/CECH Marketing

The School of Human Services, located in the College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology, is a dynamic and innovative program committed to excellence in raising the next generation of industry professionals. The School of Human Services offers a range of certificates, undergraduate, masters and doctoral programs to prepare students for their futures in the field of health and wellness.