Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences

Wellness Assessment Lab

Wellness Assessment Lab

The NHS Wellness Assessment Lab, under the direction of Dr. Shinya Takahashi, is located on UNL's East Campus in Ruth Leverton Hall. The lab features state-of-the-art tools and equipment which include: 

  • portable force plate
  • bioelectrical impedance (BIA) machine
  • anthropometric devices
  • reflectance photometry blood analysis machine
  • tri-axial accelerometers
  • treadmill
  • cycle ergometer
  • free weights
  • power rack

Primarily utilized for educational purposes, the lab provides students with hands-on experience in studying how the human body adapts and responds to physical exercise through fitness testing and health assessment.

 

Wellness Assessment Lab Koehler
Wellness Assessment Lab
Wellness Assessment Lab 2

Research

 
Analysis of Dietary Intake, Body Composition, Blood Chemistry Profile, Physical Fitness, and Physical Activity Trends in College Students

This study examines various aspects of wellness among college students, including dietary practices, physical activity levels, physical fitness, blood chemistry, and body composition. The following measurements were collected during the study:

  • anthropometric (i.e., height, body mass, hip and waist girths)
  • body composition
  • blood pressure
  • resting heart rate
  • physical fitness level
  • physical activity level
  • dietary practice
  • blood chemistry data

By analyzing the aggregated data, researchers aim to establish a baseline understanding of college students' overall health and wellness. The findings will also help determine the need for targeted wellness intervention programs on college campuses.

 

Correlations Between Dynamic One Repetition Maximum Squat and Maximum Voluntary Isometric Squat in Recreationally Trained College-aged Individuals

This study explores the relationships between dynamic one repetition maximum (1RM) squat exercise (the maximum amount of weight that an individual can lift only one time) and 4 different knee angles of maximum static squat exercise (the maximum effort to push against an immovable weight training bar) in recreationally trained, college-aged individuals. 

The findings from this research provide insights into the force development characteristics of dynamic and static squat exercises. Additionally, this data may help identify appropriate resistance levels for individuals starting the squat exercise. These levels can be estimated using forces measured during the static squat exercise, eliminating the need for the time-consuming process of measuring an individual's 1RM.

 

Wellness Assessment Lab

Lab Members

Shinya Takahashi
Shinya Takahaski

Associate Professor of Practice, 
Associate NHS Department Chair, 
& CEHS Academic Program Lead

Email: stakahashi3@unl.edu

Bio

Former Lab Members

Sadio Fenner
Sadio Fenner
  • Graduated May 2024 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with an MS in Nutrition and Exercise
  • Worked with the Wellness Assessment Lab as a teaching assistant for NUTR 100, NUTR 150, and NUTR 488
  • Now pursuing a doctorate in Exercise Physiology at Florida State University
Carlos Guzman
Carlos Guzman
  • Graduated May 2023 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with an MS in Nutrition and Exercise
Emma Worley
Emma Worley
  • Graduated May 2022 from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with an MS in Nutrition and Exercise
  • PhD student and football sports science graduate assistant at the University of South Carolina

In the News

Publications

Selected Publications
2019

Murphy, C., Takahashi, S., Bovaird, J., & Koehler, K. (2019). Relation of aerobic fitness, eating behavior, and physical activity to body composition in college-age women: A path analysis. Journal of American College health. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2019.1647210

Garcia AS, Takahashi S, Anderson-Knott M, Dev D. Determinants of physical activity for Latino and white middle school-aged children. J Sch Health. 2019; 89: 3-10. doi:10.1111/josh.12706