Locomotor Learning Lab
Lab Objectives
The Locomotor Learning Lab, founded in 2019, was established to integrate community involvement, screening, and research for the betterment of the people of the high country. Dr. Skinner and his students are actively engaged in promoting healthy aging and independent lifestyles, in both geriatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
Active Projects
Acute Effects of Exercise on Autonomic Function in Parkinson's Disease.
Health and Fitness Community Assessment Database.
Motor Synchrony & Autism.
Unveiling the Aging Process: Insights into Gait, Physical Activity, and Cognitive Changes Across Generations.
Sleep Architecture and Nocturnal Blood Pressure in First Responder's Spouses
The Benefits of a Dynamic Warmup for the Equestrian Athlete During Cold Temperatures.
Contact: Ansley Patton, pattonac@appstate.edu, or Dr. Jared Skinner, skinnerjw@appstate.edu if you are interested in participating and/or volunteering.
Meet the Lab
Dr. Jared W. Skinner, Assistant Professor, PhD, Graduate Faculty
Hello! I am the director of the Locomotor Learning and Gait Lab at Appalachian State University in the department of Health and Exercise Science.
About me:
Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University
Geriatrics Advanced Fellowship (2016-2019) – Malcom Randall Veterans Hospital, Gainesville, FL, Emphasis: Neurorehabilitation
Ph.D. (2016) – University of Florida, Gainesville, FL – Applied Physiology and Kinesiology - Biomechanics
M.S. (2011) – Appalachian State University, Boone, NC – Exercise Science, Research
B.S. (2009) – Appalachian State University, Boone, NC – Exercise Science, Strength and Conditioning
Students (Current)
Ansley Patton, Undergraduate Student
About me:
I am studying Exercise Science Major with a Minor in Psychology.
Departmental Honors Thesis: Acute Effects of Exercise on Autonomic Function in Parkinson's Disease.
Originally from Waxhaw, North Carolina, I transferred to Appalachian State University in the Fall of 2022 and began work in the lab the following Spring. I assist lab members with data reduction and statistical analysis as well as perform aging assessments with the inter-professional Clinic at Leon Levine Hall.
I hope to continue my research through a Master's program and hopefully PT school.
Breanna Gibson, Undergraduate Student
About me:
I am an Exercise Science major with a minor in Psychology and Medical Humanities.
I am from Union Grove, NC and I began in the lab Spring of 2023. I love research and I am hoping to gain a lot of knowledge and experience working with people and developing various skills. I am hopeful to take the leadership and physical skills from this lab into the real world and eventually PT school!
Mabry Watson, Master's Student
About me:
1st Year Graduate Student in Exercise Science - Research Concentration
I’m from Fleetwood, NC.
I primarily work in the injury lab on the TRACK ACL study but I help out in the locomotor lab training other students on how to use the ROX ProXs.
I am currently working on planning out a study for my Master's thesis.
Kelsie Bryant, Undergraduate Student
About me:
Exercise Science Major, Departmental Honors.
I'm from Raleigh, North Carolina.
I began research with the Locomotor Lab in Fall 2023. I assist with various lab projects, Parkinson's disease being my primary research interest. I hope to conduct an honor thesis prior to graduating.
After undergrad I look forward to continuing my education in physical therapy school.
Matt Mitarotondo, Undergraduate Student
About me:
Double Major in Biochemistry and Exercise Science with minors in Mathematics, Physics, and Public Health.
I am a student veteran. I came back to school in my mid-twenties.
I am a New York native, but moved to NC after the service. I ended up moving up to the mountains with my wife.
I am pursuing an MD program and I hope to work in the field of Radiology Oncology.
Taylor Riddle, Undergraduate Student
About me:
Exercise Science major
I'm from Sydney, Australia, but was originally born in Singapore.
I began in the lab in Spring 2024 and plan to work closely with co-students assisting with research.
My goal is to go on to PT school after graduating from App!
Students (Past)
Natalie Thulien, B.S., Master's Student graduate assistant
About me:
B.S. (2023)- Appalachian State University - Exercise Science
Second-year ES grad student, research concentration. Passionate about sleep architecture and cognitive function in both healthy and special populations!
Grad Thesis: Sleep Architecture and Nocturnal Blood Pressure in First Responder Spouses
Undergrad Honors Thesis: How Sleep Architecture, Executive Function, and Cardiovascular parameters differ in normal weight vs overweight young adults.
Olivia Chapman, Undergraduate Student
About me:
Exercise Science Major, Medical Humanities Minor. I am also part of the exercise science departmental honors program for the Beaver College of Health Sciences.
Honors Thesis: The Benefits of a Dynamic Warmup for the Equestrian Athlete During Cold Temperatures.
I'm from Durham, NC, and I began in the lab Spring of 2021. I work in the lab leading and conducting research as well as training our other lab members. I also work with the inter-professional clinic inside Leon Levine Hall doing gait and balance assessments.
I hope to continue to advance my skills and one day go to PA school!
Kendyl Allen, Undergraduate Student
About me:
I am an Exercise Science Major with a Minor in Health Care Management. I am from Lexington, North Carolina.
I joined the lab in the Spring of 2022 and have assisted in various research projects. I am also a PT Small Interest Group Leader of the Health Professions Club
I plan to continue to be involved in research as I move on to PT school at Wingate University next year!
Caitlin Earp, B.S., Master's Student graduate assistant
About me:
Second-year graduate student, Exercise Science- Clinical Exercise Physiology concentration.
I am from Clayton, NC, which is right outside of Raleigh.
I started working in the lab fall of 2023. I have helped out with the Motor Synchrony and Autism study as well as the Parkinson's Disease Autonomic Function study.
After getting my master's I plan to do something in the clinical exercise field.
Hannah Collins, Undergraduate Student
About me:
Exercise Science Major
I am from Howell, New Jersey. I was a transfer student in the fall of 2022.
I began working in the gait and balance lab in the fall of 2023. In the lab, I assist with inputting data and interacting with participants through the research procedures.
After college I hope to continue to learn about the different types of technologies and their relevance in physical therapy school.
Lizzie Muscarello, B.S., M.S.
AIHW Hickory Interprofessional Clinic Manager
About me:
B.S. (2019) - Wingate University - Exercise Science
M.S. (2023)- Exercise Science (Research, Strength & Conditioning)
Passionate about locomotor learning & neuroscience, proper movement patterns, strength programs for gymnasts and other artistic athletes, and dissemination of research to people who otherwise don't have access to peer-reviewed articles.
Thesis Project: The Effects of Brain Stimulation (tDCS) and Mental Training on the Learning of a Novel Motor Skill
Because of her work with the lab, Lizzie got her first job out of school with the Appalachian Institute of Health and Wellness and now oversees the clinic and gait lab in the App State Hickory Campus!
Paige Bramblett, Adjunct Professor, B.S., M.S.
About me:
My research is focused on exploring ways to increase motivation for people, especially those with chronic neuromuscular disorders like Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinsons, to become more physically active
Head Coach of the Women's Rugby team at AppState (2023)
B.S. (2019) College of Charleston, Charleston, SC - Exercise Science, Psychology
M.S. (2022) Appalachian State University, Boone, NC - Exercise Science, Research
Brandon Ellis, B.S., M.S.
About me:
BS Sport and Exercise Science, University of Central Florida, 2019, minor in Coaching
MS Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, 2023, Research concentration with an emphasis in Strength and Conditioning
Thesis project: “The Effects of Cold Water Immersion on Prefrontal Cortex Oxygenation, Salivary Cortisol Levels, and Executive Functioning”
Interests: Athletic performance, combat sports, science-based tools to enhance general wellness and performance, and strength training.
Bryan Taylor, B.S., M.S.
About me:
I received my bachelor's from ASU in Anthropology and Biology. I am a graduate student in the Exercise Science program.
I have trained in parkour and ballet for several years, and this sparked my interest in neuromechanics and the optimization of fundamental human movements in both athletic and clinical populations.
My research focus is on using electrical stimulation to alter pain perception and improve flexibility.
Bryson Campbell, B.S.
About me:
I am a research assistant as part of the locomotor learning lab. Independent of the lab, I am an exercise science student planning to graduate in December 2023. I hope to attend Physical Therapy School and my experience in the lab is valuable to that process and my future career goals. Outside of school, I love to play basketball, run, and weight lift.
Jaden Tuitt, B.S.
About me:
I am an Exercise Science Major
I got involved in the lab to gain experience and knowledge in how to conduct and apply research. I love the gait and balance aspect because it is very relevant to my future career aspirations.
I plan to attend Physical Therapy School
I am conducting a thesis study on Injuries in Karate Athletes
Maya Ristanovic, B.S.
About me:
I am a Grad student in the Exercise Science program. I graduated from App's Exercise Science program and have been involved in research with multiple labs for most of my years here.
I am particularly interested in the neuroscience side of physical therapy and rehab.