Exercise Physiology is one of the fastest growing fields of study in Florida. Graduate students in this program receive a sound scientific education with opportunities for applied physiological research and hands-on clinical experiences. Because the program enjoys a strong relationship with the Medical School, College of Arts and Sciences, Health South Doctors’ Hospital, and Varsity athletics, there is much opportunity for interdisciplinary research in a variety of different specialties under the Exercise Physiology umbrella.

Students also have the opportunity to work in an advanced level Exercise Physiology Laboratory that provides them with clinical skills to use, operate, and process some of the most sophisticated physiological instrumentation. Furthermore this program prepares students for certification as a Health and Fitness Instructor or Clinical Exercise Physiologist from the American College of Sport Medicine.  It also prepares students as a certified Strength and Conditioning Instructor in accordance with the Strength and Conditioning Association. Please inquire about these certification examinations. The Health and Fitness Certification examination is offered at the University of Miami. The standard master’s degree program requires completion of 36 credit hours, and takes approximately 2 years.

Women’s Health Certificate
Students completing ESS 681, ESS 682, ESS 683 and ESS 684 are eligible for a Women’s Health Certificate .

Fifth Year Master’s Degree Option

Fifth Year Option Course Rotation
(Open to UM Exercise Physiology Undergraduate Majors admitted to the Master’s Program)

Laboratory of Clinical and Applied Physiology

The Laboratory of Clinical and Applied Physiology was initiated in 1983 and designed to facilitate research associated with health, longevity, human performance and metabolism. It also provides an opportunity for students to gain clinical experiences in exercise evaluation, design and implementation through the operation and interpretation of sophisticated exercise equipment.

The laboratory is a fully equipped and operational facility that includes a cardiovascular testing area complete with two metabolic Carts, a 12-lead EKG, a physioflow unit, pulmonary function system, biochemical evaluation area, hydrostatic underwater weighing tank, DEXA machine, ProSpot Fitness squat machine with force plate and biomechnical analysis, Biodex machine, Vibrating and a variety of aerobic and weight training equipment. All students must complete a minimum of 75 hours of clinical laboratory experiences in addition to conducting clinical research in the Laboratory of Clinical and Applied Physiology to complete the graduate program in Exercise Physiology.

The laboratory utilizes a holistic approach to the study of clinical research. Focus is on the effects of exercise, diet, weight training and other health interventions to improve the quality of life and benefits associated with a more active lifestyle. There is also emphasis on the scientific approach to the study of human metabolism as it impacts health promotion and disease prevention.

Examples of past laboratory-based studies:

• Dose response effects of half marathon training on inflammatory cytokines, cardiovascular endurance, and body composition changes in young sedentary men.
• The effects of video games on physiological and hematological markers in 6-9 year old children.
• The effects of "Wind Gain Sport Nutrition Drink" on Time Trial Cycling Performance.
• Comparison of MRI and EMG to study muscle activity associated with dynamic plantar flexion.
• A comparative electromyographical investigation of muscle utilization patterns using various hand positions during the lateral pull-down.
• Resistance training for power, strength, and functionality: a long-term prescription.
• Differential increases in average Isokinetic power by specific muscle groups of older women due to variations in training and testing.
• The effects of the weight loss drug Meridia(r) on body weight, waist circumference and health-related variables in middle-school adolescents 12-16 years old. (Funded by Knoll Pharmaceutical Company)
• A comparison of different volumes of exercise training combined with a low fat diet on metabolic risk factors, body composition and psychological well being in overweight premenopausal females.
• A comparison of coronary risk factors, physical activity, fitness and nutrient intake in Japanese-American and Japanese children living in Japan.
• A comparison of nutrient intake, physical activity levels, self-esteem and body composition in Caucasian, African-American and Hispanic high school females.
• The relationship between MRI assessed visceral adipose tissue and coronary risk factors in obese, premenopausal black and white women.
• Racial differences in the relationship between anthropometric measures of central adiposity and coronary risk factors in obese premenopausal females.
• Differences in the relationship between waist to hip ratio and coronary risk factors in pre- and postmenopausal Black and Hispanic women.
• The relationship between dorsal kyphosis, vertebral fractures and pulmonary dysfunction in elderly females with osteopenia.
• Sex steroids and hormone binding globulin as predictors of central adiposity and coronary risk factors in black and white obese premenopausal females.
• The effects of high speed resistance training on strength, power, and activities of daily living in the elderly (Funded by NIH).
• The effects of a muscular strength versus muscular endurance weight training program on serum lipoproteins and hematological variables in college students.
• Muscle utilization patterns during plantar and dorsi flexion at various knee angles: A comparative study of EMG and MRI data.
• The effects of Breathe Right(r) nasal strips on pulmonary function, cardiovascular endurance and ventilatory threshold in aerobically trained competitive athletes.
• An electromyographical and biomechanical comparison of high and low speed squatting.
• A study of the electromyographical and biomechanical differences at and about the knee and third lumbar vertebrae doing Smith Machine and free weight squatting.
• The prediction of fast ball velocity using isokinetic variables during a simulated pitching motion.
• The effects of Orlistat (pancreatic lipase inhibitor) on weight loss and weight maintenance in obese individuals (Funded by Hoffmann-LaRoche).
• A comparison of plasma lipoproteins, nutrient intake, and cardiovascular fitness in highly trained amenorrheic and eumenorrheic athletes.

Funding Opportunities for Students

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Research Grants

Paffenbarger-Blair Fund for Epidemiological Research on Physical Activity
The intent of this award is to encourage researchers early in their career to become involved with physical activity epidemiology. Applicants are expected to apply within two (2) years of receiving a postgraduate degree or completion of clinical training. The award will be in the amount of $10,000 for a one year period.

Research Endowment
The intent of the research endowment is to use a portion of the interest derived from these funds to support basic and applied research in exercise science. The primary goal is to fund mechanistic, hypothesis driven, basic and applied research.

A $10,000 grant is available and is applicable to all relevant fields of exercise science. Funding is primarily targeted for new or junior investigators, within 7 years of attaining a terminal degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D.). It is the intent of this grant to provide seed money support after which further funding would be sought from other sources. Only one application per person is allowed.

Clinical Sports Medicine Endowment
The Clinical Sports Medicine Endowment will fund an annual award of $5,000 for research that is directly related to clinical sports medicine. This clinical research award is open to MDs, DOs, PTs, ATCs, and other medical professionals (ACSM members only) involved in the conduct of patient-based clinical research.

The purpose of the award is to stimulate:
1. clinical research in sports medicine and
2. research in clinical sports medicine.

Clinical research in sports medicine must be derived from active care of athletes, such as prevention strategies, treatment protocols, or treatment outcomes. Research in clinical sports medicine must be directly related to issues of active care of athletes, such as pathogenesis, pathophysiology, biomechanics, or environmental issues. The proposals must demonstrate the study’s direct relationship to one of these purposes. The active patient care must be provided to physically active recreational, competitive or elite athletes. It is anticipated that the completed research will be presented at a highlighted session at the ACSM Annual Meeting.

The National Strength and Condition Association financially supports higher education of student pursuing careers in the strength and conditioning field, and facilitates and disseminates strength and conditioning research. The NSCA supports the following grants and scholarships: 1) graduate research grant, 2) undergraduate research grant, 3) challenge scholarship, 4) high school scholarship, 5) women’s scholarship, 6) minority scholarship, 7) GNC nutritional research grant, 8) Power Systems professional scholarship, and 9) student assistantship. Deadlines : March 1 and October 1 for student assistantships applications and March 15 for all other applications.

The American Physiological Society is devoted to fostering scientific research, education, and the dissemination of scientific information. To continue to the development of these programs and of physiological studies, the Society’s Awards, Grants, and Fellowship programs have become an integral part of the strategic plan. Deadlines vary by award.

Grant research should be in Applied Human Studies and focus on the effects of physical activity on various health states (e.g. diabetes, osteoporosis, anorexia, hypertension, menopause, obesity, depression, stroke, back injury, asthma, cancer, arthritis, visual impairment, etc.) and/or product development opportunities (e.g. running surfaces, functional strength training, rehabilitation, senior exercise) that should be related to or transposable into applicable information for exercise programming. To be considered for the Michael L. Pollock Memorial Research Grants. Applications can be submitted by mail, fax, or e-mail. Grants will be awarded solely on the merit of the proposal, the significance to the body of exercise science knowledge and the statistical design.

Christine "CC" Cunningham, MS, ATC, CSCS
Education Manager
Life Fitness Academy
10601 W. Belmont Ave.
Franklin Park, IL 60131
Telephone: 847.288.3870
Fax: 847.288. 3965
Cell: 630.640.8665
E-mail:

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program provides three years of support for graduate study leading to a research-based master’s or doctoral degrees for students who are at the early stages of their graduate study-approximately 1,000 graduate fellowships in this competition. Anticipated Funding Amount: $40,500 annually: $30,000 stipend and $10,500 cost of education allowance per award.

In 2004, the Women’s Sports Foundation awarded more than $750,000 in grant and scholarships to 200 organizations and individuals across 47 states. Our programs provide girls and women with educational materials and scholarships, research on issues related to women in sports, leadership development and also opportunities to participate in sports and fitness. Deadlines vary by award.

Objective
To help students initiate careers in cardiovascular and stroke research by providing research assistance and training.
Science Focus
Research broadly related to cardiovascular function and disease, stroke or to related clinical, basic science, bioengineering or biotechnology, and public health problems.
Disciplines
All basic disciplines as well as epidemiological, community and clinical investigations that bear on cardiovascular and stroke problems.

Statement of Program Goals
Through its program of Diversity Fellowships, the Ford Foundation seeks to increase the diversity of the nation’s college and university faculties by increasing their ethnic and racial diversity, to maximize the educational benefits of diversity, and to increase the number of professors who can and will use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students.

Predoctoral Awards
This year the program will award approximately 60 predoctoral fellowships. The predoctoral fellowships provide three years of support for individuals engaged in graduate study leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) degree.

Predoctoral fellowships will be awarded in a national competition administered by the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies on behalf of the Ford Foundation. The awards will be made to individuals who, in the judgment of the review panels, have demonstrated superior academic achievement, are committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level, show promise of future achievement as scholars and teachers, and are well prepared to use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students.

Career Opportunities in Exercise Physiology

Personal Trainer

A personal trainer typically works one-on-one with an individual and is generally paid by the hour or exercise session. The exercise session can take place at the client’s home, the trainer’s place of employment or business, or a third-party fitness facility. a prsonal trainer should have a strong backqround in anatomy and kinesiology, as a large part of this job deals with the muscular strength and endurance training. At least an undergraduate degree and recognized certification, such as the American College of Sports Medicine Health/Fitness Instructor^® , is recommended.

Clinical exercise physiologists, nurses, physical therapists, and respiratory therapists are most often employed in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs. These clinicians are typically responsible for providing exercise education regarding disease anagement, lifestyle modification, and psychosocial support to patients with cardiac and/or pulmonary disease. Clinical settings generally include hospitals, outpatient clinics, and medically supervised fitness centers. An undergraduate degree in one or more of the disciplines noted above is required, however, advanced degrees with specialty certification (e,g, , American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Specialist^® certification) improves opportunities for employment.

Employee fitness programs are common in the workplace, especially in the corporate, commercial, and hospital setting. Along with conducting exercise programs and supervising all fitness staff, the employee fitness director may also be trained as a wellness specialist to provide broad-based health promotion and wellness education programms. These may incluse stress management and nutrition education programs. Traditionally, workplace exercise programs have been for healthy individuals only. However, employee fitness centers are becoming more clinically based in terms of exercise training for all types of clients, including those with cardiac, pulmonary, or musculoskeletal problems. An undergraduate degree is typically required to work with special population clients. It is also recommended to obtain a recognized certification, such as the ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor^® .

A group exercise instructor leads exercise sessions for a group of participants. The group may be heterogeneous - for example, individuals with different fitness levels, medical concerns and ages, or the group may be homogeneous - for example, individuals who have similar characteristics such as those with arthhrities, older adults who are frail, or women who are pregnant. Examples of group exercise instruction include land- or water-based general classes, dance/step aerobics, chair aerobics, and cycling. group exercise instructors can be employed in a variety of settings including commercial fitness centers, employee fitness programs, and hospitals. Minimal requirements should be an undergraduate degree in a health-related field and a recognized certification.

Sport teams at the hight school, college, and professional levels employ strength and conditioning coaches to their agility, strength, endurance, flexibility, and power. Positions usually require a master’s degree and certification by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Athletic trainers are health care professionals who work with team physicians, exercise physiologists, physical therapists, and coaches in the care and prevention of illness and injuries related to active people. A bachelor’s or master’s degree from an academic program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training education (CAATE) is required to sit for the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) certification examination. In some states, licensure is required. One of the typical requirements for licensure is to successfully pass the NATA certification examination and obtain the Athletic Trainer, Certified (ACT) credential. Athletic trainers work with patients and clients in high school, college or professional sports, sports medicine and rehabilitation clinics, physician offices, hospitals, military, performing arts and commercial locations.

Dietetics is the study of nutrient intake and how foods are digested and metabolized in order to provide the necessary energy to fuel muscular activity. Dietitians also study dietary patterns in order to maximize performance and prevent disease and iprove health. To become a registered dietition, you must complete an undergraduate degree in dietetics, complete a nine-month american Dietetics Association (ADA)-approved internship and pass the ADA certification examination. Additional specialized training is necessary. Dietitians can be employed in a variet of settings including hospitals, clinics, sports complexes, school systems, and public health facilities.

Occupational physiologists work with many different professionals to improve the performance of workers by enhancing their health and occupaational abilities, preventing or rehabilitaating workplace injuries, and redesigning the work environment to fit the worker. They may also develop and administer pre-employment physical capacity tests to determine if the work is fit to perform the job. An advanced degree beyond the undergraduate level is typically required, and it is helpful to be certified by the Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics.

The physical therapist helps people recover from injuries or diseases of the muscles, joints, nerves, or bones. The occupational therapist works more with fine motor skills and dexterity. both therapists use various physical modalities and exercise, focusing on movement dysfunction. There are many areas of specialization in physical therapy including cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, sports medicine, and biomechanics. Most physical and occupational therapy schools require two to three yeaars after a four-year undergraduate degree. After formal training, one must pass a national examination to become a licensed physical or occupational therapist. Professionals interested in continuing their education in this fielf may want to consider the ACSM Health/Fitness Instructor^® certification along with the national examination. Most employment opportunities aare in hospitals and clinics.

A medical doctor is highly trained in the art and acience of the diagnosis and treatment of disease and the maintenance of health. Medical schools require a minimum of four years after a basic college degree. Beyone medical school there are many specialities to choose from in order to be part of a sports medicine or exercise science team, including primary care sports medicine, orthopedic surgery, or cardiology. Each specialty has three to five years of internship and residency training and perhaps an additional one to two years of fellowship training. Most medical doctors are employed in clinics or hospitals.

Biomechanics is the study and explanation of the laws of physics as applied to physical activity, exercise, and sport. Biomechanics can be used to explain how muscles, bones, and joints are injured under certain conditions, and to improve performance using motion analysis techniques. Biomechanists are tpically employed in research settings and clinical sites, but future growth appeaars to be in industrial ergonomic settings. Minimal requirement is a master’s degree.

Reseaarchers conduct studies from either a basic or aplied scientist’s perspective. Basic researchers usually conduct studies with a focus on the cellular and molecular levels, such as how organ systems work, adapt or respond to verious factors. Sometimes this is referred to a bench research, especially if animal models are used. Applied researchers usually conduct studies with a focus on more practical questions that appear to be more applicable for immediate use, such as ways to increase athletic performance or how to improve heath and reduces disease. Either career requires getting a terminal degree, such as a Ph.D., which involves at least four to five years beyond the undergraduate level. Although many researchers are employed by universities and hospitals, they can also be employed at the private level, i.e. working for shoe companies, pharmaceutical companies, food and beverage industries, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Exercise Science?

Exercise Science is the study of physiological and functional adaptaations to movement. Most colleges and universities provide specific curriculum and/or academic majors in the exercise sciences. Undergraduate progams are typically broad based and include general study in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, exercise physiology, and fitness programming. Graduate level programs typically provide systematic study in specific areas of exercise physiology with an emphasis on research.

Exercise Physiology is the study of the acute and chronic physiological responses and adaptations resulting from physical activity. This knowledge can be applied to improve or maintain health, fitness, or performance. Traditionally, exercise physiologists worked and studied with athletes only to improve performance. Today, howevr, exercise physiologists also work and study in commercial, clinical, and workplace steetings to increase health, fitness, and quality of life in the general population. For example, an exercise physiologist may work as a cardiopulmonary rehabilitation specialist or a personal trainer, or direct an employee fitness program. An undergraduate degree is the minimum requirement. It is also recommended to obtain a recognized certification, such as one from the American College of Sports Medicine.

Sports Medicine is the field of medicine dealing with injuries sustained in athletic endeavors and/or illnesses impacting sport performance. Sports medicine focuses not only on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries related to sports, but also on injury/disease prevention and management. The goal of sports medicine is to assist the athlete in achieving both optimal health and peak performance.

At UM, there is a much greater flexibility in the selection of research topics and much greater opportunities for collaborative work with other departments. So, for example, if a student wishes to study the latest novel risk markers of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and coronary artery disease, we have experts available in cardiology to collaborate. If a student wishes to study how nutrition and exercise interact to affect bone density, we have experts in nutrition and in bone density to examine these issues. If someone is interested in research on aging, there is an Aging Center and exercise physiology laboratory at the VA hospital. If one is interested Women’s’ Health, we have the Institute of Women’s Health and the WITHIN Women’s Center to collaborate in research in these areas. In essence, the graduate program in exercise physiology has the capacity to work in almost any area a student desires and can also provide the expertise and collaborative effort to satisfy a huge variety of student interests.

UM works with personnel in the Medical School, Varsity Athletics Department, HealthSouth Baptist Hospital, the Institute of Women’s Health and the Aging Center at the VA Hospital. Our laboratory also collaborates with professionals at both our Wellness Center at both the Coral Gables and Medical Campus.

Our work focuses upon Obesity, Women’s Health, Human Metabolism, Aging, Cardiovascular Physiology, Nutrition, and Skeletal Muscle Physiology. In addition, we are known for our multicultural research on Women’s Health, Pediatric Obesity, Aging, and Metabolism.

Yes. Several of our students are going straight from their Bachelor’s degree to their Ph.D. They can receive a Master’s degree along the way as they complete the necessary courses and final project.

Wellness Centers, Sports Medicine Clinics, and Cardiac Rehabilitation Facilities. For example, one of our students is the exercise physiologist for the Olympic Ski Team, while another heads up the clinical trial division of a major pharmaceutical company. Students have also worked in Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation facilities, Wellness Centers, Corporate Fitness programs and doing consultations.

For doctoral students, we have assistantships, funding opportunities from grants and local private agencies. There is also funding for exceptional student research endeavors. (link to funding sources)

No! You can do a project instead of a thesis in which case you would prepare your research and data collection for publication in a manuscript.

There is no comprehensive exam in any of our programs. There is however, a capstone (ESS 699) course which represents the student’s culminating research experience and reflects the students’ work in independent study and research that enhances relevant knowledge in our field.

Yes! All students who are presenting their research have the opportunity to attend national conferences in which case full or partial funding is provided. Our students have among the highest attendance rates at our national ACSM conference.

No. Doctoral students can choose to pursue their research question and write it in manuscript form for publication in a peer-reviewed exercise physiology or medical journal. They still must go through an oral defense in front of a committee of appointed faculty professors.