Rebecca Larson
Associate Professor, Health and Exercise Science
Body Composition and Physical Performance Laboratory
1401 Asp Ave Room 117
rdlarson at ou dot edu
https://www.ou.edu/cas/hes/people/faculty/rebecca-larson
Ph.D., Kinesiology - University of Georgia, 2011Research:
Primary Interest: Research that generally focuses on the optimal measurement and evaluation of physical function and performance with specific interests in areas related to muscle metabolism & function, muscle fatigue, adaptations to exercise, and body composition in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.
Secondary Interest: The optimal measurement and evaluation of physical function and performance in those participating in a range of competitive athletics.
Our laboratory utilizes a broad range of measurement tools and techniques to evaluate body composition, clinical neurophysiology, physiological responses to exercise, and functional performance, including but not limited to: DEXA (body composition/bone density), Hydrostatic weighing (body composition), BodPod (body composition), Ultrasound (body composition), KinCom (muscular strength and endurance), Parvo Metabolic cart (cardiorespiratory function), Lode ergometers, Treadmill (physical function), ECG (cadiac function), EMG (neurological activation of the muscles) , and NIRS (oxygen saturation of the muscles).
Selected Publications:
Miller, B., O’Dwyer, M., Vesely, S., Shih, Y., and Larson, R. (2026) Reactive stepping strategies after lateral perturbations in people with multiple sclerosis. Disability and Rehabilitation 30: 1–9.
Onishi, S., Kochackpour, F., Chesbro, G., Galletti, B. A., Larson, R. D., and Larson, D. J. (2026) Maximal cycling intensity compromises upper body postural stability regardless of experience level. International Journal of Exercise Science (in press).
Pincu, Y., Sakshi, F. N. U., Chesbro, G. A., Falahati, and Larson, R. D. (2026) A comparison between resting metabolic rate measurement using a ventilated canopy and a mixing-chamber system with a silicone mask. Physiological Reports 14: 1-9.
Richardson, T., Chesbro, G., DeStefano, L., Larson, R. D., Wenger, M., and Larson, D. J. (2026) Neural effects of suspense and surprise in sports media. Communication & Sport: 1-31.
Chesbro, G. A., Larson, D. J., Black, C. D., Wenger, M. J., and Larson, R. D. (2026) Differences in critical torque between untrained, resistance-trained, and aerobic trained individuals. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 40: e584-e590.
Harjo, C., Bemben, D. Bemben, M., Larson, R. D., Chinguun, K., and Pham, M. (2025) Circadian rhythm variation in endocrine biomarker responses to high-intensity exercise in college aged males. International Journal of Exercise Science 13: 97-102.
Galletti, B. A., Chesbro, G. A., and Larson, R. D. (2025) No difference in lactate threshold across the menstrual cycle in untrained females. International Journal of Exercise Science 18: 193-205.
Welde, B., Kellawan, J. M., Larson, R. D., Morseth, B., Osborne, J. O., and Sandbakk, Ø. (2024) Editorial: The physiology of the female athlete - performance, health, and recovery. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living 6:1433336.
Chesbro, G. A., Owens, C., Reese, M., De Stefano, L., Kellawan, J. M., Larson, D. J., Wenger, M. J., and Larson, R. D. (2024) Changes in brain activity immediately post-exercise indicate a role for central fatigue in the volitional termination of exercise. International Journal of Exercise Science 17: 220-234.
Delp, M., Chesbro, G., Miller, R., Pereira H. M., Black, C. D., and Larson, R. D. (2024) Higher rating of perceived exertion and lower perceived recovery following a graded exercise test during menses compared to non-bleeding days in untrained females. Frontiers in Physiology 14: 1-10.