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Physical Activity Energetics/Mechanics Lab (Physical Activity Lab)
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220 Moby-B Complex
Colorado State University
Phone: 970-491-4072
Ray Browning, Ph.D.
Phone: 970-491-5868
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Lab members: Rebecca Kurtz, Kate Dannecker, David Weber, Ray Browning, Cameron Carter, Robbie Ketchell. Front row: Michelle Reynolds, Kellie Ehlen. Not pictured: Chrissy Schaefer, Katie Drobnitch, Eliza Finney
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The broad mission of the physical activity lab is to explore how physical activity (human movement) can be used to prevent/treat childhood and adult obesity and other chronic diseases. We focus our research on three main areas:
- Energetics/Biomechanics: How you move. By studying physical activity movements, we hope to improve physical activity prescription.
- Monitoring: When you move. We use existing techniques and are developing new technologies to monitor movement so that we can provide individuals with accurate physical activity assessment.
- Equipment: Getting you moving. We are working on developing new equipment that encourages physical activity, especially among children.
We use an integrative approach to study of physical activity by combining exercise physiology, biomechanics and engineering in our research.
We typically have several research projects running concurrently in the lab. If you stop by, you might find us doing one of the following experiments:
| 1. Effects of obesity on the energetics/mechanics of slope walking. This study aims to determine whether walking slowly up an incline can be an effective means of achieving high rates of energy expenditure while reducing lower extremity joint loads (compared to brisk overground, level walking). We are also quantifying lower extremity biomechanics during uphill/downhill walking via our new dual-belt, force measuring inclinable treadmill. |
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| 2. Calibrate and validate a new footwear based physical activity monitor. We have a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant to develop a new physical activity monitor that uses insole pressure and accelerometry to quantify posture allocation, types of activity and energy expenditure. |
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3. Evaluate the effects of environment and curriculum change on physical activity levels of elementary school children (Denver Public Schools). During this NIH funded project, we will be using accelerometry to measure the changes in physical activity levels of 1st, 3rd and 5th grade inner-city students as their playgrounds and recess activities are altered. |
| 4. Human power generation as a means of physical activity for children (Energy-generating play structures/environments). We are in the early stages of understanding how human power can be used to increase levels of physical activity in youth while also teaching them about climate change. The overall aim is to develop and test energy-generating play structures that can be used to encourage physical activity. We also aim to use the harvested energy to teach math, science and engineering principles related to energy efficiency and conservations. |
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5. Industry sponsored projects. We usually also have 1 or 2 industry sponsored research projects where we are helping companies (typically sporting goods manufacturers) develop and evaluate new products. We have recently finished a snowshoe frame design research project and are currently working with Pearl Izumi on a compression garment study. |
GRADUATE STUDENTS
- Kate Dannecker
- Kellie Ehlen
- Robby Ketchell
- Rebecca Kurtz
- Michelle Reynolds
- Chrissy Schaefer
- David Weber
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
- Cameron Carter
- Eliza Finney
- Katie Drobnitch
Students
- If you are an undergraduate student, please contact Dr Browning directly about getting involved in our studies. It is a good way for you to get exposed to what health-related human research is about.
- Potential Masters students should see the Department's site related to our MS Program. After acceptance in to the program it is a good idea to explore the different labs to get an idea of what you would like to do.
- Potential PhD students should first contact Dr Browning directly to talk about your interests. Be sure to also check out the requirements for our Bioenergetics PhD Program in the department.
- We are almost always looking for healthy adults and children for our studies. In particular, we are typically looking for sedentary, overweight and obese adults and children. If you have any interest at all, please contact the PA lab.
- If your community group has an interest in healthy practices through physical activity, please feel free to contact us. It is part of our mission to provide those in the community the information from our studies in a manner that is easy to understand and implement.
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