Exercise Psychology
Graduate Advisors: Dane B. Cook, Ph.D.; Kelli F. Koltyn, Ph.D.
Synopsis: Exercise Psychology is the study of psychological responses
and adaptations to acute and chronic physical activity. The graduate program at
UW-Madison focuses on the psychobiological aspects of physical activity in both
healthy and diseased populations.
Purpose of MS and Ph.D.: Applicants for graduate study with specialization
in exercise psychology are ordinarily only accepted where there is an interest in
pursuing the Ph.D. In most cases where an applicant does not possess an MS degree,
it is customary to obtain the master's degree as formal evidence of progress toward
the Ph.D. If a candidate for the Ph.D. has not completed a master's degree, or in those
instances where a non-thesis master's degree has been completed, it is necessary
to publish a manuscript in a refereed journal as evidence of satisfactory progress
toward the Ph.D. Students in this area are trained in the theory and methods required
for understanding the psychological and biological bases of behavior. The Department
of Kinesiology requires that all candidates complete KINES 991 (Research in Physical
Activity - Theory and Design) or its equivalent, but with this single exception,
there are no specific courses required of candidates for the Ph.D. with specialization
in exercise psychology. Candidates must complete a minimum of 54 credits beyond
the baccalaureate degree in accordance with Graduate School policy, but most students
in the exercise psychology program elect to take additional credits beyond this
minimum. Emphasis is placed upon the demonstration of competence in general psychology,
exercise psychology, exercise science, statistics and research design rather than
completion of specific courses. Each candidate's program of formal course work and
independent study is tailored in a personalized manner to accommodate the individual's
research and career goals.
This program is committed to providing graduate students with the best available
training to prepare them for a variety of careers in academic, clinical, research,
government, and other settings. Emphasis is on both extensive academic training
in quantitative methods, kinesiology, and general psychology along with extensive
research training in the area of exercise psychology. Students are expected to become
creative scientists and to exhibit early and continuing commitment to research and
scholarship. Most students have several publications in refereed journals to their
credit before receiving their Ph.D.'s. While most of the graduates of this program
are currently teaching and conducting research at the university level, some have
elected to pursue clinical, administrative, and research careers in government,
university, and commercial settings.
Laboratory Facilities and Research Paradigms: The Exercise Psychology
Laboratory includes two sound-dampened chambers for use in conducting experimental
research, and testing facilities are supported by state-of-the-art hardware employed
in gathering psychophysiological data. A MRI simulator, located in the adjacent
Sensory and Motor Control Laboratory is available for MRI training and behavioral
testing. Research in the Exercise Psychology Laboratory has been generally concerned
with quantifying the psychophysiological responses to exercise. Numerous behavioral
methods have been used to determine affective and perceptual responses to exercise
including the use of biofeedback, hypnosis, imagery, meditation, and traditional
relaxation interventions such as autogenic training. More recently, the laboratory's
focus has been on the psychophysiological aspects of pain, fatigue, and perceived
exertion during and following exercise. These studies are being conducted in both
healthy participants and patients with chronic pain and fatigue, and are aimed at
understanding the psychophysiological mechanisms that underlie the perceptual experience.
Neuroimaging experiments using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are
also being conducted to determine neural responses related to pain, fatigue, and
exercise.
Prerequisites for admission
to Exercise Psychology MS and Ph.D. programs
Course requirements for
MS and Ph.D. in the Exercise Psychology track