Human Performance Lab

Our patient populations encompass all types of childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases, range in age from 18 months to 70+ years, and cover a diagnostic span that ranges from newly diagnosed to 50+ years of survivorship. Approximately 50 patients participate in research testing each week at our state-of-the-art facility.

The Human Performance Laboratory occupies approximately 1100 square feet in the Patient Care Center. Our facility is staffed with certified clinical exercise physiologists and one physical therapist.

Beyond our expansive facility and experienced staff, the Human Performance Lab is equipped with advanced equipment. Some of the equipment in our facility consists of

• two MGC Diagnostics Ultima CPX metabolic stress test systems, complete with two treadmills 
• one adult cycle ergometer
• one pediatric cycle ergometer
• one arm ergometer.

We perform maximal graded-exercise testing to determine fitness levels (maximal oxygen uptake, peak VO2). We also assess resting energy expenditure for some research protocols.  

Muscular strength and endurance are tested with two Biodex System 4 Pro Isokinetic Strength Testing Systems. The Biodex systems can accommodate patients of all ages and sizes, and measure isokinetic, isometric, and isotonic strength. Speeds of movement, resistance, or limb positioning are modified depending on the needs of the research protocol. 

We assess a patient’s or survivor’s balance with two Bertec Computerized Dynamic Posturography systems. We test the ability of the individual to maintain an upright position while responding to a variety of inputs to the eyes, the inner ear, and the sensory organs of the legs and feet. 

Other types of available equipment include handheld dynamometry, myometry, range of motion, flexibility, and sensory-testing equipment. Our staff also assess patients for activities of daily living and fine- and gross-motor tasks.

Full time undergraduate and graduate internships are available in the Human Performance Lab in the spring, summer, and fall semesters for Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, or Kinesiology majors (or equivalent).

Internship hour requirements are dependent upon the requirements of the student’s university. Internships are full time (40 hours per week) and cannot be part time. You will learn how to perform physical function assessments on childhood cancer survivors and complete research projects.

In order to apply for an internship in the Human Performance Lab, the following application and supporting documents (listed in application) must be submitted to HPLInternships@stjude.org.

• Academic transcript from all collegiate institutions you have attended.
  • Please submit first and ASAP, as we do have academic standards for placement in our internship program. 

Academic Eligibility Requirements: 
(Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into program)

• Completed EXSS 4000 (University of Memphis) or equivalent (Lab Testing/Interpretation Course)
• Minimum Cumulative GPA of 3.25.
  • If a course is repeated, the best grade will be considered.
• No grade below a “C” in any major course.
• If an undergraduate, student must be in the final year of their degree.
  • Please have reference letters emailed by professor and supervisor.
• Two letters of reference: one from a recent professor and one from a supervisor in a job setting.
• A writing assignment, preferably from an exercise science related topic to determine your writing abilities.
• Optional: anything additional such as a resume.