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Research

The Department of Kinesiology hosts many research laboratories, where our faculty engage in scholarly inquiry and pursue research projects that advance knowledge within the kinesiology and occupational therapy fields. Whether you are a graduate or undergraduate student, there are opportunities to develop your research acumen working within these labs.

Kinesiology Labs

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Exercise Physiology (Bruno Balke Biodynamics) Laboratory

The Bruno Balke Biodynamics Laboratory was named in honor of Bruno Balke (PhD, MD) in 2011 to honor the significant contributions Dr. Balke made to UW–Madison, the Madison community, and to the entire field of exercise physiology.

Bruno Balke Biodynamics Laboratory

The Bruno Balke Biodynamics Laboratory includes a number of different labs.

Current Balke Biodynamics Lab research

Biodynamics Lab affiliates

Exercise Psychology Laboratory

Research in the Exercise Psychology Laboratory has generally been concerned with quantifying the psychophysiological responses to exercise and determining the neurobiological benefits of a physically active lifestyle.

Exercise Psychology Laboratory

The Exercise Psychology Laboratory includes a number of different labs.

Current Exercise Psychology Research Laboratories

Motor Behavior Laboratory

The Human Motor Behavior Laboratory is an active research environment in which faculty and students collaborate on projects aimed at gaining a better understanding of the planning and performance of simple and complex upper and lower limb activities in both natural and virtual environments.

Motor Behavior Laboratory

Motor Systems Physiology Laboratory

The Motor Systems Physiology Laboratory focuses on understanding the neural control of reaching to grasp, which is essential to primate motor behavior and strongly depends on cerebellar function.

Motor Systems Physiology Laboratory

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Sport and Clinical Injury Lab

The Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Sport and Clinical Injury Lab (MUSCIL), led by Dr. Scott Crawford, is dedicated to assessing biomechanical factors associated with muscle and tendon injury in both athletic and general populations.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound in Sport and Clinical Injury Lab (MUSCIL)

Neuromuscular Coordination Laboratory

The Neuromuscular Coordination Laboratory conducts fundamental research on the interactions between mechanics, neural control, and muscular coordination that allow humans and other animals to navigate their environments.

Neuromuscular Coordination Laboratory

Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory

The Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory investigates the association between physical activity and cancer risk and survival, as well as how to measure and promote physical activity among cancer survivors and at-risk populations.

Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory

Promotion of Health Equity and Adapted Physical Activity Lab

The PHEAPA lab, led by Dr. Luis Columna, is dedicated to the development and implementation of innovative physical activity interventions for individuals with disabilities and their families.

PHEAPA Lab

Wisconsin Injury in Sport Laboratory

Our research is focused on making sports safer for kids. Despite the well-documented benefits of sports participation, sport-related injuries are of the utmost concern because they can have a large impact on children quitting sports and ending participation in physical activity.

Wisconsin Injury in Sport Laboratory

Occupational Therapy Labs

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Ausderau Lab

Research in the Ausderau Lab focuses on studying daily occupations, specifically eating and mealtimes, among families and children with autism spectrum disorders to elucidate the impact on the child’s health, family wellness, and overall daily participation.

Ausderau Lab

Edwards Lab

Dr. Edwards and her colleagues are using neurological, neuropsychological, occupational performance, and outcomes research methods to explore the effects of cognitive impairment and racial disparities in adults with stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.

Dorothy Edwards Research

Geriatric Health Services Research Lab

The Geriatric Health Services Research Lab engages in research that examines the quality, access, and outcomes of patient- and family-centered care approaches across the care continuum.

Geriatric Health Services Research Lab

Lab for the Study of Occupation

Dr. Larson’s research investigates caregivers’ and students’ participation in daily activity as related to levels of well-being.

Lab for the Study of Occupation

Motor and Brain Development Lab

The Motor Brain and Development Lab is dedicated to advancing knowledge about motor development, brain development, and independent living skills to promote and enhance quality of life for individuals with and without developmental disorders.

Motor and Brain Development Lab

Sensory Motor Integration Lab

At the Sensory Motor Integration Lab (SMIL), our focus is on improving the everyday lives of older adults through the implementation of physical activity interventions—delivered in-home via telehealth and through group classes held at community-based facilities.

Sensory Motor Integration Lab