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 900 square feet in the Kmart St. Jude Life Building, located next to the After Completion of Therapy Clinic. Our facility is staffed with five 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 Neurocom Equitest systems with Computerized Dynamic Posturography. 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. The System utilizes a dynamic 18"x18" dual-force plate with rotation and translation capabilities to measure the vertical forces exerted by the patient's feet; and a moveable visual surround.

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 criteria must be submitted to HPLab@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.
• No grade below a “C” in any major course.
  • If a course is repeated, the best grade will be considered.
• If an undergraduate, student must be in the final year of their degree.

• Two letters of reference: one from a recent professor and one from a supervisor in a job setting.
  • Please have reference letters emailed by professor and supervisor.
• A writing assignment, preferably from an exercise science related topic to determine your writing abilities.
• Optional: anything additional such as a resume.

Of note, if you are from outside the Memphis area, this internship is unpaid and you will be responsible for finding housing for the internship. We do have individuals that can assist in finding housing, but the cost will be covered by the student.   

If you are accepted as an intern, it is required to carry a $1,000,000 liability insurance policy. The typical cost is $30-40 for coverage for one year.

One day shadowing opportunities are available for undergraduate or graduate students who otherwise do not meet requirements for an internship. Please submit the following to HPLab@stjude.org:

1. Immunization Records
2. One letter of reference from professor
3. Written paragraph explaining interest in shadowing opportunity