Ethan C. Hill, Ph.D., CSCS*D, ACSM-EP, is an Associate Professor in the School of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences and Director of the Strategies for Therapeutic Rehabilitation and Optimization of Neuromuscular Growth (STRONG) Laboratory at the University of Central Florida.
Hill’s research program seeks to preserve and restore human function by integrating exercise physiology, clinical rehabilitation, and emerging technologies. The STRONG Laboratory’s work spans three complementary areas: developing rehabilitation strategies for individuals who may not tolerate traditional exercise; identifying physiological mechanisms underlying movement, neuromuscular fatigue, pain, recovery, and adaptation; and developing intelligent rehabilitation approaches that use wearable sensors, computational methods, and artificial intelligence to objectively characterize human function beyond the laboratory and clinic.
Blood flow restriction exercise serves as a major translational model within Hill’s research, particularly among people with multiple sclerosis, where his laboratory studies resistance and walking-based interventions designed to improve muscle function, mobility, fatigue, and pain. His research also extends to aerospace and microgravity environments, including exercise countermeasures and wearable approaches to monitor physical performance during prolonged spaceflight. Across these areas, his long-term goal is to translate objective physiological and movement data into individualized and scalable rehabilitation strategies.
Credentials
- Ph.D., Doctor of Philosophy, Exercise Physiology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- CSCS*D, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with Distinction
- ACSM-EP, ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist
- MS, Master of Science, Exercise Physiology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- BS, Bachelor of Science, Exercise and Sport Science, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Affiliations
- American College of Sports Medicine
- National Strength and Conditioning Association
Areas of Specialty
- Clinical rehabilitation
- Exercise Physiology
- Blood Flow Restriction
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neuromuscular Function
- Muscle Fatigue
- Pain and Exercise
- Wearable Technology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Intelligent Rehabilitation
- Aerospace Physiology
- Human Performance
Research Lab Affiliations
Research Grants
Validity of an Algorithm-Based Determination of Total Arterial Occlusion Pressure Relative to Pulsed Wave Doppler
The Chronic Effects of Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction and Creatine Supplementation on Strength and Neuromuscular Function
RF: The acute effects of blood flow restricted and standard of care resistance exercise on neural, muscle, and perceptual responses among individuals living with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis
RF: The Chronic Effects of Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction and Standard of Care Resistance Exercise on Muscle and Neuromuscular Function in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
APK 4112: Exercise Physiology I, HIP Research Intensive
Research-intensive undergraduate course examining the physiological responses and adaptations to acute and chronic exercise while integrating students into the research process.
APK 6171: Clinical Exercise Physiology
Graduate course examining exercise testing, prescription, and physiological considerations for clinical populations and individuals with chronic disease.
APK 6703: Statistical Methods in Kinesiology
Graduate course focused on the application, interpretation, and reporting of statistical methods used in kinesiology and exercise science research.
- Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching — UCF College of Health Professions and Sciences, 2025
- Teaching Incentive Program Award — University of Central Florida, 2024
- Research Incentive Award — University of Central Florida, 2024
Professional Service
- Senior Associate Editor, Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research — 2025–Present
- Editorial Board Member, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise — 2024–Present
- Secretary, Scholarship Committee, National Strength and Conditioning Association — 2025–Present
- Scholarship Committee Member, National Strength and Conditioning Association — 2024–2025
- Guest Editor, Current Research in Physiology: Sex Differences in Physiology — 2024–2026
- Grant Reviewer, National Strength and Conditioning Association — 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025
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