The Physical Activity Epidemiology Laboratory, (PAEL), celebrated its grand opening in Williamson Hall on Wednesday, April 8.

The lab is located in 310 Williamson Hall, the former location of the model railroad club.

Lab director Zan Gao, Ph.D., and his research team moved into the new lab in February. Immediately after the set-up of the equipment, they have initiated a lab-based project titled “Effects of Exergaming on College Students’ Physiological and Psychosocial Outcomes” from late March. This project was designed to determine the impact of different exergaming activities on college students’ physical activity levels, heart rates, blood pressure, motion sickness, and perceived exertion, as well as various psychosocial variables (situational motivation, situational interest, mood, self-efficacy and enjoyment) as compared to traditional treadmill exercise.

Thus far, Gao’s team has tested over 20 college students, including all the China Champions, in the lab.

Learn more about the lab’s equipment here.