Musculoskeletal Adaptations to Aging and Exercise Lab
Building stronger bones and muscles
Collecting and publishing data
The following populations have unique musculoskeletal function and demands that can often be improved with exercise:
- Clinical Research and Healthy Aging
- Female Physiology
- Competitive and Tactical Athletes
High-Tech Equipment
Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA)
This machine allows us to quickly and painlessly scan the entire body to measure bone, muscle and fat mass. We can also look at specific areas of the body that are often more affected by bone fragility fractures such as the lower spine, hips and wrist.
Biodex
This is a dynamometer that allows us to study strength and power of multiple muscles in the arms and legs. We often use this dynamometer to measure muscle strength and power in the upper and lower body. For instance, we assess knee injury risk in athletes by quantifying muscle imbalances.
EMG/MMG
These techniques allow us to understand how the nerves are communicating with muscles as we exercise. We can actually see the electrical and mechanical activity of the muscle or nerve.
Ultrasound
This machine allows us to assess individual muscle and tendon characteristics such as size, quality, and architecture. We can evaluate how these tissues adapt to physical training and injury in addition to determining functional mechanics and overall health.