Mission & Vision

In conjunction with the Osness Human Performance Laboratories in the Robinson Center on the Lawrence Campus, the Exercise and Human Performance Lab​ and the Metabolic and Body Composition Lab offer students the opportunity to enhance education through practical application.

The Exercise and Human Performance Laboratory has a particular emphasis on examining the effects of various training programs on changes in muscular strength and functional performance parameters across the age span.



The Metabolic and Body Composition Laboratory has an emphasis on muscle and body composition as it adapts to disrupted homeostasis (exercise training, aging, injury or dietary alteration). Collectively, these labs work in synergy to create optimal evaluation of human interaction with exercise or nutritional interventions.

Testing Capabilities & Equipment

The HSES laboratories offer training modalities commonly used in strength and conditioning, and various assessments of functional aging, body composition and human performance.

Gaining and maintaining strength and muscle mass throughout the lifespan is the best indicator of functional living and maximizing performance, especially as humans age and endure injury. The principles established in the Exercise and Human Performance Laboratory promote maximal function at any stage of life. We have the capacity to perform complex resistance training or aerobic exercise interventions and utilize the tools to assess maximal strength, functional ability, body composition, muscle composition, resting metabolism, respiratory function, maximal oxygen consumption and energy consumption.

We use these laboratories as active learning spaces where students can gain hands-on, applied experience that they can carry through life.