Human Performance Collaborative

Home

Human Performance Collaborative is a strategic initiative out of The Ohio State University Office of Research.

HPC connects assets (ex. knowledge and skills, capital, social, political, and physical) and focused on understanding the integration and interaction between and among the eight factors (Sleep and Relaxation, Social Life, Emotional Wellness, Cognition, Mental Fitness, Physical Wellness, Food and Nutrition, and Physical Exercise) on individual or team overall performance by assessing current state, analyzing the current state relative to performance, and augmenting performance to optimize effectiveness.

Areas of Research Focus

Assessment

  • Validation testing for human performance technologies
  • Human performance data management system development
  • Artificial intelligence and machine learning for human performance
Three women in a treadmill testing center

Augmentation

  • Science and technologies to optimize human performances
  • Developing and deploying the latest evidence-based implementation science, health education and health promotion techniques to drive behavior change
Woman reading label on food package at grocery store

Recovery Science

  • Recovery modalities to understand physiological outcomes and validate technologies



 

 

RecoveryScience

Women's Health and Performance

  • Understanding the unique physiological and biomechanical factors as injury prevention, training protocols, nutrition, and recovery strategies that are optimized for women, particularly in relation to menstrual cycle phases, pregnancy, post partum, and the stages of menopause.
Women's Health

Join the Collaborative

Under the direction of Faculty Director Josh Hagen, the Human Performance Collaborative provides the framework and resources required to build and deploy interdisciplinary teams of investigators to advance the science of human performance. University students, faculty and staff interested in Human Performance Research are invited to join the collaborative. 

In the news

Effects of Daytime Floatation-Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy on Nocturnal Cardiovascular Physiology, Sleep, and Subjective Recovery in Collegiate Student-Athletes: A Comprehensive Observational Study

The primary aim of this study was to explore the relationship between floatation-restricted environmental stimulation therapy (floatation-REST) and nocturnal cardiovascular physiology and sleep in collegiate athletes. The secondary aim was to describe the perceived changes in soreness, mood, fatigue, energy level, and overall experience after floatation-REST in collegiate athletes. Data included 214 records of nocturnal cardiovascular physiology and sleep collected using an acceptably valid and reliable wearable device (Ōura Ring, Ōura Health, Oulu, Finland) from 97 athletes (52.57% women) on 12 varsity teams, and 2,319 survey responses collected immediately after floatation-REST from 898 athletes (48.88% women) on 36 varsity teams. Nocturnal cardiovascular physiology was assessed through resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and respiration rate, while sleep was summarized using total sleep time, time in bed, and sleep efficiency. The representation of teams was varied, with football and men's and women's swimming heavily represented. Male and female athletes were analyzed separately to prevent overlooking sex-specific physiologic differences. Resting heart rate was significantly lower after floatation-REST than at night immediately before the session in female athletes (p < 0.001, effect size [ES] = −0.223) and male athletes (p < 0.001, ES = −0.186). Heart rate variability and sleep metrics showed no specific changes. In total, 98.7% of athletes reported an overall positive floatation-REST experience, and 85.3% felt better postsession, citing reduced soreness, stress, and fatigue, with improved energy. Thus, although more research is needed, these data provide a positive outlook for the use of this recovery technology in collegiate athletes.
May 1, 2025

Ohio State’s athletic training expands to ROTC and Sheriff’s Office

Expertise of athletic trainers aids cadets, deputies in injury prevention and support
April 30, 2025

Cold-Water Immersion for Soccer Players

Evidence-Based Summary Cold-water immersion is a widely used recovery strategy in soccer, aimed at reducing fatigue and enhancing performance. It involves immersing the body in water at 10 to 15°C (50 to 59°F) for 10-15 minutes, typically within an hour post-training or match. Research supports cold-water immersion's effectiveness in improving jump performance and reducing perceived fatigue and soreness in soccer players, though its effects on exercise-induced muscle damage markers like creatine kinase are inconsistent. The mechanisms behind cold-water immersion 's benefits are thought to include reducing inflammation, vasoconstriction, pain relief, psychological effects, and hydrostatic pressure. For optimal recovery, cold-water immersion should be applied immediately after training or matches.
November 4, 2024