Integrative Physiology and Health Sciences (IPHS) Center

The Integrative Physiology and Health Sciences (IPHS) Center at Purdue University Northwest will lead research, teaching and outreach with a proactive and holistic approach to human health.

The IPHS Center is currently housed in GYTE 6 (Hammond Campus). Renovations to our new, permanent space in GYTE 3 and 5 have started and the anticipated move-in date is July 2022. We look forward to our opening and serving PNW and NWI!

A snapshot of continuous blood pressure and 3-lead ECG on our motorized tilt table, with an automated blood pressure cuff in the foreground and SphygmoCor system in the background.

Primary Objectives

Expand research in human health at Purdue University Northwest
Increase extramural funding to PNW
Improve health-related initiatives and impact to PNW and Northwest Indiana
Provide human performance testing and dietary analysis services (future)

Center Activities

Once the new space is completed, the center will include the following research areas:

Physical activity/exercise
Autonomic regulation of blood pressure
Sleep physiology
Nutrition and metabolism
Epidemiology and public health
Sensory physiology
Health and exercise psychology
Service and outreach will focus on the ACSM Exercise is Medicine® initiative, community health and occupational safety.

Current Projects

Studying how acute and eight-week mindfulness interventions influence blood pressure regulation
Determining the effect of downhill running on muscle soreness and arterial stiffness in men and women
Building a lower-body negative pressure chamber used to simulate gravitational challenges or hemorrhage
Examining the cardiometabolic effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa tea (planning to start soon)
Please contact Center Coordinator Grant Thivierge at gthivier@pnw.edu or John Durocher if you have any questions.