The Physical Activity Laboratory (PAL) is committed to the study of physical activity, fitness and exercise. Our experienced team of exercise physiologists and researchers assists in design and implementation of related assessments and protocols within research projects.
Core services include a wide range of exercise tests as well as support for supervised exercise interventions. Available assessments include, but are not limited to, VO2 peak, max and submax (treadmill, cycle), strength (designated repetition maximum tests, grip strength), flexibility (sit-and-reach, shoulder stretch), frailty (timed up-and-go, walking distance/pace) and free living physical activity and sleep (accelerometry). PAL can also assist in selection and design of appropriate assessments and interventions.
PAL has experience with individuals of various ages and physical and mental abilities. PAL has designed and implemented fitness related protocols in special populations, including but not limited to cancer patients, obese pediatrics, adults with cerebral palsy, children with Downs Syndrome and obese adults with multiple comorbidities. Additionally, PAL serves as a primary testing site for the Investigational Weight Management Clinic, a NORC Demonstration Unit.
PAL regularly develops study and population specific assessments and interventions.
In addition, PAL provides accelerometry support, both “full-service” and “ala carte”. Full-service support is for study teams who do not plan to have any direct involvement in collecting accelerometry data for their studies (Full-service support includes ALL of the services listed below). For study teams planning to be actively involved, we will help you determine which ala carte services you’d like to access. We currently provide: 1) device rental (we have 30 Actigraphs); 2) data collection set up; 3) support services during an intervention; and 4) assistance with data cleaning and interpretation. PAL does not offer statistical support for data analysis.