Applied Performance and EXercise (APEX) Research Group

The Applied Performance and EXercise (APEX) Research Group in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at Northern Illinois University investigates how exercise, training, nutrition, supplementation and novel therapeutic strategies influence human performance, movement and health.

Our work is rooted in exercise science, with a broad focus across exercise physiology and biomechanics. We are interested in understanding how the body responds to, and adapts to, different interventions – and how those responses can be used to improve performance and physical capacity and to support health.

The mission of the APEX Research Group is to conduct applied, student-centered research that bridges laboratory-based science with real-world exercise and performance settings. Our goal is to better understand the physiological and biomechanical factors that influence movement; exercise and physical capacity; strength; power; recovery; and long-term health.

Areas of Research

The APEX Research Group examines topics related to:

• Exercise physiology and human performance
• Biomechanics, running mechanics and movement analysis
• Skeletal muscle oxygenation and cardiovascular responses to exercise
• Nutritional and dietary supplementation
• Resistance training and exercise priming
• Heat therapy and recovery-based interventions
• Strength, power and muscle function
• Bone health and body composition
• Exercise training for performance and health

Current and Recent Projects

Recent and ongoing projects include:

• Sodium bicarbonate supplementation and skeletal muscle oxygenation during cycling.
• Alpha-GPC supplementation and its effects on skeletal muscle function and exercise performance.
• Resistance exercise priming and jump performance.
• Heat therapy and skeletal muscle function.
• Strength training and bone mineral density.
• Running kinetics and kinematics.

Student Research Opportunities

Students working with the APEX Research Group gain hands-on experience in the research process, including study design, participant recruitment, data collection, physiological testing, biomechanical assessment, data analysis, abstract preparation, conference presentation and manuscript preparation.

The lab provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students interested in exercise physiology; biomechanics; strength and conditioning; clinical exercise science; physical therapy; and related fields.

Integration with FACT

The APEX Research Group also connects with the department’s Fitness Assessment, Consulting and Technology (FACT) resources. FACT provides fitness evaluation and assessment services using advanced testing equipment and software to assess performance, fitness, health and quality of life. These resources align closely with APEX research interests and can support student training, participant testing and applied research involving body composition, cardiovascular fitness, musculoskeletal function, power, movement analysis and performance assessment.

Research and Outreach Connection

The APEX Research Group supports the broader mission of KNPE research and outreach by linking classroom learning, laboratory experiences and applied work in the community. The department emphasizes student involvement in all stages of research, from idea generation to participant interaction and dissemination of findings.