The Laboratory of Integrative Human Physiology (LIHP)) consists of 3 different
laboratories that contain specific equipment that is used to offer a variety of
physiological tests.
1. Vascular Biology Laboratory
The Vascular Biology Laboratory (VBL) contains equipment for the measurement
of both peripheral vascular and cardiac measures of structure and function.
Equipment:
Currently, the VBL contains an Acuson, Sequoia 512 (Siemens Medical Solutions
USA, Inc. Mountain View, CA) ultrasound scanner is equipped with a 15L8-S
linear array transducer for measure of brachial and carotid arties, a 4 MHz sector
transducer for measures of cardiac structure and function and a 9L4 linear array
transducer for measures of abdominal aorta and carotid artery. To assist in
creating reactive hyperemia each ultrasound is equipped with a strain-gauge
venous occlusion plethysmography system (D.E. Hokanson, Inc.), which also can
be used for determining limb blood flows.
The VBL also contains a Vascular Ultrasound Analysis Workstation (Medical
Imaging Application, LLC, Iowa City, IA). The computer is programmed with a
specialized electronic wall-tracking software program (Vascular Research Tools
5, Medical Imaging Application, LLC, Iowa City, IA) used for the analysis of
changes in arterial lumen diameter, intima-medial thickness (IMT), and blood
flow.
The VBL houses M-23 SphygmoCor XCEL system (PWV Medical Pty Ltd,
Sydney, Australia). This is a blood pressure cuff/tonometer based system to
measure pulse wave velocity and arterial stiffness.
THE VBL also houses EM3 CvMS SphygmoCor system (PWV Medical Pty Ltd,
Sydney, Australia) The EM3 is used to measure arterial stiffness, pulse wave
velocity, as well as heart rate variability.
The VBL also contains a DiaTecne Pulse Pen system (DiaTecne, Milano, Italy).
The PulsePen is a non0invasive method of applanation tonometry for recording
arterial pressure curves and evaluating the stiffness of arteries.
The VBL has a dedicated system to measuring heart rate variability. EKG is
captured using a Faros 180 Rev H Sensor Set and then the EKG tracing is
analyzed using Kubios HRV Premium software for the determination of heart rate
variability.
2. Exercise Testing Laboratory
The Exercise Testing Laboratory contains equipment to measure cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, and power.
Equipment:
The Cardiovascular Exercise Testing Laboratory contains a MedGraphics
(Medical Graphics Corp., St. Paul, MN) Ultima metabolic stress testing system,
which consists of a fully integrated 12-lead ECG system combined with a
MedGraphics Ultima breath-by-breath oxygen uptake gas exchange system.
The ECG/metabolic system are coupled with a Lode Corival electrically braked
bicycle ergometer and Tracmaster treadmill.
The Cardiovascular Exercise Testing Laboratory also contains equipment for the
testing of muscle strength. The Biodex System 3 Pro is a domestic single chair
strength testing system that can be used for isometric, isokinetic and isotonic
muscle testing in both pediatric and adult populations. The system can be used
to test upper as well as lower limbs.
Functional strength testing can also be assessed using two Hawkin Dynamics
Gen5 Force Plates. These plates can be customized to measure function
strength in a variety of muscle strength tests.
3. Body Composition Testing Laboratory
The Body Composition Testing Laboratory contains equipment for the
determination of body composition including bone mass, fat mass and lean body
mass. In addition, the Body Composition Testing Laboratory can measure total
bone mineral density as well as cortical and trabecular volumetric bone mineral
density.
Equipment:
Horizon A DXA (Hologic Inc., Marlborough, MA, USA) is a new direct to digital,
fan beam DXA densitometer. The DXA can accommodate individuals who weigh
up to 500 lbs and will provide calculations of total body fat, regional fat, lean body
mass, and bone mass. In addition, the DXA with the new Hologic Apex software
(Apex Version 5.6.0.4, Hologic Inc., Marlborough, MA, USA) is capable of
measuring visceral adiposity. The Horizon A DXA also has the FRAX tool
software which can be used to give the 10-year probability of fracture as well as
the trabecular bone score (TBS) analytical software.
RJL Quantum V Segmental Bioelectrical Impedance (BIA) Analyzer. The
Quantum V Segmental BIA is an eight lead 12-channel multiplexer BIA system
that measures total as well as regional body composition.