The Science of Winning: Inside Adelphi’s Human Performance Lab

Exercise science students work directly with experts in exercise physiology and physical therapy in Adelphi's renowned Human Performance Lab.

Behind the steady hum of treadmills and the gentle whir of metabolic testing machines stands Adelphi University's Human Performance Lab-a lab dedicated to exploring the human body's limits and capabilities for more than four decades. Serving as a rich resource for both education and innovation, the lab has become a pivotal space for students in the Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences, researchers and endurance athletes alike.

"With a mission focused on students first, we enhance academic learning in health and sport sciences, facilitate groundbreaking research and assist individuals eager to elevate their physical potential," said exercise science professor Robert Otto, PhD, who has worked in the lab since 1981.

For Exercise Science Students, a Living Lab

Nestled within Adelphi's exercise science facilities, located in the lower floors of Woodruff Hall, the lab transcends traditional textbook education. Here, exercise science students immerse themselves in hands-on learning experiences, actively measuring crucial physiological concepts such as metabolism and muscle function with state-of-the-art equipment.

The lab helps prepare students for careers in strength and conditioning and personal training, and it remains the only university-based adult fitness cardiac rehabilitation program in the New York tristate area.

Students earning their MS in Exercise Science, in particular, leverage the lab for critical research projects required for their degree. Current investigations are wide-ranging, spanning from evaluating compounds that enhance oxygen efficiency during exercise to analyzing the effects of beetroot juice on muscle blood flow.

Initially centered on metabolic testing, advancements over the years have introduced new equipment and innovative testing.

"We built this lab from the ground up," Dr. Otto reflected. "Over time, we've incorporated body composition testing, force measurement and muscle activation analysis."

For Elite Athletes, Machines and Measurements to Boost Performance

Today, exercise science students and researchers can assess body composition in the lab using tests like:

• Skinfold measurements
• Hydrostatic underwater weighing
• Bone density analysis

These assessments provide vital insights into the balance between fat and lean muscle mass-essential information for high-performance athletes, and the health students who work with them.

Among its many features, the lab boasts a specialized cycle ergometer that measures physical work output with unparalleled precision. "It can range from zero to 2,500 watts in one-watt increments," Dr. Otto explained. "This allows us to measure the force each leg produces with pinpoint accuracy."

For high performance athletes like triathletes, that makes an impact on performance.

Dr. Otto shared the example of a competitive triathlete who consistently ranked among the top regional contenders. After undergoing efficiency testing and refining their training approach, the athlete saw a performance improvement of approximately 2 percent, a seemingly minor gain for some. But even 2 percent can make a tremendous difference in the field of elite-level competition.

"In fact, for elite athletes, a 2 percent improvement is monumental," Dr. Otto noted, emphasizing the athlete's subsequent success on the national stage.

Metabolic testing is another feature of the lab. By measuring oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production during exercise, researchers can gauge how the body metabolizes fuel. Dr. Otto further elaborates, "Understanding caloric expenditure at specific paces enables athletes to precisely plan their nutritional intake for competitions."

Boosting Health and Wellness in the Community

While primarily dedicated to exercise science student education and research, the lab directly assists the broader community. Members of the public can schedule tests to assess resting metabolic rate, body composition and maximal oxygen consumption; valuable measurements for anyone looking to enhance fitness or manage weight.

"A resting metabolic rate indicates the minimum caloric intake needed for basic survival," Dr. Otto explained, reinforcing the lab's role in promoting health and wellness.

The lab's long-standing presence on Long Island has set it apart from similar facilities, and Dr. Otto noted that students from other universities often visit to observe demonstrations and familiarize themselves with the innovative equipment.

Ultimately, the Human Performance Lab is more than a collection of machines and data charts. It embodies the intersection of scientific inquiry and human aspiration, empowering students, athletes and community members to gain deeper insights into the body's performance and explore pathways for improvement.

Dr. Otto explained the mission of the lab with just a few words.

"We measure how the body works," Dr. Otto concluded. "Then we use that information to help individuals perform better. "