Exercise
Physiology
The Exercise Physiology
Laboratory in the Department of Kinesiology is located in room 259
of the Rickel Academic Wing. The lab is shared by three exercise physiology
faculty. It contains a variety of basic equipment for human performance
assessment (treadmills, cycle ergometers, metabolic carts, heat
chamber and strength testing devices), as well as a blood chemistry
lab equipped to perform basic blood assays. Equipment includes a
spectrophotometer, fluorometer, osmometer, an electrolyte analyzer,
centrifuges, ultra low freezer, cell harvester, biological hood, differential cell counter, plate reader, and
incubators. With this equipment we have the ability to
conduct a variety of research projects dealing with the applied
aspects of exercise metabolism and performance.
The laboratory is used
to conduct: 1) class laboratory exercises at both the undergraduate
and graduate levels, 2) senior research projects for the undergraduate
movement science majors, 3) master's thesis projects, and 4) faculty
research projects. Students at all levels are encouraged to participate
in ongoing research in the Exercise Physiology Laboratory, either
to satisfy requirements, or simply to broaden their research experience.
Located in Room 259
TCU Rickel Academic Wing
Contact: Joel B. Mitchell
J.Mitchell@tcu.edu
Faculty Researchers
Dr. Mitchell has focused
primarily on projects dealing with fluid balance and thermoregulation
during exercise, particularly in warm environments. He has investigated
various fluid replacement regimens during and after dehydrating
exercise with an emphasis on the influence of fluid volume and composition
on gastric emptying, exercise performance, and fluid retention.
Other projects conducted by Dr. Mitchell have dealt with the influence
of acute and chronic exercise on immune system function. Research
funding has been obtained from internal grants as well as external
support from Coca Cola Inc., the Gatorade Sport Science Institute,
the AAFP, and other corporate and foundation sources.
Dr. Melody Phillips joined the TCU Kinesiology Department in the fall of 2004. Her primary research interests focus on the role of exercise in modulating inflammatory responses as they relate to various disease states.
Dr. David Upton joined the TCU Kinesiology Department in the fall of 2006 as an applied health and fitness specialist. His research focus is on how various strength and conditioning programs impact athletic performance.
Sample Publications from
the Exercise Physiology Laboratory in the Past Five Years
Watkins, A.M., D. Cheek, A. Harvey, K. Gillam, and J.B. Mitchell. The relationship between whole body heat acclimation and cellular expression of HSP-72 in human skeletal muscle. (In press- International Journal of Sports Medicine).
Mitchell, J.B., J.Rowe, J.J. Barbee, M. Shah, A.M. Watkins, S. Simmons, and C. Stevens. The effect of prior exercise on postprandial blood lipid responses in lean and obese young women following ingestion of a high carbohydrate meal. (in press- Int. J. Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism).
Watkins, A.M., D. J. Cheek, A. E. Harvey, K. E. Blair, and J.B. Mitchell*. Heat Shock Protein (HSP-72) Levels in Skeletal Muscle Following Work in Heat. Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine. 78:901-905, 2007.
Mitchell,
J.B ., J.P. Dugas, B.K. McFarlin and M. McBroom. The effect
of pre-exercise cooling on high intensity running performance in
the heat. Int. J. Sport Med. 24:118-124, 2003.
McFarlin,
B.K. J.B. Mitchell, M.A. McFarlin, and G.M. Steinhoff
. Repeated endurance exercise affects leukocyte
number but not NK activity. Med. Sci. Sports and Exerc.
35:1130-1138, 2003.
McFarlin
BK & Mitchell JB. Exercise in hot and cold
environments: Differential effects on leukocyte number and NK cell
activity. Aviat Space Environ Med. 74: 1231-1236, 2003.
Mitchell,
J.B ., B.K. McFarlin, J.P. Dugas, and M.J. Nelson. Effect
of exercise, heat stress and hydration on immune cell number and
function. Med. Sci. in Sports and Exerc. 34: 1941-1950.
2002.
Projects
in Progress in the Exercise Physiology Laboratory
