The University of Florida Center for Exercise Science (CES) is a multidisciplinary research center dedicated to investigating the complex in teractions between physical activity, aging and nutrition. The primary goal of scientists in the CES is to improve human health by advancing knowledge through research. Moreover, the CES provides an outstanding laboratory environment to educate University of Florida students and post-doctoral fellows who will become the next generation of health-related exercise scientists and clinicians.

Although epidemiological evidence links inactivity to increased risk of disease and increased physical activity to better health, the underlying mechanisms whereby physical activity is protective to human health and increases human lifespan are poorly understood. In this regard, inadequate knowledge exists about the physiological, biomechanical, nutritional and psychological factors through which physical activity reduces the prevalence and severity of disease. Further, there is a lack of understanding of the psychological barriers to an active lifestyle as well as the most effective means of promoting an active lifestyle.

No single discipline holds the key to all of the answers sought. Thus, the CES has assembled a multidisciplinary team of scientists focused on investigating various aspects of the link between a physically active lifestyle and the health and well being of individuals. Indeed, CES scientists are dedicated to exploring the full continuum of physical activity as it relates to personal health and functional ability of people at different stages of the lifespan.

To achieve its mission, scientists associated with the CES are pursuing a research agenda organized around four primary themes:

• Physiological, biochemical, and molecular studies related to aging, cardiovascular health and muscular skeletal health
• Biomechanics and motor control investigations aimed at optimizing rehabilitation from neuromuscular disorders and maintaining bone and joint health
• Psychological studies that focus on exercise adherence, eating disorders and the role of physical activity in the promotion of self-esteem and prevention/treatment of affected disorders.
• Athletic training/sports medicine studies involving both basic science and clinical issues related to injury prevention and care for the physically active.

Within each of these areas, CES scientists are conducting research at multiple levels of scientific inquiry. For example, researchers are engaged in studies designed to improve our understanding of the basic mechanisms that underlie exercise-induced changes in the body at the organ, tissue, cellular and molecular level. Further, CES scientists are investigating applied topics such as the development of rehabilitation protocols for regaining motor control after stoke, maintaining optimal health, and delaying age-related declines in physiological function.