{"id":15,"date":"2014-10-16T17:05:40","date_gmt":"2014-10-16T17:05:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/exercisephys\/?page_id=15"},"modified":"2026-03-13T18:58:40","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T18:58:40","slug":"current-projects","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/exercisephys\/current-projects\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Projects"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--single\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h1 style=\"text-align: left\"><span style=\"color: #981e32\">CURRENT PROJECTS&nbsp;<\/span><\/h1>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--single\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #981e32\"><span style=\"color: #00ccff\">\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #981e32\"><span style=\"color: #00ccff\">GTSD-30<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><span style=\"color: #333333\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2024\/04\/Screen-Shot-2024-04-15-at-1.24.14-PM.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-2349 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2024\/04\/Screen-Shot-2024-04-15-at-1.24.14-PM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"223\" height=\"230\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2024\/04\/Screen-Shot-2024-04-15-at-1.24.14-PM.png 678w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2024\/04\/Screen-Shot-2024-04-15-at-1.24.14-PM-396x408.png 396w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 223px) 100vw, 223px\" \/><\/a> As curators for three decades worth of past medical and performance data from the Ironman World Championship (Kona, HI), EPPL personnel are tasked with it&#8217;s management and safekeeping.\u00a0 This work is carried out utilizing the EPPL&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/globaltrisafety.org\/\">Global Triathlon <span style=\"color: #ad1515\">Safety Database<\/span><\/a><span style=\"color: #ad1515\">,<\/span> and represents over 2,000 man-hours of effort in collaboration with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whitmanhospital.org\/provider-directory-module\/providers\/w-douglas-hiller\/\">Dr. Douglas <span style=\"color: #ad1515\">Hiller<\/span><\/a><span style=\"color: #ad1515\">.<\/span>\u00a0 As one of the world&#8217;s more robust longitudinal performance-based data sets on elite athletes, we aim to apply this information to improve ultra-endurance safety worldwide. If you are interested in learning more about this project, please contact <a href=\"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/exercisephys\/staff-2\/\">Dr. Christopher Connolly.<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #00ccff;font-size: 1.8rem;letter-spacing: 0px\">Triathlon Risk Surveillance and Assessment of Fatalities and Environments (TriSafe)\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><span style=\"color: #001000\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2025\/11\/how-to-be-more-aerodynamic-triathlon-bike-1024x648-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-2615 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2025\/11\/how-to-be-more-aerodynamic-triathlon-bike-1024x648-1-396x251.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"346\" height=\"219\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2025\/11\/how-to-be-more-aerodynamic-triathlon-bike-1024x648-1-396x251.jpg 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2025\/11\/how-to-be-more-aerodynamic-triathlon-bike-1024x648-1-792x501.jpg 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2025\/11\/how-to-be-more-aerodynamic-triathlon-bike-1024x648-1-768x486.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2025\/11\/how-to-be-more-aerodynamic-triathlon-bike-1024x648-1-198x125.jpg 198w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2025\/11\/how-to-be-more-aerodynamic-triathlon-bike-1024x648-1.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 346px) 100vw, 346px\" \/><\/a>TriSafe aims to improve athlete safety in Ironman triathlons through biometric monitoring and data analysis. This study utilizes wearable devices such as chest straps, watches, and sleeping tracking rings. By examining cardiac indicators and other health metrics through these devices; the project seeks to identify patterns linked to medical risk and enhance athlete health and safety during Ironman events. <\/span><span style=\"color: #333333\">If you are interested in learning more, please contact<span style=\"color: #ad1515\"> <a style=\"color: #ad1515\" href=\"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/exercisephys\/staff-2\/\">Daniel Smith.<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #00ccff\">Non-Specific Lower Back Pain<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><span style=\"color: #333333\"><span data-teams=\"true\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/03\/lower-back-pain-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-2701 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/03\/lower-back-pain-1-396x264.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"326\" height=\"217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/03\/lower-back-pain-1-396x264.jpg 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/03\/lower-back-pain-1-792x528.jpg 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/03\/lower-back-pain-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/03\/lower-back-pain-1-198x132.jpg 198w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/03\/lower-back-pain-1.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 326px) 100vw, 326px\" \/><\/a>Non-specific lower back pain (NSLBP) is a common problem that affects many people worldwide. More specifically, NSLBP affects over half of university staff annually (~56%). However, how physical activity, movement-quality assessments and psychosocial factors interact in this population remains unexplored. This project&#8217;s purpose is to examines and compare the differences in movement patterns, physical activity habits, and psychosocial perceptions between individuals with and without NSLBP. The results aims to help inform the development of workplace wellness programs and strategies to prevent and manage back pain. <\/span><\/span><span style=\"color: #333333\">If you are interested in learning more, please contact<span style=\"color: #ad1515\"> <a style=\"color: #ad1515\" href=\"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/exercisephys\/staff-2\/\">Ailaiti Xiaerzhate (Shirzat)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #00ccff\">Triathlon Resilience and Anxiety at Competition Timepoints (TRACT)<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><span style=\"color: #333333\"><a href=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2024\/04\/Screen-Shot-2024-04-15-at-1.24.57-PM.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" wp-image-2350 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2024\/04\/Screen-Shot-2024-04-15-at-1.24.57-PM-396x404.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"301\" height=\"307\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2024\/04\/Screen-Shot-2024-04-15-at-1.24.57-PM-396x404.png 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2024\/04\/Screen-Shot-2024-04-15-at-1.24.57-PM.png 682w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 301px) 100vw, 301px\" \/><\/a>This project <\/span><span style=\"color: #333333\">seeks to discover how type of training (indoor vs outdoor) and past adverse experiences (musculoskeletal injury and hydration illnesses) influence pre-competition anxiety in Ironman triathletes. Our underlying assumption is that pre-competition anxiety is related to adverse cardiac events (arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death). Specifically, a major influence is put on the on the swim portion of the race, as this is when most deaths in triathlon occur. The driving force behind this project is to create a safer environment for athletes and the sport. If you are interested in learning more, please contact <span style=\"color: #ad1515\"><a style=\"color: #ad1515\" href=\"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/exercisephys\/staff-2\/\">Dr. Christopher Connolly.<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--single\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center\"><span style=\"color: #ad1515\"><strong>PHONE<\/strong><em><strong> &nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/span><span style=\"color: #454444\">(509) 335-9658<\/span>&nbsp; \u2022&nbsp; <strong><span style=\"color: #ad1515\">EMAIL<\/span><em><span style=\"color: #ad1515\"> &nbsp;<\/span><\/em><\/strong><span style=\"color: #575656\"><span style=\"color: #454444\"><a style=\"color: #454444\" href=\"mailto:eppl@wsu.edu\">eppl@wsu.edu<\/a><\/span>&nbsp;<\/span> \u2022&nbsp; <span style=\"color: #ad1515\"><strong>LOCATION<em> &nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/span><span style=\"color: #454444\">Smith Gym 70, Pullman, WA 99164<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/03\/WSU-CESHS-vert-Color-RGB-1024x783-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-2717 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/03\/WSU-CESHS-vert-Color-RGB-1024x783-1-396x303.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"217\" height=\"166\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/03\/WSU-CESHS-vert-Color-RGB-1024x783-1-396x303.jpg 396w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/03\/WSU-CESHS-vert-Color-RGB-1024x783-1-792x606.jpg 792w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/03\/WSU-CESHS-vert-Color-RGB-1024x783-1-768x587.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/03\/WSU-CESHS-vert-Color-RGB-1024x783-1-198x151.jpg 198w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2026\/03\/WSU-CESHS-vert-Color-RGB-1024x783-1.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 217px) 100vw, 217px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/epplab\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1223\" src=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2014\/10\/Instagram_App_Large_May2016_200.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"50\" height=\"50\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2014\/10\/Instagram_App_Large_May2016_200.png 200w, https:\/\/wpcdn.web.wsu.edu\/wp-labs\/uploads\/sites\/255\/2014\/10\/Instagram_App_Large_May2016_200-198x198.png 198w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 50px) 100vw, 50px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right\"><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":44190,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"categories":[],"tags":[],"wsuwp_university_location":[],"wsuwp_university_org":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/exercisephys\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/exercisephys\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/exercisephys\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/exercisephys\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/44190"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/exercisephys\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15"}],"version-history":[{"count":75,"href":"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/exercisephys\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2771,"href":"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/exercisephys\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15\/revisions\/2771"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/exercisephys\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/exercisephys\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/exercisephys\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15"},{"taxonomy":"wsuwp_university_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/exercisephys\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wsuwp_university_location?post=15"},{"taxonomy":"wsuwp_university_org","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/exercisephys\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wsuwp_university_org?post=15"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}