Exercise Science
Department Research
The Exercise Science Department currently focuses the research effort, with extensive external funding, in four areas:
- Exercise and Aging
- Obesity and Diabetes
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Skeletal Muscle
- Exercise in Individuals with Disabilities
- Cardiovascular Research
- Metabolism
The Exercise Science Department also collaborates extensively with the SUNY Upstate Medical University and all of our faculty have appointments in various departments at SUNY UMU. Collaborative research, clinical and educational opportunities are available for our students through SUNY UMU as well. The Institute for Human Performance, part of the SUNY UMU campus, is a 40,000 square foot facility of dedicated laboratory space for research in Human Performance. The Exercise Science Department shares some research space in the IHP and collaborates on several research projects. Considering the joint faculty expertise and the available facilities in the Exercise Science Department at Syracuse University and at SUNY Upstate Medical University , the possibilities for students to pursue high quality, innovative work in applied exercise physiology are limited only by your own imagination!
Exercise and Aging: Research on the effects of exercise in the elderly and its effect on the aging process are of utmost importance for the treatment and prevention of functional loss. The Department of Exercise Science has a strong research program evaluating aspects of cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and hormonal aspects of aging and the influence of exercise training. This research has provided the foundation for improving health and quality of life of older individuals.
Obesity and Diabetes: Diabetes is now the most prevalent chronic disease in the US . Obesity contributes to Diabetes and a host of other chronic diseases. The Exercise Science Department's research program studies various aspects of obesity, including the effect of fat storage on health risk, hormonal aspects of obesity, and effects of exercise on obesity and health risks. In addition, current research is focusing on the link between obesity, diabetes, hormonal function and exercise. This research has resulted in many important publications, and has established the Exercise Science Department as a national leader in the field.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Skeletal Muscle: Skeletal muscle function has traditionally been investigated through invasive techniques, including muscle biopsies. MRI provides an opportunity to evaluate muscle function and involvement during exercise non-invasively. This is a new technique and relatively few research centers have been able to adopt it. The technique is tremendously valuable because of its applicability in evaluating muscle function without invasive procedures, allowing for studies to be conducted on a variety of populations that could not be otherwise investigated. This includes clinical and aging populations. The Exercise Science Department is regarded as one of the national leaders in this emerging field.
Exercise in Individuals with Disabilities: individuals with disabilities have traditionally been excluded from exercise programs and exercise related research. However, individuals with disabilities may need appropriate exercise programs even more than their non-disabled peers. Sedentary lifestyle is one of the major contributors to health problems in persons with disabilities. The Exercise Science Department has recently added this area of research, and will continue to develop this type of program especially with an emphasis on children with disabilities.
Graduate Research
Graduate students in Exercise Science are encouraged to become involved in the research process by participating as part of a team on various projects during their first semester on campus. Both M.S. and Ph.D. students also direct their own projects after their first year. Graduate Student research in the department is of exceptional quality, and the students publish their papers in professional journals. Many students have also received grant support for their research, and several serve as manuscript reviewers for journals.
Research Facilities
The Women's Building houses the Exercise Science Department's faculty and administrative offices, two research laboratories, two gymnasiums, an indoor pool, a dance studio, outdoor playing fields, and tennis courts.