Human Performance Laboratory
Minnesota State University, Mankato
About the Lab
We conduct applied research and train students in exercise science, exercise physiology, athletic
training, and physical education. Research topics have included exercise testing & prescription, clinical
problems in sports medicine and clinical instruction, fall prevention, worksite wellness, and tactical
strength & conditioning. We consult on a variety of projects within the region.
Recent Projects
Nutritional Issues
1.) Recovery nutrition for tactical athletes: work in collaboration with the University of
Kentucky’s Lab recently published in the National Strength & Conditioning Associations’
Tactical Strength & Conditioning Report (November 2012)
2.) Do the non-caffeine ingredients of energy drinks affect metabolic responses to heavy
exercise? (JoLynne Neimeyer) We reported there the purported efficacy of the
secondary ingredients in energy drinks do not add to the benefit of caffeine. This study
was highlighted by the NY Times along with several radio shows aired throughout the
U.S. and Canada.
3.) Does consumption of beer after running adversely affect glycogen storage? Work in
collaboration with Colorado Mesa University’s Lab recently highlighted in Runner’s
World (February, 2012).
Force Science
1.) Traffic Stop Study in Hillboro, Oregon: we conducted the biomechanical analyses of 94
police officers responding to a lethal force encounter. This work was highlighted by the
Oregonian and featured on the Discovery Channel.
2.) Sprint Start Study: we evaluated the variability of 7 different sprinting starts.
Critical Power
1.) Training studies: we conduct two studies on the using the critical power model for
systematically training a group of athletes.
2.) Validation and reliability analyses of the 3-min all-out exercise test for cycle ergometry
and for running
Gas Exchange Threshold & Maximum Oxygen Uptake
1.) Our lab’s protocol for graded exercise testing is being published at a Technical Review in
the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research
2.) Validation of a new model for verification testing.
Strength Training
1.) Evaluation of the slow cadence vs. normal cadence resistance exercise.
2.) Postactivation potentiation and complex training
Citation of Recently Published Manuscripts
Austad, M.A., Gay, C.R., Murray, S.M., Pettitt, R.W. (2013, in press). Acute response of highintensity and traditional resistance exercise on anaerobic power. Journal of Strength and
Conditioning Research.
Clark, I.E., Murray, S.M., Pettitt, R.W. (2013, in press). Alternative procedures for the 3-min allout exercise test. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
Pettitt, R.W., Niemeyer, J.D., Sexton, P.J., Lipetzky, A. Murray, S.R. (2012, in press). Do the
non-caffeine ingredients of energy drinks affect metabolic responses to heavy exercise?
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
Pettitt, R.W., Clark, I.E., Ebner, S.M., Sedgeman, D.T., Murray, S.M. (2012, in press). Gas
exchange threshold and VO2max testing for athletes: an update. Journal of Strength &
Conditioning Research.
Abel, M.G., Pettitt, R.W. Post-exercise recovery strategies for firefighters. NSCA TSAC Report
25: 25.1-25.5.
Trudson, T.N., Sexton, P.J., Pettitt, R.W. (2012). Unconventional pitching styles & implications
for injury. Part 1: biomechanics & pathology. International Journal of Athletic Therapy &
Training 17: 35-39.
Trudson, T.N., Sexton, P.J., Pettitt, R.W. (2012). Unconventional pitching styles & implications
for injury. Part 2: treatment & rehabilitation. International Journal of Athletic Therapy &
Training 17: 40-44.
Pettitt, R.W. (2012). Using scatterplots to teach the critical power concept. Advances in
Physiology Education 36: 172-175.
Pettitt, R.W., Jamnick, N.A., Clark, I.E. (2012). 3-min all-out exercise test for running.
International Journal of Sports Medicine 33: 426-431.
Johnson, T.M., Sexton, P.J., Placek, A.M., Murray, S.R., Pettitt, R.W. (2011). Reliability analysis
of the 3-min all-out exercise test for cycle ergometry. Medicine & Science in Sport &
Exercise 43: 2375-2380.
Abel, M.G., Mortara, A.J. Pettitt, R.W. (2011). Evaluation of workout intensity for firefighters.
Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research 25: 2895-2901.
Andrews, T.R., Mackey, T., Inkrott, T., Murray, S.R., Clark, I., Pettitt, R.W. (2011). Effect of hang
cleans or squats paired with countermovement vertical jumps on vertical displacement.
Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 25: 2448-2452.
Prokosch, A., Dalleck, L. Pettitt, R.W. (2011). Cardiac risk factors between farmers and nonfarmers. J Exerc Physiol 14:104-113.
Kirkeberg, J.M., Dalleck, L.C., Kamphoff, C.S., Pettitt, R.W. (2011). Validity of 3 protocols for
verifying VO2max. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 32: 266-270.
Pettitt, R.W., Udermann, B.E., Reineke, D. M., Wright, G. A., Battista, R. A., Mayer, J. M.,
Murray, S. R. (2010). Time-course of delayed onset muscle soreness evoked by three
intensities of lumbar eccentric exercise. Athletic Training & Sports Health Care: The Journal
for the Practicing Clinician. 2: 171-176.
Rich, L. Mackey, T., Kanzenbach, T.L., Newsham, K., Pettitt, R.W. (2010). On-field assessment
and management of exercise-induced dyspnea: vocal cord dysfunction and asthma. Athletic
Therapy Today, 15:14-18.
Pettitt, R.W. (2010). Evaluating strength and conditioning tests with z scores: avoiding common
pitfalls. Strength and Conditioning Journal, 32 (5):100-103.
Pettitt, R.W. (2010). The standard difference score: a new statistic for evaluating strength and
conditioning programs. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 24: 287-291.
Ryan, R.E., Wand, T.E, Murray, S.R., Copeland, M.T., Udermann, B.E., Pettitt, R.W. (2009).
Giant-cell reaction to a bioabsorbable implant. Gundersen Lutheran Medical Journal, 6: 2123.
Udermann, B.E., Miller, K. Doberstein, S.T., Reineke, D.M., Murray, S.R., Pettitt, R.W. (2009).
Spatting restricts ankle motion more effectively than taping during exercise. International
Journal of Exercise Science, 2:72-82.
Murray, S.R., Pettitt, R.W., Udermann, B.E., Ryan, R.R. Foot care, injury prevention, and safety.
In Murray, S.R (2009). Fitness Walking. Reno, NV: Bent Tree Press (pp. 89-108).
Cabrera C.A., Morales, J., Greer, F., Pettitt, R.W. (2009). Three different isotonic bouts fail to
potentiate voluntary, concentric performance. International Journal of Exercise Science,
2:38-47.