This component provides the PCIR's physiologic, body composition, and nutritional assessment services to investigators.

The mission of the Nutrition and Physiological Assessment Core is to consolidate, coordinate, and improve the physiologic, body composition and nutritional assessment services for investigators and to facilitate, expand, and enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the research processes among the participating institutions. The core consists of three subunits: Nutritional Support, Physiological Measurements and Body Composition. The combined resources, expertise and instrumentation of this core facility are intended to directly benefit the research endeavors of investigators undertaking clinical investigations.

• The Nutritional Support Unit (NSU) helps in the determination of dietary intake using customized nutrient analysis software, assists in study design and implementation, develops and tests specialized diets, prepares and distributes specialized meals, administers test surveys (including satiety questionnaires and food frequency) throughout studies as needed; provides patient nutrition education; and ensures incorporation of updated nutrition information relative to the conduct of all activities in the NSU. 
• The Physiological Assessment Unit (PAU) helps to determine oxygen consumption, basal and resting metabolic rate, and exercise energy expenditure.
• The Body Composition Unit (BCU) calculates and evaluates body density, fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), total body water and extra- and intracellular fluid compartments (TBW, ECF, ICF), and bone mineral content and density (BMC, BM.D.).
  

• BOD POD: The BOD POD provides a measurement of air displacement that can be used to determine body density and body fat. It canbe used with individuals weighing up to 400 pounds.
• DXA: Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is used for assessment of bone density. Bone mineral density can be assessed for the spine, femur, forearm and whole body. Because two different energy levels are used, body composition - body fat and lean masses - can also be calculated, within height and weight limitations (6' 4", 300 pounds), and with approval from the radiation safety committee and a physician Rx for the procedure.
• Metabolic Measurements:  Through indirect calorimetry using our ParvoMedics metabolic cart, we can assess metabolism at rest and during exercise.  In addition, we can assess the thermic effect of food on metabolism using a controlled diet.  We also can look at one’s cardio respiratory fitness via a graded exercise test or stress test.
• Bio-electrical Impedance: This is a noninvasive method used for determining total body water as well as changes in body composition specifically, fat free mass, fat mass and total body fat.
• 12 lead EKG stress system:  To assist protocols investigating cardiac exercise testing, we have a 12 lead exercise stress test system, the Quinton Q-Stress System that directly interfaces with the Quinton TM55 treadmill. 
• Activity and heart rate monitoring:  We have several Polar 810i heart rate monitors to measure heart rate in the lab as well as in the field.  In addition, we have several Actigraph GT1M accelerometers for measuring activity and energy expenditure in the field.