Participate in Research

Being a participant in a research study is the best way to get involved with the EPPL. You will get to experience exercise physiology research firsthand, get free exercise testing, make valuable connections with graduate students, and contribute to science!

Current Studies

See below for current study recruitment information

Swimming and ME/CFS Study

Email Alicia if interested: amr10@sfu.ca, and Dr. Coates with concerns: acoates@sfu.ca

ME/CFS Study: Individuals with ME/CFS experience profound exercise intolerance and post-exertional malaise. This remote (app-based) pilot study explores whether light, fully self-paced, swimming may be a tolerable form of movement for people with ME/CFS and related conditions, due to the distinct physiological effects of water immersion. The horizontal posture and hydrostatic pressure of water supports venous return and reduces orthostatic stress, while cool water exposure may influence autonomic and inflammatory responses. We are recruiting adults with mild-to-moderate ME/CFS and related conditions for this study examining short-term symptom and autonomic responses to gentle swimming. Participants will choose their own intensity and duration and may stop at any time. A light cycling session is available as an optional comparator for those who feel comfortable doing so. If you feel you may be a suitable candidate, please reach out for more details. [Note: this is not an exercise training or rehabilitation study, and participation is only intended for individuals who can tolerate some gentle activity and can be in public spaces without triggering post-exertional malaise. You should be comfortable with swimming, but flotation or other assistive devices are welcome]

Athletic Performance across the Menstrual Cycle Study

Email Sameen if interested: sameen_kaviani@sfu.ca

Repeated Sprint Performance Study

Email Sameen if interested: sameen_kaviani@sfu.ca

Interested in Graduate Studies?

Apply to Join the Lab

Graduate Studies

All applications to do a MSc or PhD in the lab need to be submitted 1 month prior to the departmental application deadlines. All of the applications will then be considered, and you may be contacted for further interviews. Having research funding (CGS-M or CGS-D, etc.) greatly enhances your chances of getting in.

Fall Semester Start: Deadline to apply to EPPL - December 31st

Spring Semester Start: Deadline to apply to EPPL - July 31st

Summer Semester Start: Deadline to apply to EPPL - December 15th

Undergraduate Directed Studies & Volunteers

Applications for BPK 496 (Literature Review), BPK 495 (Honours), BPK 498 (Study Experiential), and volunteer positions must be submitted ~1 month prior to the end of classes in the previous semester. We will consider all applications and you will be contacted by the 15th of the month for further interviews or notice of acceptance.

Fall Semester Start: Deadline to apply to EPPL - July 1st

Spring Semester Start: Deadline to apply to EPPL - November 1st

Summer Semester Start: Deadline to apply to EPPL - March 1st

How to Apply

Please email Dr. Coates (alexandra_coates@sfu.ca) with your current unofficial transcript and CV with academic referees, and fill out this application survey: EPPL APPLICATION