the lab — Cardiovascular and Applied Physiology Laboratory

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Building Knowledge on Modifiable Health Factors to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk

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THE CAP LABORATORY HAS RECEIVED >$2.7 MILLION IN RESEARCH FUNDING SINCE BEING ESTABLISHED IN 2022

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RESEARCH CAPABILITIES

DXA, DEXA, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, body composition, body density — Body Composition

We use dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans to measure muscle mass, fat mass, and bone mineral density. [Biorender image]

inspiratory muscle strength training, IMST, respiratory — Respiratory Muscle Function

We use the PowerBreathe K3 devices to measure peak inspiratory pressure during a forceful inhalation. (Photo credit: Casey A. Cass/University of Colorado)

Beat-to-beat Hemodynamic Monitoring

We use a cutting edge finger pressure cuff to measure blood pressure for each heartbeat non-invasively.

Oxygen Cost of Breathing

We measure the cardiovascular responses to hyperventilation safely by using a medical-grade gas mixture with slightly elevated carbon dioxide to prevent dizziness.

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing

We measure oxygen consumption during submaximal and peak (i.e., VO2peak) cycling exercise. We also calculate breathing efficiency and fuel utilization.

Artery Stiffness & Blood Pressure Waveform Analysis

We use non-invasive approaches to measure arterial stiffness (applanation tonometry) and central pressure waveforms (upper arm cuff).

echocardiography, heart function, heart, echo, cardiac — Cardiac Function

We use echocardiography to measure heart function non-invasively at rest and during cycling exercise.

flow-mediated dilation, artery health, vascular function, blood vessel — Blood Vessel Dilator Function

We use sonography to measure brachial artery flow-mediated dilation non-invasively. This is the gold standard measure of vascular endothelial function.

blood, blood draw, blood analysis — Blood Biomarker Analysis

We collect venous blood samples to measure several health biomarkers (e.g., cholesterol).

Brain Blood Flow

We use sonography to measure brain blood flow non-invasively.

MSNA, sympathetic, sympathetic nervous system — Nervous System Function

We use ultrasound-guided microneurography to measure sympathetic nervous system activity directly.

cardiovascular, ambulatory blood pressure, blood pressure monitor, cardiovascular health — Ambulatory Blood Pressure

We use the automated monitors validated for measuring ambulatory 24-hour blood pressure. This is the gold standard measure of blood pressure.

blood pressure, health, monitor, heart rate — Blood Pressure

We measure resting blood pressure using validated automated oscillometric monitors.

Pulmonary Function Testing

We use spirometry to measure forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, and maximal voluntary ventilation.

handgrip exercise, exercise pressor reflex, laboratory — Exercise Pressor Reflex Function

We study the difference reflexes that raise blood pressure during exercise using a battery of passive wrist movement, isometric exercise, and post-exercise circulatory occlusion.

physical activity, exercise, tracking, activity, actigraph — Physical Activity & Sleep Monitoring

We use waist and wrist accelerometers to measure physical activity and sleep habits in daily life.