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Applied Physiology Laboratory

Our Mission 

The Applied Cardiopulmonary Physiology Laboratory is dedicated to the scientific investigation of cardiovascular health and cardiorespiratory fitness in clinical populations. The lab features state-of-the-art equipment and amenities, and provides a place for graduate students to gain hands-on training with the skills and techniques required in their future profession.

Our Research

Our projects aim to improve clinical practices and health outcomes through the study of:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in cardiac rehabilitation setting
  • CPAP treatment in OSA patients
  • Gerontology

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in cardiac rehabilitation setting

OSA has been recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cardiac rehabilitation is an essential part in managing the health needs of cardiovascular patients, although currently, there is no mention of OSA in the guidelines for evaluation and intervention applicable to cardiac rehabilitation centers (CR). Investigating whether the presence of OSA significantly influences the outcomes of CR participation can aid in optimizing CVD risk reduction programming and the overall clinical effectiveness of CR. 

The research is conducted in collaboration between Radford University and James Madison University at the CR departments of Rockingham Memorial Hospital (RMH), Harrisonburg, Virginia and Carilion Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, Virginia.  Two groups of CR patients will be recruited (with and without OSA) and will undergo baseline and follow-up testing before and after participation in early outpatient (Phase II) CR.

CPAP treatment in OSA patients

Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been proven to abolish the disease and improve the health condition of the OSA patients. Efficacy of clinical treatment can be determined by measuring heart variables while a simple cardiac test is performed.  The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of treatment on the acute changes in hemodynamic responses to negative intrathoracic pressure in OSA patients. This information can be used to improve standard of practice for treating OSA patients.

Thirty-six OSA patients were tested using a non-invasive bioimpedance device. After 6 weeks of CPAP therapy, patients were retested using the same protocol. We are in the process of analyzing the pre and post treatment data to determine any cardiac improvements. Data will be differentiated based on treatment compliance and comparisons between users and non-users of the CPAP technology will be available for analysis.

Gerontology

Obstructive Sleep Apnea is often undiagnosed in the geriatric population.  OSA is associated with increased risk of falls, cardiovascular disease, morbidity, and mortality.  The prevalence of sleep apnea risk in older adults in the general and in the rehabilitation population has not been studied. This study is to determine the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea risk in the older adult population of Southwestern Virginia.

This multiple site study will be in collaboration with Genesis Healthcare.  Data regarding the risk for sleep apnea is based on questionnaire results. Study population includes the general community dwelling older adults as well as those receiving healthcare services.

Once the prevalence of sleep apnea is established, we plan to proceed to investigate Physical Therapy guidelines in working with OSA patients.  Currently, The Guide to Physical Therapy Practice by APTA (2nd edition, 2003) does not specifically address OSA patients. Research questions regarding rehabilitation interventions and outcomes will be addressed in future research efforts. 

Our Facilities

Our lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support a wide range of physiological assessments and experiments.

It provides an invaluable resource for students and researchers to explore areas such as cardiovascular health, metabolic function, and neuromuscular performance, contributing significantly to the understanding of human health and performance.

student on treadmill

Available Equipment

Metabolic Carts

Parvo Medics TrueMax 2400 - capable of continuously measuring oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production and ventilatory volumes at rest and during maximal graded exercise.

  • Resting Metabolic Rate
  • Maximal Oxygen Consumption
  • Residual Volume
  • Spirometry

Oxycon mobile - allows for the determination of metabolic response while in active state such as exercising or working. Ideal for measuring responses in settings traditional, stationary metabolic systems cannot.

  • Real time telemetry monitoring
  • Cardiac output measurement
  • Nutritional assessment

Lactate Analyzer

Arkray Lactate Pro

  • Required blood sample volume is 5µl
  • Measurement completed in 60 seconds
  • High data precision of CV 0.3%
  • The size of a credit card, the smallest in the world
  • Stores up to 20 measurement results and can average past results
  • BLOOD GLUCOSE ANALYZER

One Touch Ultra2 Blood Glucose Monitoring Meter

  • Small sample size (1µl)
  • Fast test time - 5 Seconds
  • Proven reliable clinical accuracy CV < 3.7 %
  • LIPID PANEL ANALYSIS

Cholestech LDX

  • Meets all relevant National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines
  • Require only a simple fingerstick
  • Lipid profile (TC, HDL, TRG, LDL) and glucose
  • Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase
  • High sensitivity C-reactive protein

ECG Testing

IQstress system from Midmark

    • Lightweight, digital ECG
    • Integrated stress analysis software
    • Stress cart and a medical grade treadmill
    • Speed: 0.5 – 12 MPH, zero start stop button movable emergency stop button
    • Elevation: 0 – 25%

Cardiac Function

PhysioFlow

    • Patented Signal Morphology-based Impedance Cardiology
    • Produces continuous hemodynamic waveforms, a new hemodynamic cross display & a variety of cardiovascular reports (Cardiac Output, Contractility Index, Early Diastolic Filling Ratio, Systemic Vascular Resistance and Left Cardiac Work

Treadmills

  • True PS 100
  • Landice L7
  • Midmark Medical-grade exercise treadmill

Bikes

SciFit Pro2 recumbent bike

  • Complete knee-to-elbow motion range enables both core exercise and cardio training.
  • Low profile seat back provides lumbar support and ideal biomechanical positioning for this exercise
  • Bi-directional exercise
  • Iso-Strength safe, accommodating strength program

True PS 100 recumbent bike

  • Multi-setting, adjustable seat that optimizes range of motion while minimizing pressure on soft tissues.
  • Heart rate monitoring system and wireless telemetry system
  • Monark 827E bikes (2)

Schwinn Airdyne bikes (2)

Pulse Oxymeters

Smiths medical FingerPrint (2)

    • Lightweight, highly portable
    • Provides SpO2 and pulse rate measurements
    • Integrated printer allows real-time & trend printing

Ohmeda TruSat (3)

  • Up to 35h of uninterrupted battery life
  • Extreme durability

Spirometry

SpiroLab III

    • Highly portable desktop spirometer with large test memory capacity and built in printer
    • MIR turbine flow sensor requires no calibration and complies with the severe ATS 24/26 waveforms.
    • FVC, VC with breathing pattern plus MVV tests with real time curves.
    • Measured parameters: FEV1, FEV1/FVC%, FEV3, FEV3/FVC%, FEV6, FEV1/FEV6%, PEF, FEF25%, FEF50%, FEF75%, FEF25-75%, FET, Vext, Lung Age, FIVC, FIV1, FIV1/FIVC%, PIF, IVC, IC, ERV, FEV1/VC%, VT, VE, Rf, ti, te, ti/t-tot, VT/ti
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