The Exercise Physiology Laboratory within the School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology is well equipped to investigate several key areas of applied human and exercise physiology research. The lab is equipped with an environmental chamber (Environmental Growth Chambers, Chagrin Falls, OH), a 192 sq. ft. unit capable of maintaining ambient temperatures ranging from 30 to 115° F and relative humidity from 10 to 90%.
Metabolic rate, oxygen cost, respiratory exchange ratio can be determined using either a Parvo Medics Metabolic system or a Sensor Medics 2900 Metabolic Cart. In 2008, two Viasys Vmax calorimeters were obtained to perform resting metabolic rate studies. The Laboratory has several cycle ergometers: two high performance Lode Excalibur Sport electronically braked ergometers, one electronically braked Sensor Medics Ergolyne ergometer, and three mechanically braked Monark 190 ergometers. The Laboratory also houses multiple research-grade treadmills: A custom-built Parker treadmill, with variable incline capability and a maximum speed of 15 mi/hr; as well as a Quinton EKG monitor/treadmill system and a Pacer treadmill. A computerized isometric testing device was custom-built to obtain maximal voluntary force in the knee extensor muscles.
Housed within the Laboratory is a body composition room featuring a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer (GE Lunar Prodigy unit) for assessing bone mineral density and total body fatness. Body mass measurements are obtained using a Chatillon H81000 platform scale accurate within 0.05 kg. Additional measurement tools include standard laboratory calipers for measuring skinfold thicknesses and an anthropometric measurement kit for assessing body girths and skeletal widths.
The bench laboratory section includes general clinical chemistry spectrophotometric analyzers for electrolytes, glucose, lactate, hemoglobin, and various protein and enzymatic assays. A Nova-5 electrolyte analyzer is available to measure within the range required to detect sweat sodium concentration. Total body water can be performed via infrared spectrophotometry and osmolality via MicroOsmette osmometers using either 50 or 10 µL samples (Precision Systems Inc, Natick MA).
