Faculty and their Research Interests

John B. Bartholomew (john.bart@mail.utexas.edu). Dr. Bartholomew has been investigating the psychological impact of exercise. His research is designed to examine the mechanisms through which acute bouts of exercise impact mood, as well as to explore the use of exercise as an intervention to modulate mood. Recent studies were designed to compare the efficacy of aerobic and resistance exercise in reducing anger.

Edward F. Coyle (coyle@mail.utexas.edu). Dr. Coyle has been investigating the physiological factors which limit human endurance performance. In addition to studying carbohydrate metabolism during exercise, he is attempting to determine the factors limiting fat mobilization and oxidation. Recent studies have been conducted to determine the influence of dehydration and fluid replacement on cardiovascular function and muscle metabolism during exercise. Dr. Coyle coordinates the graduate program in Sports Science & Nutrition.

Roger P. Farrar (rfarrar@mail.utexas.edu). Dr. Farrar’s research examines the effect of exercise upon the motor systems of the body during the aging process. He uses the rat as an animal model to study the interaction of exercise and aging upon these systems. Chronic ethanol consumption is used as a perturbation to these systems also as the chronic ethanol consumption is thought to mimic the aging process in a variety of biochemical parameters. His goal is to assess whether exercise may be utilized to attenuate the declines in the physiological function of the motor systems during the aging process.

John L. Ivy (johnivy@mail.utexas.edu). Dr. Ivy’s research focuses on the acute and chronic effects of exercise on muscle metabolism, with special emphasis on carbohydrate regulation. Currently, Dr. Ivy is investigating the locus and cause of muscle insulin resistance, as well as the mechanism(s) by which muscle insulin resistance is reduced with exercise training. This research involves the regulation of glucose transporter function and its expression. Dr. Ivy is also investigating the regulation of muscle glycogen synthesis immediately post exercise, means of stimulating glycogen synthesis, and the mechanisms by which muscle contraction increases glucose transport.

Philip R. Stanforth (p.stanforth@mail.utexas.edu). Phil Stanforth is a Lecturer in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education and Service Director for the Fitness Institute of Texas (FIT). FIT interacts with almost all programs and aspects of the department, particularly with the Clinical Exercise Physiology graduate program and the Health Promotion & Fitness undergraduate program. All students in these programs gain valuable testing experience through FIT. FIT is currently focusing on providing comprehensive fitness testing for UT affiliates and the Austin community.

Joseph W. Starnes (jstarnes@mail.utexas.edu). Dr. Starnes’ primary research interests are in cardiac metabolism and function, free radical injury in muscle, and aging. He makes considerable use of the isolated perfused heart preparation to answer several questions relating to metabolic regulation, substrate utilization and tolerance to ischemia and other stresses in sedentary and exercise-trained rats.

Hirofumi Tanaka (htanaka@mail.utexas.edu). Dr. Tanaka's research effort has been directed toward the influence of aging and lifestyle modifications on cardiovascular disease risk and functions in humans. In particular, he is interested in determining the efficacy of habitual exercise for primary and secondary prevention of age-related changes in arterial function and structure. Dr. Tanaka is also investigating the potential impact of regular swimming on cardiovascular disease risks. Dr. Tanaka coordinates the graduate program in Clinical Exercise Physiology.