Bryant University Professor Jason Sawyer speaks to a student a workout machine inside the Exercise and Movement Science Lab. The Unistructure at Bryant University. Kettlebells inside the Exercise and Movement Science Lab at Bryant University. A Bryant University student stands inside the Bod Pod at the Exercise and Movement Science Lab. Bryant University Professor Jason Sawyer instructs students inside the Exercise and Movement Science Lab.

Exercise and Movement Science Lab

Bryant University’s Exercise and Movement Science Lab is a 7,800-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility that provides students with contemporary, high-tech equipment to collect human physiological and biomechanical data.

The lab includes equipment to measure cardiopulmonary fitness, lung function, and body composition and perform biomechanical modeling. This hands-on experience enables students to enhance their understanding of the scientific principles underlying human movement and health and foster their ability to apply these principles to real-world scenarios, developing custom programs that improve human wellness and performance.

Through experiential research and engaging learning opportunities, the lab enhances students’ critical thinking and career readiness — ensuring they can excel in a variety of exercise science professions.

Highlights

In the Exercise and Movement Science Lab, students benefit from cutting-edge technology and the best equipment in the exercise and science field, including:

  • Strength training machines that use air pressure
  • BOD POD that measures body composition
  • Bioelectrical impedance analysis scale
  • Cardiac rehabilitation bikes
  • Polar heart rate monitors
  • High-end treadmills with harness systems and metabolic carts
  • Portable metabolic systems
  • Advanced biomechanical motion capture system

7,800

square feet in the EMS Lab

350

frames per second from motion capture cameras

25 mph

max speed on specialized treadmill with VO2max testing

Courses Offered in the Lab

SCI 352/SCI L352: Exercise Physiology and Lab

This course examines exercise by analyzing the acute responses and chronic adaptations of the human body during aerobic and anaerobic exercise challenges. Students will perform basic laboratory tests and measurements commonly used in human exercise physiology studies, including heart rate, blood pressure, EMG, VO2, and blood lactate levels.

This course examines exercise by analyzing the acute responses and chronic adaptations of the human body during aerobic and anaerobic exercise challenges. Students will perform basic laboratory tests and measurements commonly used in human exercise physiology studies, including heart rate, blood pressure, EMG, VO2, and blood lactate levels.

SCI 381/SCI L381: Human Kinesiology and Lab

This course will examine human movement by studying the relationship between human structure and function. Consideration will be given to the internal and external forces that cause or resist human movement. Emphasis will be placed on joint biomechanics during stretching, functional activity, and resistance exercise, as well as the biomechanical factors that influence human strength and power.

This course will examine human movement by studying the relationship between human structure and function. Consideration will be given to the internal and external forces that cause or resist human movement. Emphasis will be placed on joint biomechanics during stretching, functional activity, and resistance exercise, as well as the biomechanical factors that influence human strength and power.

SCI 401/SCI L401: Fundamentals of Strength and Conditioning and Lab

This course provides a broad-based exposure to the theory and practice of strength training and physical conditioning. Students will engage in hands-on experiences with exercise equipment while designing and implementing aerobic and anaerobic exercise programs.

This course provides a broad-based exposure to the theory and practice of strength training and physical conditioning. Students will engage in hands-on experiences with exercise equipment while designing and implementing aerobic and anaerobic exercise programs.

SCI 472: AI and Technology in Wellness and Performance

This course explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and emerging technologies in the domains of human wellness, physical fitness, and performance. Students will examine how data-driven tools are transforming healthcare, athletic training, rehabilitation, and human movement analysis. Through case studies, hands-on projects, and interdisciplinary collaboration, students will learn to critically evaluate and apply AI and technology in real-world scenarios relevant to future careers in healthcare, coaching, and performance science.

This course explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and emerging technologies in the domains of human wellness, physical fitness, and performance. Students will examine how data-driven tools are transforming healthcare, athletic training, rehabilitation, and human movement analysis. Through case studies, hands-on projects, and interdisciplinary collaboration, students will learn to critically evaluate and apply AI and technology in real-world scenarios relevant to future careers in healthcare, coaching, and performance science.

SCI 477/SCI L477: Principles of Strength and Conditioning II and Lab

This course will review the scientific principles behind designing safe and effective anaerobic exercise and functional strengthening programs. The use of balance, core stabilization, coordination, agility, and plyometric activities will be explored, as well as nontraditional techniques such as blood flow restriction training. Application of rehabilitation and reconditioning principles after musculoskeletal injury and concussion will be introduced. In addition, exercise considerations for special populations such as children, older adults and the female athlete will be discussed.

This course will review the scientific principles behind designing safe and effective anaerobic exercise and functional strengthening programs. The use of balance, core stabilization, coordination, agility, and plyometric activities will be explored, as well as nontraditional techniques such as blood flow restriction training. Application of rehabilitation and reconditioning principles after musculoskeletal injury and concussion will be introduced. In addition, exercise considerations for special populations such as children, older adults and the female athlete will be discussed.

Making an Impact

Career

The EMS Lab gives students hands-on experience with advanced exercise science equipment, preparing them for careers in personal training, exercise physiology, physical therapy, and other fitness, athletic, and healthcare fields.

Industry Partners

The EMS Lab offers a new and expanded capability to engage with external partners on research projects and internships that will help to drive the field of exercise science forward.