Trent J Herda


Trent J Herda
  • Director, Well-Fit: Center for Youth Wellness and Fitness
  • Director of the Neuromechanics Laboratory and the Hawk Fitness Academy.
  • Associate Professor, School of Education and Human sciences, Department of Health, Sport & Exercise Sciences

Contact Info

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Biography

Trent J. Herda, Ph.D., is a professor and is currently the Director of the Neuromechanics Laboratory and the Hawk Fitness Academy. Dr. Herda completed his doctoral work in exercise physiology at the University of Oklahoma under the mentorship of Dr. Joel Cramer. Dr. Herda received his BS (2005) degree in exercise science from the University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and MS (2007) degree from the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, in exercise physiology. Dr. Herda is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Dr. Herda specializes in neuromuscular mechanics and physiology across the lifespan.

Research

Dr. Herda's primary research interests include examining the effects of acute and chronic resistance exercise and physical inactivity on skeletal muscle composition and properties of motor units. Of particular interest to the Neuromechanics Laboratory is quantifying alterations in the composition of the muscle (muscle size, intramuscular fat, etc.) as a result of resistance exercise training and, subsequently, the effects of changes in muscle composition may have on physical and metabolic performance. Dr. Herda also directs The Hawk Fitness Academy (HFA). HFA is a youth exercise program that is designed to improve muscle strength, agility and balance while teaching strength and conditioning techniques that can be used throughout adulthood.

He has published over 100 peer reviewed scientific articles in journals such as Acta Physiologica, Journal of Neurophysiology, Clinical Neurophysiology, Experimental Physiology, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, European Journal of Applied Physiology, etc.

Research interests:

  • Neuromuscular
  • Skeletal Muscle
  • Pediatrics
  • Resistance Exercise Training
  • Motor Units

Awards & Honors

School of Education and Human Sciences Faculty Award for Research – University of Kansas

Scientific Manuscript Excellence Honor: Dr. Gary A Dudley Memorial Paper – Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research

The Joyce Elaine Pauls Morgan Outstanding Teaching Award – University of Kansas

Docking Faculty Scholar – University of Kansas

School of Education Promising Scholar Award – University of Kansas

Grants & Other Funded Activity

The effects of resistance exercise training on skeletal muscle lipid and motor unit activity in children ages 8 to 10 years.

The effects of blood flow restriction plus low-intensity versus high-intensity resistance exercise training on single fiber diameters and motor unit properties in young adult males and females.