Hayden D. Gerhart

What is your educational background?

• Ph.D. Exercise Physiology, Kent State University, 2016
• M.S. Exercise Science, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2013
• B.S. Exercise Science, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, 2012

What are the main focuses of your research?

1. Multisystem response to exercise with and without ergogenic aids across parameters of health and human performance
2. Investigating the effects of resistance training on endurance athletes, and competitive performance in cyclists
3. Improving job/occupational task performance in tactical athletes such as firefighters, military personnel, law enforcement, paramedics/EMTs, and other first responders in extreme environmental and occupational conditions

Courses Taught: Lifting Techniques, Sport Psychology, Exercise Testing, Exercise Leadership, Tactical Strength and Conditioning, Biomechanics, Advanced Exercise Physiology, Research Methods, Principles of Strength Training and Conditioning, Senior Seminar, Research Practicum

Areas of Expertise: Strength and Conditioning, Muscle Physiology, Endurance Athlete Performance, Tactical Athlete Energy Expenditure and  Job Task Economy, Research, Sports Performance and Nutrition, Bioenergetics

What is the most important piece of advice you give students to help them succeed?
It's okay, and encouraged, to challenge common thoughts and beliefs in the field of exercise physiology. A lot of unknown still exists within the scope of athlete performance as well as chronic disease populations. Exercise Science is a broad field in which, as a professional, you will always be helping someone. Continue to serve and help others, challenge common ideas, and stay up-to-date in the field!

Selected Publications

• Gerhart H, Fiorentini A, Storti K, Alman R, Bayles M, Pesci L, & Seo Y (2020). Psychophysiological responses in emergency medical technician students during simulated work activities in a hot environment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
• Gerhart H, Pressl R, Storti K, Bayles M, & Seo Y (2020). The effects of a loaded rucksack and weighted vest on metabolic cost and stride frequency in female adults. Ergonomics.
• Gerhart H, Jones K, Storti K, Bayles M, & Seo Y (2019). An analysis of resistance training history in ultramarathon runners and implications on performance. Gazetta Medica Italiana.
• Gerhart H, Seo Y, Kim J, Followay B, Vaughan J, Quinn T, Gunstad J, & Glickman E (2019). Investigating effects of cold water hand immersion on selective attention in normobaric hypoxia. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
• Gerhart H, Seo Y, Vaughan J, Followay B, Barkley J, Quinn T, Kim J, & Glickman E (2019). Cold-induced vasodilation responses before and after exercise in normobaric normoxia and hypoxia. European Journal of Applied Physiology.
• Gerhart H, Tai YL, Fennel C, Mayo X, & Kingsley JD (2017). Autonomic modulation in older women: using resistance exercise as a countermeasure. International Journal of Exercise Science.
• Stavres J, Gerhart H, Kim JH, Glickman E, & Seo Y (2017). Cerebral hemodynamics and executive function during exercise and recovery in normobaric hypoxia. Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance.
• Seo Y, Gerhart H, Vaughan J, Kim JH, & Glickman E (2017). Does acute normobaric hypoxia induce anapyrexia in adult humans? High Altitude Medicine and Biology.
• Seo Y, Gerhart H, Stavres J, Fennell C, Draper S, & Glickman E (2017). Normobaric hypoxia and submaximal exercise effects on running memory and mood state in women. Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance.
• Tai YL, Gerhart H, Mayo X, & Kingsley JD (2016). Acute resistance exercise using free-weights on aortic wave reflection characteristics. Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging.
• Fennell C, Gerhart H, Seo Y, Hauge K, & Glickman E (2016). Combined incentives versus no-incentive exercise programs on objectively measured physical activity and health related variables. Physiology and Behavior.
• Dawson N, Judge KS, & Gerhart H (2017). Findings from a strength-based moderate-intensity exercise intervention for individuals with Dementia (Innovative Practice). Dementia: The International Journal of Social Research and Practice.
• Dawson N, Judge KS, & Gerhart H (2017). Improved functional performance in individuals with Dementia after a moderate-intensity home-based exercise program: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy.
• Fennell C, Boka K, Gerhart H, & Glickman E (2015). The effect of a 12-week exercise intervention on the relationship between balance, age and physical activity. MOJ Orthopedics and Rheumatology.
• Pollock BS, Petersen J, Calvo D, Gerhart H, Burns K, McDaniel J, Spitznagel MB, Ridgel A (2018). The effects of a 7-day water aerobics exercise intervention on the cerebral hyperemic response to a cognitive task in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. Journal of Exercise and Nutrition.
• Chapman KR, Anderson JR, Calvo D, Pollock BS, Petersen J, Gerhart H, Ridgel A, Spitznagel MB (2018). Lower aerobic endurance linked with history of depression in Multiple Sclerosis: Preliminary observations. Journal of Neuroscience Nursing.
• Buxton J, Grose H, Deluca J, Donofrio T, LePre V, Parrish C, Prins P, Gerhart H (2024). The effects of slow breathing during inter-set recovery on power performance in the barbell back squat. Journal of Human Kinetics.
• Buxton J, Otwell C, Petit J, Gwaltney H, Grabiec N, Luithle S, Gerhart H, Prins P (2023). The effects of a novel lateral ankle strengthening program in NCAA division III football players. Research Directs in Strength and Performance.
• Ault D, Elsey G, Brest K, Wilkinson P, Meola J, Slack M, Neu S, Morris C, Prins P, Buxton J, Opstal A, Stolaki M, Gerhart H (2023). Daily ingestion of a multi-strain probiotic improves symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in college-aged individuals. International Journal of Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Science.

Is there any additional personal experience you would like to share?
I am always doing something active. I love to swim, bike, run, and lift. I'm a multiple IRONMAN finisher, and love to train within the sport of triathlon. I have coached many athletes to world championship qualifications, ultra-endurance race finishes, marathon swims, and more. I love using my knowledge within the field of Exercise Physiology to help others, and improve athletic performance.