The UAB Center for Exercise Medicine (UCEM), one of the University-Wide Interdisciplinary Research Centers (UWIRC), was established by the Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama on February 4, 2011. UAB is among the first major academic medical centers to establish a center aimed at studying the effects of exercise on a molecular and cellular level. The center brings together more than 200 members and trainees, 36 departments, and 10 schools for a multi-disciplinary approach.
UCEM's overarching goal is to understand the biological mechanisms underlying exercise-induced adaptations and their clinical utility in disease treatment and prevention. To achieve that objective, the center's interventions are focused on optimizing exercise treatments for specific diseases using a dose-response approach.
The center also serves as a resource for exercise medicine researchers ranging from undergraduates to senior scientists. It offers expertise and infrastructure for human or animal model research involving exercise intervention. Through its training and educational programs, pilot support and consultation services, UCEM aims to advance the field of exercise biology and medicine.
UCEM Quick Facts
10
UAB schools involved
>200
Faculty members and Trainees
36
UAB Departments involved
14
Active Clinical Trials and Pilot Studies
>$80M
Extramural Research Funding
>70
Pre- and Post-doctoral trainees
>6000 sq.ft.
Exercise Clinical Trials Facility
2
Core Facilities
Offers
Pilot Funding
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The Exercise Clinical Trials Facility (ECTF) houses a Cardiorespiratory Function Lab and a Neuromuscular Function Lab to perform various human physiological and performance tests.
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Provides blood and muscle tissue analysis.
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Provides Interdisciplinary Training in Pathobiology and Rehabilitation Medicine for pre- and post-doctoral trainees.
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Sponsors multiple enrichment activities: Annual Scientific Symposium in September, Distinguished Lecture Series, Exercise Medicine Journal Club, UCEM Exercise Medicine Research Roundtable (expert clinical trial design and grant proposal consultations), and Exercise Medicine internships.
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One of the 6 adult clinical centers for MoTrPAC, a national movement funded by the NIH to discover how physical activity improves health and prevents disease.
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Founded the National Exercise Clinical Trials Network (NExTNet).
Visit the center accomplishments page to learn more about UCEM.