Human Performance Lab
The Idaho State University Human Performance Lab is a testing and education center with cutting edge equipment and technology. Various exercise tests and fitness evaluations are offered in the lab, both for students and for the public. Students seeking a degree in sport and exercise science become proficient in performing standard exercise tests. The lab has become a staple of the ISU Human Performance and Sport Studies department, allowing students to gain expertise in exercise testing and research.
Our Equipment
Here in the Human Performance Lab, we take pride in the quality of our equipment. Recently, a significant grant was awarded to the department to enhance exercise testing equipment (courtesy of COSMED), ensuring that students and patrons are utilizing current technology. Additional equipment used in the lab includes a Velotron stationary bicycle used for Wingate and performance testing, a hydrostatic weigh tank for testing body composition, and nutritional analysis software. Future developments to the lab equipment will include a mobile metabolic cart for testing outside the lab and a BOD POD for body composition testing.
Exercise Testing
In the lab, a variety of tests are offered. Using our treadmill and metabolic carts, we are able to test for peak anaerobic power and measure the electrical activity of the heart. Body composition can be analyzed using the hydrostatic weigh tank and/or a skin fold caliper analysis. Using the Diet Analysis software on the computers in the lab, a full nutritional analysis can be performed by collecting data over a three-day period. A number of tests are also available for both the general public and the students of ISU. All of these tests are performed by our lab technicians. All tests and their pricing can be found at the bottom of this page.
Coursework
Students pursuing a degree in sport and exercise science gain hands-on experience in the Human Performance Lab through PE 3301 and PE 4484. In PE 3301, Psychology of Exercise, students learn what occurs in the body when it is put under the stress of exercise, and learn how to perform a number of exercise tests available in the lab. In PE 4484, Exercise Assessment and Prescription, students learn how to read and interpret ECGs, and how to administer Bruce Protocol VO2 Max and Wingate Anaerobic power tests. This class is considered extremely hands-on and an excellent opportunity for students to see what a career in exercise science could be like.
Michael C. Meyers, PhD, FACSM
Professor
Office: Reed Gym 201 F
Meet the Director
Michael C. Meyers, PhD, FACSM, is presently a Professor of Exercise Physiology, Department of Sport Science and Physical Education at Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID. Formerly an assistant dean at the College of Western Idaho and Senior Research Scientist at Montana State University, Dr. Meyers is a Fellow in the American College of Sports Medicine, Past-President of the Texas Regional Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine, and recognized on the Sport Psychology Registry, United States Olympic Committee. Dr. Meyers holds a Ph.D. in kinesiology from Texas A&M University with an emphasis in sport physiology as it relates to orthopedic sports medicine, a M.S. degree in nutrition and physiology (TAMU), and a B.S. degree in animal nutrition from Oklahoma State University. He is also an Adjunct Associate Professor and Graduate Faculty in the Department of Psychology at Texas A&M University, working in the area of pain response in athletes following injury and rehabilitation. He has authored over 75 scientific journal publications and has given over 430 regional, national, and international presentations. Over the past 27 years, Dr. Meyers continues to be involved with numerous high school, collegiate, professional, and elite organizations and athletes in the areas of injury epidemiology research, comprehensive sport performance assessment, and talent identification and development.
Shad Robinson, MPE, CSCS
Lab Coordinator
Office: Reed Gym 201 G
Meet the Lab Coordinator
Shad Robinson joined the Department of Human Performance and Sport Studies as the Clinical Coordinator of the Human Performance lab in 2017 and moved into a Clinical Faculty role in the fall of 2022. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science (2012) and a Master of PE in Athletic Administration (2013), he specializes in strength and conditioning, evaluation of human performance metrics, and leadership in athletics. In addition to academic duties, Shad serves as a consultant at a local athletic performance gym and coaches area youth in strength training and athletic development. An avid outdoorsman, his hobbies include hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, fishing, and photography.