Exercise Physiology, Intervention, and Collaboration (EPIC) Lab
UCF Division of Kinesiology
Overview
The Exercise Physiology Intervention and Collaboration (EPIC) Laboratory is a student-centered research laboratory that examines muscle function and cognition under various conditions. Faculty and students within the EPIC lab are interested in how nutritional supplement interventions affect post-exercise recovery, muscle growth and acute cognitive dysfunction. In collaboration with the Cellular Exercise Physiology Laboratory (CEPL), our team studies the innate immune and inflammatory responses that coincide with these exercise-induced perturbations, and the role of these biological processes in the resolution of muscle damage and functional deficit. These projects include healthy populations as well as clinical populations such as those with conditions such as age-related muscle mass loss.
Ongoing Research Projects
The effects of ATP (adenosine 5’- triphosphate disodium) supplementation vs. Placebo on measures of mood, reaction time and cognitive performance.
The purpose of this study is to examine whether adenosine triphosphate (ATP) supplementation improves cognitive performance or mitigates cognitive decline when compared to placebo. The brain is the most metabolically active organ in the body and as such is particularly vulnerable to disruption of energy resources. As such, interventions that sustain adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels may have importance for improving neuronal dysfunction and loss. A number of metabolic agents have been shown to have beneficial effects on cognitive function through an ATP generating pathway, however, there is limited research examining the effects of direct ATP supplementation. In this study, we will be utilizing an exhaustive bout of aerobic exercise to induce cognitive function and will examine the effects of ATP supplementation pre- and post-exercise. This study will use the Dynavision visuomotor reaction time device, Neurotracker multiple object tracking assessment and the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics Cognitive test battery to assess cognitive function. This project will help us to better understand if supplemental energy substrate is able to help mitigate cognitive decline under stressful physical conditions.
The Day-to-Day Reliability and Validity of the Fit3D Body Composition Analysis System
The purpose of this study is to investigate the day-to-day reliability and validity of the Fit3D body composition analyzer against criterion methods of obtaining anthropometric data such as the BodPod and InBody bioelectrical impedance. This study will attempt to provide insight into the relatively newer optical scan technology that the Fit3D utilizes.
Reliability and Validity of the Desmotec D.EVO Isoinertial Training Device for Assessing Isometric Squat Force and Isoinertial Squat Force and Power
The purpose of this investigation is to examine the validity of the Desmotec D.EVO isoinertial training device for assessing maximum voluntary isometric contraction (IMVIC) versus Traditional MVIC (TMVIC) and determine the test-retest reliability of force and power output during IMVIC and isoinertial squat protocols (ISPs). Additional objectives are to determine the number of familiarization sessions required to achieve reliable data for the IMVIC and ISP, and to examine the relationships between force output in IMVIC & TMVIC protocols, force and power output during the ISP and dynamic movement performance during a broad jump and vertical jump.
A comparison of the Influence of a Full Body Harness Versus a Waist Belt on Isometric Force Production during an Isoinertial Device MVIC.
The purpose of this investigation is to examine differences in participant pain and force production between two different straps during maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) on the Desmotec D.EVO isoinertial training device. Additionally, we are examining the reliability and concurrent validity of each strap when conducting an Isoinertial device MVIC and compare them to a traditional MVIC.
The Reliability of Functional and Systemic Markers of Muscle Damage in Response to Moderate and High Isoinertial Loading Paradigms
The purpose of this investigation is to characterize the magnitude, timescale, and reliability of changes in functional and systemic outcome markers following moderate and high isoinertial resistance squat protocols. Furthermore, we aim to provide recommendations for the prescription of isoinertial training in cross over studies and in training regimens.
Agreement Among Resting Metabolic Rate Assessments within Resistance Trained Females
The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the reliability and validity of the KORR-MetaCheck device compared to the Parvo Medic TrueOne analyzer, to establish the level of agreement between methods of indirect calorimetry, commonly used resting metabolic rate prediction equations, and non-traditional assessments of resting metabolic rate, and to determine an improved prediction equation for resting metabolic rate in resistance trained females.
Assessing Neutrophil Recruitment and Adhesion Dynamics in Response to Resistance Exercise Across the Menstrual Cycle
The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the influence of three menstrual phases on neutrophil recruitment and adhesion dynamics, markers of muscle damage, and functional recovery following resistance exercise eliciting exercise induced muscle damage in eumenorrheic women. We aim to examine the impact that the menstrual cycle may have on physiological and functional recovery from resistance training in normally menstruating women.
Evaluating Neutrophil Sensitivity Across the Menstrual Cycle in Response to a Fixed Interleukin-8 Concentration
The purpose of this investigation is to determine the impact of three distinct ovarian hormone profiles on CXCR2 expression on neutrophils and chemotactic sensitivity to an absolute concentration of recombinant IL-8 following damaging exercise.
Evaluating Neutrophil Sensitivity Across the Menstrual Cycle in Response to a Fixed Interleukin-8 Concentration
The purpose of this investigation is to determine the impact of three distinct ovarian hormone profiles on CXCR2 expression on neutrophils and chemotactic sensitivity to an absolute concentration of recombinant IL-8 following damaging exercise.
Assessing the Influence of Menstrual Cycle on Exercise Perception and Recovery During and Following Resistance Exercise
The purpose of this investigation is to determine the influence of three menstrual phases on sleep quality, perceived exertion, exercise enjoyment, menstrual distress, mood, perceived recovery, and subjective performance during and following resistance exercise in eumenorrheic women. Furthermore, this investigation will aim to quantify if differences in the physiological demand of exercise across three menstrual phases exist, using cardiovascular assessments and objective load measurements.
Meet Our Team
Co-Directors
Adam J. Wells, Ph.D., CSCS*D, SCYM(ASCP)CM
Ph.D. Students
Selected Relevant Publications
Our laboratory makes a concerted effort to publish our findings in respected academic journals and present at regional, national, and international conferences. In addition to contributing to collective body of knowledge in a given field, presenting original data at conferences is a fun way for the lab’s students to enhance their self-confidence and network with other scientists.
- Beausejour J, Knowles K, Wilson A, Mangum CL, Hill EC, Hanney W, Wells AJ, Fukuda DH; Stout, JR Stock MS. Innovations in the Assessment of Skeletal Muscle Health: A Glimpse into the Future. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 2024 (Online ahead of print). DOI
- Moon JM, Dufner TJ, Wells AJ. Evaluating the Effects of PeakATP® Supplementation on Visuomotor Reaction Time and Cognitive Function Following High-Intensity Sprint Exercise. Frontiers in Nutrition 10:123678, 2023. DOI
- Dufner TJ, Moon JM, Fukuda DH, Wells AJ. The Effects of Two Weeks of Oral PeakATP® Supplementation on Performance During a Three-Minute All Out Test. Journal of Functional Morphology & Kinesiology, 8(2): 42, 2023. DOI
- Wells AJ, Johnson, BDI. Test-retest reliability, training and detraining effects associated with the Dynavision D2™ Mode A visuomotor reaction time test. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 31(2): 255-263, 2022. DOI
- Drid P, Franchini E, Lopes-Silva J, Fukuda DH, Wells, AJ, Lakicevic N, Bianco A, Paoli A, Milovancev A, Roklicer R, Trivic, T. Health Implications of Judo Training. Sustainability, 13(20): 11403, 2021. DOI
- Varanoske AN, Wells AJ, Boffey D, Harat I, Frosti CL, Kozlowski GJ, Gepner Y, Hoffman JR. Effects of high-dose, short-duration β-alanine supplementation on cognitive function, mood, and circulating brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) in recreationally-active males before military operation stress. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 18(2): 147-168, 2021. DOI
- Varanoske AN, Coker NA, Johnson BDI, Belity T, Wells AJ. Influence of muscle depth and thickness on ultrasound echo intensity of the vastus lateralis. Acta Radiologica, 62(9): 1178-1187, 2021. DOI
- Varanoske AN, Coker NA, Johnson BDI, Belity T, Wells AJ. Muscle quality, as measured by ultrasound-derived echo intensity, does not affect changes in cross-sectional area of the vastus lateralis following recumbent rest in resistance-trained males. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 37(2): 157-168, 2021. DOI
- Wells AJ, Varanoske AN, Coker NA, Kozlowski GJ, Frosti CL, Boffey D, Harat I, Jahani S, Gepner Y Hoffman JR. The effect of β-alanine supplementation on monocyte recruitment and cognition during a 24-h simulated military operation. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 34(11): 3042-3054, 2020. DOI
- Coker NA, Wells AJ, Gepner Y. The effect of heat stress on running performance in collegiate male soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(4), 1141-1149, DOI
- Varanoske AN, Coker NA, Johnson BDI, Belity T, Mangine GT, Stout JR, Fukuda DH, Wells AJ. Effects of rest position on morphology of the vastus lateralis and its relationship with lower-body strength and power. Functional Morphology and Kinesiology, 4(3): 64, 2019. DOI
- Gepner Y, Wells AJ, Gordon JA, Arroyo E, Varanoske AN, Coker NA, Fukuda DH, Stout JR, Hoffman JR. Differences in muscle oxygenation between young and middle-aged recreational men during high-volume resistance exercise. Kinesiology, 51(1): 3-11, 2019. DOI
- Coker NA, Varanoske AN, Baker KM, Hahs-Vaughn D, Wells AJ. Predictors of Competitive Powerlifting Success in National-Level Powerlifters: A Multi-level Analysis. International Journal of Performance Analysis in Sport, 18(5): 796-805, 2018. DOI
- Arroyo E, Wells AJ, Gordon JA, Varanoske AN, Gepner Y, Coker NA, Church DD, Fukuda DH, Stout JR, Hoffman JR. TNF-α and STNFR Responses in Young vs. Middle-Aged Males Following Eccentric Exercise. Experimental Gerontology, 100: 28-35, 2017. DOI
- Coker NA, Wells AJ, Ake KM, Griffin DL, Rossi SJ, McMillan JL. Relationship between running performance and recovery-stress state in collegiate soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 31(8): 3131-2140, 2017. DOI
- Wells AJ, Hoffman JR, Jajtner AR, Varanoske AN, Church DD, Gonzalez AM, Townsend JR, Boone CH, Baker KM, Beyer KS, Mangine GT, Oliveira LP, Fukuda DH, Stout JR. Post-resistance exercise ingestion of milk protein attenuates plasma TNFα and TNFr1 expression on monocyte subpopulations. Amino Acids, 49(8): 1415-1426, 2017. DOI
Contact
The UCF Exercise Physiology, Intervention, and Collaboration (EPIC) Lab is located in the Education Complex and Gymnasium (bldg. 21) room 179A. The building is located in between Parking garage A and the Teaching Academy.
You may contact us by email at EPICLab@ucf.edu or with the fillable form below. We look forward to hearing from you.
UCF Exercise Physiology, Intervention, and Collaboration (EPIC) Lab
Education Complex and Gymnasium
12494 University Blvd, Room 179A
Orlando, FL, 32816