Appalachian State University

The ASU/NCRC Human Performance Laboratory is a national leader in the area of nutrition and exercise immunology.

Working closely with trained and amateur athletes, corporate sponsors as well as community participants, the Human Performance Laboratory’s mission is to investigate the influence of unique plant molecules like flavonoids such as quercetin, luteolin, and epigallocatechin 3-gallate or EGCG on age-related loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), muscle mitochondrial biogenesis and exercise-induced changes in immune function, oxidative stress and inflammation.

Led by David Nieman, DrPH, FACSM, the research team of the Human Performance Lab is recognized for scientific breakthroughs including the:

• Protective effect of regular moderate exercise in augmenting immunity and decreasing illness
• Anti-inflammatory benefits of ingesting one liter of sports drink with 60 grams carbohydrate per hour of heavy exertion
• Pro-oxidative (thus harmful) effect of using large dose vitamin E supplements prior to competing in the Ironman race
• Pro-inflammatory (thus harmful) influence of using ibuprofen during competitive ultramarathon races
• Anti-pathogenic influence of quercetin (1,000 mg/day) in endurance athletes
• Anti-inflammatory benefits of ingesting isoquercetin with EGCG during heavy exertion
• Positive influence of quercetin supplements in lowering disease risk factors and illness symptomatology in the general community

Visit the ASU Human Performance Lab online.