For athletes, first responders, and military personnel, peak performance is not just about raw strength or speed, it also means the ability to think clearly and act decisively under stress. Modesto Lebron, a Ph.D. student in the Division of Kinesiology, is working to develop human performance tests that assess what that kind of performance really looks like and how to measure it.
Rather than isolating a single skill in a controlled environment, Lebron designs testing models that layer physical exertion with cognitive tasks. His work examines how reaction time, movement, speed and power are impacted when the body is fatigued, overheated or dehydrated — conditions that often mirror real-world environments.
Traditional assessments, he explains, don’t always capture that complexity. “Athletes and tactical responders don’t operate in isolation,” Lebron says. “They have to use their whole body and brain at once — moving quickly, making rapid decisions, and pushing through stressors like fatigue, heat, or dehydration.”
In his lab, participants might perform explosive, full-body exercises while simultaneously completing mental tasks that require focus and quick decision-making. The research also evaluates how hydration levels influence performance.
By building more realistic performance tests, Lebron hopes to help coaches, trainers and tactical leaders better identify strengths, uncover hidden vulnerabilities and tailor training programs accordingly.
“This research is designed to improve readiness and help people perform at their best under pressure, and when it matters most,” says Lebron.
