About
OUR MISSION:
Discern the physiological limits of human performance to measurably elevate human potential.
Our research and goals are designed to drive significant scientific advancements in human performance and remove barriers for all individuals regardless of background, physical characteristics, medical conditions, or performance goals. With an emphasis on delivering a measurable impact, we seek to redefine human capability.
This will be achieved through the following objectives:
NOVEL SCIENTIFIC EXPLORATION
Explore the physiological mechanisms underlying human limitations through rigorous scientific studies.
At the heart of our laboratory is the pursuit of groundbreaking scientific research. We are exploring novel research questions within exercise and sports physiology to discover new insights that can transform the understanding of human health and performance. Our work is about asking creative, novel, and more thoughtful questions that lead to more profound discoveries and understanding.
COMMUNICATION & APPLICATION
Enable individual performance improvements through clear dissemenation and tangible application of scientific findings.
We strive to demystify complex scientific concepts, ensuring that our findings are accessible and actionable. We aim to empower individuals – athletes, coaches, healthcare professionals, and the wider community – by clearly communicating tangible research findings through a variety of mediums so they can apply these scientific principles to their training, health, or performance strategies.
CULTIVATION OF CURIOSITY
Cultivate curiosity, creativity, and independent critical thinking to solve the next generation’s performance problems.
We foster a learning environment where our team of researchers and students are able to ask and explore the big questions, while also thinking independently, creatively, and critically.
Discover the Intersection of Innovation and Research at Our Newly Remodeled Facility
Renovations are complete for the Oregon Performance Research Laboratory! We are very proud and thankful to house some of the most advanced equipment available for performance research. Our lab is not just a space; it’s an ever-evolving hub of innovation where cutting-edge technology meets groundbreaking research. Explore our state-of-the-art equipment below and see just how well we’re equipped to push the boundaries of human potential.
LAB EQUIPMENT
Environmental Chamber
Our environmental chamber can simulate nearly any environmental condition in which humans may need to perform. It replicates the stress of extreme temperature, humidity, and altitude, allowing us to study the impact of multiple factors on physiology and performance in a controlled setting.
High-Speed Treadmill
Our Pro XL Woodway treadmill has the capability and durability of handling the most elite and powerful athletes. It’s equipped with a safety harness and an extra wide belt capable of reaching 16.5 mph (26.5 kph) at inclines of -3 to 22% for testing the limits of physiology.
Cycle Ergometer
The Lode Excalibur Sport is the gold standard in cycle ergometry. Known for its accuracy, reliability, and repeatability, this ergometer is essential for high-performance testing, offering precise inter-limb measurements critical for dissecting the limits of human physiology.
Stationary Metabolic Cart
Metabolic and cardiorespiratory measurements are vital to any physiology lab. Our lab features a gold-standard stationary metabolic cart allowing us to perform measurements of indirect calorimetry and understand the metabolic energy requirements during various types of exercise.
Wearable Metabolic System
In addition to traditional metabolic carts, we also have the ability to collect the same measurements out on the field, court, track, etc. using our wearable metabolic system. This greatly diversifies the settings in which it can be used and the movements that can be performed during testing.
Hemoglobin Mass & Blood Volume Measurement
Total blood volume and hemoglobin mass are key factors that contribute to endurance performance. Our Detalo Performance Carbon Monoxide Rebreathe System not only optimizes safety of the CO rebreathe protocol but also increases measurement precision of Hb mass and blood volume to approximately ± 1%.
Blood Sampling
The OPRL is equipped with supplies and processes for comprehensive venous blood sampling and other physiological sampling needs. This enables in-depth analysis of biomarkers and their relationship to the physiology of performance.
Muscle Oxygenation Sensors
Technology such as Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) can be utilized to determine muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2). Our lab leverages this measure to improve our understanding of oxygen supply and demand in exercising muscle and its relationship to performance.
Hydrotherapy Tub
Hydrotherapy isn’t just for rehabilition centers or recovery research. Our hydrotherapy tub is also an excellent tool for exploring the affect of hot or cold stress on the body and its effect on performance.
Join Us in Advancing Human Performance
We’re not just equipped with tools……we’re equipped with possibilities.
Whether you’re a student, a performance enthusiast, or an industry professional, our lab offers the resources and environment to explore, innovate, and discover.