EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY LABORATORY

Geladas Nikolaos, Professor

Sector: Sports Medicine & Biology of Exercise
Field of Study: Exercise Physiology
Director of Exercise Physiology Laboratory
Communication: Tel.: 210 727 6042, E-mail: ngeladas[at]phed.uoa[dot]gr

Research areas

The laboratory conducts basic and applied research aimed at improving physical performance and quality of life. Specifically, the impact of exercise under adverse environmental conditions and dietary manipulations (e.g., dietary supplements) on human body function and performance is examined. Additionally, the laboratory develops tests and assessment protocols to evaluate muscle performance and adaptation following exercise or nutritional interventions. Other activities include physiologic support for athletes from various sports (e.g., gymnasts, soccer players, etc.) using laboratory or field tests aimed at determining parameters of physical fitness and performance.

Laboratory Equipment

The laboratory is equipped with devices for assessing human physical fitness and performance such as:

1. Environmental chamber for studying the effects of extreme environmental conditions of cold (-30°C) and heat (+40°C) on the human body.
2. Ergometers (treadmill ergometer type Technogym and cycle ergometer type Lode) for measuring work output and controlling human body performance.
3. Isokinetic dynamometer for assessing strength and muscle power with different types of muscle contraction and at different angular velocities (Biodex, System Pro4).
4. Spirometer for evaluating respiratory function at rest, aerobic capacity, and metabolism during rest and exercise (Medgraphics, CPX‐D/Cosmed, K4).
5. Cycle ergometer for assessing anerobic capacity and determining fatigue index (Peak Bike, Monark 894E).
6. Near-infrared spectroscopyfor evaluating muscle oxygenation and blood flow at rest and during exercise (Portamon, Portalite, Octamon, ARTINIS).
7. Near-infrared spectroscopy for assessing brain oxygenation and blood flow at rest and during exercise (Brite, Artinis).
8. Continuous blood pressure monitoring device per heartbeat and evaluation of baroreflex sensitivity at rest and during exercise (Nova, Finometer).
9. Refrigerated centrifuge (Eppendorf, 5804R) and blood pH measuring instrument (HI2002 – edge, Hanna).
10. Hemoglobin mass measurement instrument (DETALO, instruments).
11. Assessment of jumping ability, technique, and movement speed with photocells (OptoGate).
12. Heated water immersion tank for body composition analysis and thermal regulation experiments in water.
13. Skinfold caliper for body composition assessment (Harpenden caliper, England).
14. Open laboratory data collection system consisting of a series of sensors and amplifiers, and a platform for converting analog signals to digital signals controlled by a computer and signal analysis and processing software. It is used for recording physiological signals such as electromyography, electroencephalography, electrocardiography, sweat rate, frequency analysis, and sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic nervous system stimulation ratio (Biopac Inc, USA).