We investigate how the human physiology reacts to unique environments and situations. Through a combination of practical field observation and controlled conditions study, we are better understanding how the human body is affected and how it adapts to the extremes of our world.
Östersund (pop. ~60,000) is located in Jämtland in the Norrland region of Sweden. And, at the former A4 military regement lies the Östersund campus of Mid-Sweden University - the home of the Environmental Physiology Group. The group belongs organisationally to the Department of Engineering and Sustainable Development.
The Environmental Physiology Group conducts human and comparative research in diving, thermal, altitude and exercise physiology. Many of our publications involve cardiovascular regulation and the human diving response, and most recently the newly discovered spleen contraction associated with apnea. Lab facilities include:
- a 4000L immersion tank
- A low-oxygen altitude chamber
- Metabolic cart for oxygen uptake studies
- Core and surface temperature thermal data loggers
- full blood and expired gas analysis capabilities
- Monark cycle ergometers and running treadmill
- multi-channel on-line data acquisition system
- laser-Doppler blood flow meter
- continuous blood pressure and oxygen saturation monitors
- - ECG exercise-stress testing equipment
- -body fat measurement unit
Partnership with the National Winter Sport Center on campus, and Östersund Hospital, just 2 km away, offers access to additional clinical testing facilities.
Directed by Dr. Erika Schagatay, the Environmental Physiology Group also has partnerships throughout Sweden and the EU. The Group puts emphasis on collaborative efforts with other laboratories across Europe in both complementary and similar research areas, to advance the knowledge and understanding of human performance in extreme environments and activities.
Our facility is located in Building D, beside the National Winter Sports Center, Campus Östersund. To arrange a visit, please email us.