By: Mason Green ’22, Staff Writer

LVC’s new Arnold Health Professions Pavilion is giving way to new studies in the fields of exercise science, athletic training and physical therapy.

The new, state-of-the-art facility will headline the new technology, including the Human Lab Performance and Exercise Science Lab, which encompasses a number of different areas and equipment in these fields of study. Some equipment and software still need to be updated but the Neurcom balance unit is now available.

Through future research opportunities, student-athletes may be tested with high tech human motion analysis, advanced balance assessments, landing mechanics, aerobic functions and general athletic performance.

“First, we would like to go after the number one cause of injury on campus–ankle sprains–looking to put resources towards possibly preventing injury and putting our student-athletes in the best position for success,” Dr. Michael Lehr, clinical associate professor of physical therapy, said.

This new advancement of technology will give student-athletes the opportunity to participate in faculty research led by the health profession departments.

“Coaches will also benefit and will be able to view and compare performance from a different angle,” Dr. Georgios A. Stylianides, director of human performance labs, said. “We will analyze athletes and make recommendations toward performance improvement and injury prevention.”

Lab testing has been discussed between some coaches and faculty about bringing in athletes to see what the new technology has to offer.

“As student-athletes participate in faculty research more resources will be available to them,” Lehr said. “Collaboration with athletes, faculty and athletic departments can have significant benefits to give and create a win-win for everyone.”

Student-athletes and faculty will benefit from the Human Performance Lab; it’s technology typically seen at bigger schools and graduate programs but it’s here now at LVC.  Lehr said he hopes it provides a helpful resource for those not only in the LVC athletic community, but also for the surrounding community.