Mission Statement
The primary aim of the Exercise and Health Psychology Lab is to advance our knowledge regarding physical activity and health. In particular, Dr. Umeda has been conducting research examining the influence of physical activity on pain and pain processing in a variety of populations (e.g., chronic pain patients, healthy adults, physically active individuals). Dr. Umeda’s research is typically conducted using psychophysiological approaches, where pain and pain processing is examined in conjunction with physiological (e.g., resting blood pressure, blood pressure reactivity, resting heart rate variability) and psychological variables.
Laboratory Equipment
The Exercise and Health Psychology Lab is equipped with several pieces of equipment to conduct the research outlined above.
- Laboratory Pain Stimuli: Constant electrical current stimulator, pressure stimulator, cold pressor test, and muscular contraction test
- Cardiovascular Monitoring: Omron blood pressure monitor, Finapres NOVA cardiovascular monitor, and Polar heart rate monitor
- Physical Activity Monitoring: ActiGraph activity tracker
- Exercise Equipment: Baseline hand dynamometer, and Lord Corival cycle ergometer
Research Opportunities
Research opportunities may be available to qualified and well-motivated undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate students may earn course-credits through the research opportunities (e.g., KIN4923 Practicum in Kinesiology Research). Master’s students may work on a thesis project under the direction of Dr. Umeda. Funding may also be available to assist the research work of undergraduate and graduate students. Please contact Dr. Umeda for more information.
