Vascular Health Laboratory

Current Projects - Vascular Health Lab

The list of projects below are currently in the state of data collection or manuscript preparation.

Single-leg cycling: Implications for rehabilitation
Our recent investigation revealed that blood flow to the active limb is much greater during single-leg cycling compared to typical double-leg cycling. As a result, individuals can perform at a much greater limb specific workload during single-leg cycling compared to traditional double leg cycling. This series of investigations is aimed at determining the role that single-leg cycling may have to improve performance and function in both highly trained and diseased populations. We are currently investigating the immediate and long-term impact of single-leg cycling on vascular and mitochondrial function.

GLP1-receptor agonists impact on muscle, vascular and mitochondrial function

GLP1-receptor agonists, a classification of drugs initially approved to help improve blood glucose control in diabetics, are now approved for weight loss.  However, the impact of this weight loss drug on other aspects of health is unclear.  Thus we are currently investigating the impact of GLP1-recptor agonists on muscle, vascular and mitochondrial function.

Exercise modalities to improve blood flow in the lower limbs of those with spinal cord injuries.
There are multiple complications associated with spinal cord injuries that could be reversed with improved blood flow and tissue perfusion within the lower limbs. In collaboration with our colleagues at the Cleveland VA Medical Center, we have a series of investigations focusing on several rehabilitation modalities to improve vascular health and muscle function in the paralyzed limbs of individuals with spinal cord injuries.  These modalities include passive limb movement and upper body exercise to increase lower limb tissue perfusion, blood flow restriction exercise, ischemic preconditioning and electrically stimulated assisted cycling.

Equipment - Vascular Health Laboratory

The Vascular Laboratory is equipped with GE logic 7 Doppler/ultrasound, BMEYE nexfin beat by beat blood pressure monitor, Hokanson rapid cuff inflator, Artinis NIRS tissue oxygenation unit, ADinstruments 8 channel data acquisition unit that includes EMG, ECG and grip strength transducer, stryker stretcher, lower body negative pressure box, velotron cycle ergometer and monark cycle ergometers equipped with SRM power meter and overground electrical stimulation bike (for individuals with spinal cord injuries).