The Exercise and Body Composition is an integral component of the Bayview CRU. The main exercise and body composition laboratories for testing and the center for exercise training are located on the Bayview campus. A satellite center that offers exercise testing and training is located at Hopkins Greenspring, situated in Baltimore County north of Baltimore City.

The exercise testing and training facility is unique to the Johns Hopkins Bayview CRU, and does not duplicate any other existing service at Johns Hopkins. This center is available to all exercise related IRB-approved protocols of the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.?The Exercise and Body Composition Core is directed by Kerry J. Stewart, Ed.D., Professor of Medicine, who is also the Director of the Johns Hopkins Bayview Cardiac Rehabilitation Program. Under an agreement between Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and the School of Medicine to share space and equipment, the exercise facility at Bayview is used by the CRU for research, and by JHBMC for clinical cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation. This arrangement provides a critical mass of experienced personnel, space, and equipment to supervise research subjects in exercise training protocols. A similar arrangement between the Division of Cardiology and the CRU exists at the center at Hopkins Greenspring.Facilities and Equipment at Bayview

Stress Testing

	ECG stress testing/Metabolic stress testing is performed in the exercise testing lab using a Viasys Encore metabolic system. This equipment can be used for diagnostic screening and for protocols that require measurement of oxygen consumption and related cardiopulmonary parameters.
	Cardiosoft software allows for continuous 12-lead ECG monitoring, automatic resting ECG interpretation, arrhythmia detection, ST level and slope analysis. A treadmill or cycle ergometer can be interfaced with the computer in order to accommodate various research protocols.
	The system uses a pneumotachometer to acquire breath-by-breath gas exchange and ventilatory data. Gas samples are evaluated using oxygen and carbon dioxide analyzers. The system can also be used to assess pulmonary function and resting metabolic rest.
	The Viasys computer is fully compatible with our computer network to allow for transfer of data for statistical analysis. A laser jet color printer is used for generating printed reports.

Muscle Strength Testing

	Available equipment for strength testing consists of a Hoist multistation resistance trainer and several sets of 1-15 lb hand weights. Both are located in the training facility.
	A Biodex dynamometer (System 3) is available for isokinetic strength testing

Anthropometric and Body Composition Assessment

	Harpenden Skinfold Calipers, assorted tapes, and a balance scale are available for anthropometric assessment.
	A portable RJL Systems Bioimpedence analyzer using version 3.2 software run on a Zenith 386 computer is available to evaluate body fat percent and water retention.
	A GE Prodigy Lunar DEXA (Dual X-ray Absorptiometry) scanner is available to assess body composition, including: total body, femur, dual femur, forearm and lumbar spine bone mineral density. All scans are analyzed using EnCore 2002 software, version 06.80.002.

Exercise Training

	The exercise training facility is approximately 1200 sq ft. Changing rooms are available for men (238 sq ft) and women (233 sq ft). Both contain shower facilities and lockers.
	The training facility is equipped with 6 treadmills, 4 NuStep steppers, 4 Schwinn airdyne cycle ergometers, 2 elliptical trainers, and an upper body ergometer. For resistance training, there is a Hoist Multi-station machine, and several sets of handheld weights and stretch bands. Floor mats are available for calisthenics and stretching exercises.
	A 12-channel ScottCare wireless telemetry ECG monitoring system is used to monitor heart rate, rhythm, and ST-T wave responses to exercise. The monitoring system has full report generating and editing features that is used to record key parameters of each exercise session.
	A fully equipped emergency crash cart and defibrillator is also available for emergencies.
	Assorted blood pressure cuffs, weight scales, timers and clocks are available for research purposes.

Exercise and Body Composition Testing

The center has a Viasys metabolic cart for cardiopulmonary exercise training on either a treadmill or cycle ergometer. Muscle strength testing is done on a Hoist Multi-station machine. Body composition assessment can be done with anthropometrics and by BIA.

Exercise Training

	The exercise training facility is approximately 700 sq feet and is equipped with treadmills, cycle ergometers, recumbent steppers, and a Hoist Multi-station weight machine. There are also sets of hand-weights and stretch bands.
	A 12-channel ScottCare wireless telemetry ECG monitoring system is used to monitor heart rate, rhythm, and ST-T wave responses to exercise. The monitoring system has full report generating and editing features that is used to record key parameters of each exercise session.
	A fully equipped emergency crash cart and defibrillator is also available for emergencies.
	Assorted blood pressure cuffs, weight scales, timers and clocks are available for research purposes.