The Human Performance Laboratory (HPL) at Ball State University was founded in 1965 and has a long history of applied exercise physiology research and training graduate students at the master and doctoral level.  The HPL has been involved in a variety of applied research topics since its inception including carbohydrate metabolism, heat stress, fluid balance, over-training and tapering in runners, swimmers, and cyclists.  This applied approach continues today with the focus on limits of human performance and clinical investigations of aging, space flight, children, and diabetes to name a few.

Graduate programs in adult fitness/cardiac rehabilitation, exercise physiology and a Ph.D. program in Human Bioenergetics allow students to focus on an area of specialization that suit their interest and abilities.  One of the unique aspects of our graduate programs is the "hands on" experience the students gain during their educational training.   The laboratory philosophy resides in a team approach to our graduate programs.  We encourage our students to participate in the project development, data collection and analysis, and writing of the research findings.  We take pride in the achievements of our students and follow their accomplishments with a sense of satisfaction.