We promote and optimize health, wellness, and performance through research, community engagement, service and teaching excellence. The Department of Kinesiology is proud of its associations with the Korey Stringer Institute and the Nayden Rehabilitation Clinic and our research at the Athletic Training Laboratory and Human Performance Laboratory.
Integrative Physiology Lab
The Integrative Physiology Lab conducts research with an integrative approach to studying vascular and skeletal muscle function across both animal and human models. Our current research focuses on investigating the impact of mitochondrial-derived oxidative stress and mitophagy on age-related changes in cognitive function and immune system (Immunosenescence). Additionally, we examine skeletal and vascular dysfunction induced by ACL injury and explore age-related diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, and hypertension.
Moreover, our research extends to exploring the pleiotropic effects of statin therapy (cholesterol-lowering drugs) in humans. This involves investigating the direct influence of statins on skeletal muscle strength and aerobic performance, as well as exploring the effects of Curcumin supplementation on statin-induced myopathy.
Collaboratively, our lab collaborates with multiple laboratories at UCONN Health Center on Aging, as well as with the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Nutritional Science at the Storrs campus.
MISSION Heat Lab
The MISSION Heat Lab at UConn’s Korey Stringer Institute is a comprehensive environmental physiology and exercise testing lab. Featuring a 450 sq. ft. environmental chamber capable of precisely controlling ambient temperature from 40°F to 110°F, humidity from 20% to 90% and radiant heat simulating from full cloud cover to unobstructed sun, the facility is prepared to simulate the thermal environments faced by athletes, warfighters and laborers. Unique to the facility is the inclusion of a bathroom and dedicated cooling area within the environmental chamber, allowing for uninterrupted testing. The lab is also fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including high speed treadmills, advanced bike ergometers and a comprehensive physiological monitoring system, to apply exact exercise intensities and accurately measure the responses.
Movement for Life Lab
The Movement for Life Lab is focused on understanding and testing factors that increase motivation for movement. We use behavioral science to create interventions for individuals that might have difficulties starting and sticking with exercise and physical activity. We primarily focus on interventions for people with Parkinson disease as well as underserved populations (Latinx/Hispanic).
REINVENT PT Lab
The REINVENT lab is interested in understanding developmental trajectories of individuals with neuro-developmental disabilities such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, and Intellectual Disability across the lifespan. We are interested in studying how infants and children with developmental disabilities explore their physical and social environment compared to typically developing peers and the cascading effects of motor difficulties on a child’s social communication and cognitive development.
Sport Optimization and Rehabilitation
The Sport Optimization and Rehabilitation (SOAR) Laboratory is a unit within the HPL comprised of a 2,000 square space located in Gampel Pavilion. Led by Co-I Dr. Glaviano and Dr. Morgan, personnel within the SOAR laboratory includes five full-time faculty, nine full-time PhD students, and multiple master’s and undergraduate level research assistants. The SOAR laboratory has its own private patient examination room. The laboratories are locked via key entry and are only accessible to lab personnel who have been granted access by the administration. There are also lockable file cabinets within the labs for secure data storage.