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
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
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
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.
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.
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)
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.
Dr. Padilla’s Neuromuscular Physiology, Muscle Function, and Aging Lab is dedicated to uncovering the neuromuscular mechanisms that contribute to age-related declines in physical function. Our research aims to develop and advance interventions that preserve muscle mass, strength, and motor performance across the lifespan. Using mouse and rat models, we strive to improve mobility, independence, and overall quality of life during aging.
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.
The Physical Activity and Mobile Health Laboratory (PAM Lab) is committed to advancing the science of measuring and promoting healthy physical behaviors through the integration of cutting-edge technology and innovative research. Our work centers on developing, testing, validating, and applying device-based methods to assess physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep, and physical function. By leveraging technology, we aim to better understand how these behaviors influence health outcomes across diverse populations and to identify strategies that support meaningful and sustainable behavior change.
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.
The Stress and Health Disparities Lab is committed to investigating how chronic stressors rooted in social and structural inequities (e.g., discrimination, ageism, gender and race expectations) influence disparities in chronic disease among older U.S. adults.
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.
Occupational Therapy Labs
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Larson’s research investigates caregivers’ and students’ participation in daily activity as related to levels of well-being.
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.
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.
Past Research
EDiPHY was made possible by a generous donation from the Virginia Horne Henry Fund. Developed by Cindy Kuhrasch, the project compiled more than just a listing of physical education (PE) class activities; it also offered resources to become a better teacher, student or supporter of PE in schools.
Explore the list of PE activities — you can filter and search by category and grade level.