Kinesiology
UW-Madison School of Education

Carlos Padilla

Assistant Professor

cpadilla4@wisc.edu

(608) 265-1135

399 Medical Sciences

1300 University Avenue

Madison, WI 53706

Padilla, Carlos

Dr. Carlos J. Padilla is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in physical activity, sarcopenia, neuromuscular physiology, and kinanthropometry. He is an ISAK Level 3 Certified Instructor in body composition assessment and earned his Ph.D. in Kinesiology from the University of León, Spain, where he studied the effects of resistance exercise and creatine supplementation on sarcopenia. His research explores neuromuscular mechanisms underlying age-related declines in muscle mass, strength, and motor performance, utilizing techniques such as electrophysiology and muscle physiology in rodent models to investigate neuromuscular aging and nutritional interventions. Dr. Padilla is strongly committed to teaching, research, and service, aiming to foster inclusive education and advance scientific progress.

Education

  • Postdoctoral Neuromuscular Physiology & Aging, Ohio University, 2023
  • Postdoctoral Neuromuscular Physiology, The Ohio State University, 2022
  • PhD Physical Activity and Sport Sciences, University of León, Spain, 2014
  • MA Scientific Analysis of Movement , Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, 2004
  • BA Physical Education, University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, 2001

Select Publications

  • Padilla, C. J., Harris, H., Volek, J. S., Clark, B. C., & Arnold, W. D. (2024). Effects of a ketogenic diet on motor function and motor unit number estimation in aged C57BL/6 mice. The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 28(6), 100219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnha.2024.100219.
  • Padilla, C. J., Ferreyro, F. A., & Arnold, W. D. (2021). Anthropometry as a readily accessible health assessment of older adults. Experimental Gerontology, 153, 111464. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2021.111464.
  • Clark, B. C., Rutkove, S., Lupton, E. C., Padilla, C. J., & Arnold, W. D. (2021). Potential utility of electrical impedance myography in evaluating age-related skeletal muscle function deficits. Frontiers in Physiology, 12, 666964. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.666964.
  • Padilla, C. J., Harrigan, M. E., Harris, H., Schwab, J. M., Rutkove, S. B., Rich, M. M., Clark, B. C., & Arnold, W. D. (2021). Profiling age-related muscle weakness and wasting: Neuromuscular junction transmission as a driver of age-related physical decline. GeroScience, 43(3), 1265-1281. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-021-00369-3.
  • Padilla, C. J., & Toledo, G. J. (2021). Relationship between obesity, sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and dynapenia in the elderly. Translational Journal of the ACSM, 6(2)
  • Arnold, W. D., & Padilla Colón, C. J. (2020). Maintaining muscle function across the lifespan: The state of science. American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation, 99(12), 1171-1176. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000001429.
  • Padilla, C. J., Molina-Vicenty, I. L., Frontera-Rodríguez, M., García-Ferré, A., Rivera, B. P., Cintrón-Vélez, G., & Frontera-Rodríguez, S. (2018). Muscle and bone mass loss in the elderly Population: Advances in diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Biomedicine, 3, 40-49. https://doi.org/10.7150/jbm.23390.
  • Padilla, C. J., Sánchez Collado, P., & Cuevas, M. J. (2014). Benefits of strength training for the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia. Nutrición hospitalaria, 29(5), 979-988. https://doi.org/10.3305/nh.2014.29.5.7313.

Select Presentations

  • Padilla, C. J. (2024). Neuromuscular physiology and obesity during aging. International Seminary of Adapted Physical Activity, University of Caldas, Manizales, Colombia.
  • Padilla, C. J. (2023). Motor function and body composition during aging. International Body Composition Meeting: A Clinical View, University of Anáhuac Mayab, School of Medicine, Mexico.
  • Padilla, C. J. (2023). Ketogenic diet improves motor function and motor unit connectivity in aged C57BL/6 mice. Skeletal Muscle Network Symposium, University of Wisconsin – Madison.
  • Padilla, C. J. (2022). Childhood obesity on neuromuscular function and disability. Annual Convention, Association of Physical Education and Recreation of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.
  • Padilla, C. J. (2022). Neuromuscular function and obesity. International Seminary of Adapted Physical Activity, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
  • Padilla, C. J. (2021). Age-related loss of muscle strength and muscle: Neuromuscular junction transmission as a driver of age-related physical decline. Department of Neurology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University.
  • Padilla, C. J. (2021). Electrical impedance myography correlates with muscle mass and neuromuscular deficits during aging: A potential instrument for sarcopenia? International Conference on Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle Wasting, Berlin, Germany.
  • Padilla, C. J. (2021). Obesity, disability, and physical activity. International Seminary of Adapted Physical Activity, University of Caldas, Manizales, Colombia.
  • Padilla, C. J. (2017). Identification of strength, muscle mass loss and physical functionality (Sarcopenia) through the Sarc-f questionnaire. VA Caribbean Healthcare System, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
  • Padilla, C. J. (2017). Changes related to age in body composition as a central axis in functional decline. Western Institute of Higher Technological Studies, (ITESO), Guadalajara, Jalisco México.

Select Awards and Honors

  • Diversity Supplement Award, National Institute on Aging (NIA), 2022
  • VA Caribbean Healthcare System, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Oral Presentations Award – Best Research Works, 2018