Abstract For my enrichment project this summer I completed a research internship at Auburn University’s

Human Performance Laboratory in Montgomery, Alabama. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but it is now well established that regular exercise greatly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Thus, understanding the effects of exercise on the heart is important for advising members of the community about their optimal exercise plan to develop and maintain cardiovascular health. While working in the laboratory my responsibilities included collecting data for ongoing research studies, including cardiovascular and metabolic responses to eccentric and concentric muscle contractions. Additionally, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) was recorded from participants during maximal treadmill tests and workouts as they participated in CrossFit, a strength and conditioning program. Finally, weekly fitness tests were administered to community members. These included a maximal exercise treadmill test, DEXA scan for bone mineral density, body fat analyses, sit-up and flexibility tests, and forced vital capacity (FVC). Participants then met with the lab physician and lab director to design an individualized workout plan. This summer enrichment project has helped me gain a deeper understanding of course material and how the body metabolizes energy.

Human Performance Lab Auburn University at Montgomery Ashley El Rady, Centre College

VO2 Max. VO2 max is the maximum volume of oxygen consumed during maximal intensity exercise. During the maximal treadmill exercise test, speed and incline are increased until VO2 max is reached, as indicated by maximal heart rate, RER (respiratory exchange ratio- the ratio of CO2 and fat used as fuel during exercise), plateau in oxygen uptake, and/or volitional fatigue. VO2 max is measured by collecting the amount of CO2 produced.

DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) Scan. Low-dose x-rays are emitted to measure bone mineral density and body fat percentage.

Eccentric/Concentric Study. Changes in heart rate and blood pressure were recorded during concentric (contracting) and eccentric (lengthening) lifting.

Hydrostatic Weighing and Spirometer. Body weight on land, body weight under water, and forced vital capacity (measured by blowing into a spirometer and used to estimate residual lung volume) are collected to measure body fat percentage.

Subscapular Skinfold Measurement. The seven site (triceps, chest, midaxillary, suprailiac, subscapular, abdominal, and thigh) skin fold measurements along with waist and hip circumference measurements are col lected to est imate body fat percentage.

VO2 max results, collected during the maximal treadmill exercise test.

DEXA scan results.