Energy Balance and Body Composition Lab Director Grant Tinsley

Overview

The Energy Balance and Body Composition Lab is an active research lab within the Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management at Texas Tech University, directed by Professor Grant Tinsley.

Our research focuses on the assessment and modification of human body composition, with particular emphasis on body composition assessment methods, energy balance, and resistance training. We conduct both methodological and applied research ranging from the validation of emerging technologies to investigations of nutritional, exercise, and weight-management interventions.

Our research publications can be viewed on PubMed or Google Scholar.

Research Areas

Body Composition Assessment

A major focus of our lab is the evaluation and refinement of body composition assessment methodologies. Our work includes:

• Validation and reliability studies of research-grade and consumer-grade body composition technologies
• Multi-compartment body composition modeling
• Technique-specific applications in bioimpedance, three-dimensional optical imaging, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and others
• Evaluation of best practices for assessments

Energy Balance and Weight Management

We investigate how various interventions influence body composition, metabolism, and overall health. Research topics include:

• Energy restriction and weight loss
• Intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating
• Overfeeding and weight gain interventions
• Obesity and metabolic health
• Pharmacologic weight-loss interventions

Sports Nutrition and Human Performance

Our lab evaluates nutritional strategies designed to improve performance, recovery, and body composition. Areas of investigation include:

• Dietary supplements and ergogenic aids
• Protein and nutrient timing strategies
• Recovery from resistance exercise
• Performance nutrition
• Body composition optimization in active populations

Metabolism and Energetic Status

We conduct research focused on human metabolism and energy regulation. Research topics include:

• Resting metabolic rate assessment
• Substrate oxidation
• Energy availability and energetic status
• Metabolic adaptations to diet and exercise
• Metabolic health in active and clinical populations

Lab Capabilities

Our primary lab capabilities include:

• Advanced body composition assessment
• Metabolism assessment
• Nutritional interventions
• Research administration
• Statistical analysis and data visualization

Adjacent shared labs are also used by our research team to conduct:

• Resistance training
• Phlebotomy and urine processing
• Advanced musculoskeletal imaging

Lab Equipment

Major equipment available within the lab includes:

• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (GE Lunar iDXA)
• Air displacement plethysmography (Cosmed Bod Pod)
• Bioimpedance spectroscopy (ImpediMed SOZO and SFB7)
• Professional multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis systems (Seca mBCA Ultra, Tanita MC-980U PLUS, Charder MA801)
• Single-frequency segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (RJL Quantum V)
• Consumer-grade bioelectrical impedance analysis (~20 different models)
• Three-dimensional optical imaging (SizeStream SS20, Prism Labs research app, Size Stream Mobile Fit)
• Ultrasonography (Clarius HD L7 linear scanner)
• Metabolic cart (ParvoMedics TrueOne 2400)
• Portable metabolic assessments (VO2master)
• Bioimpedance wearables (Samsung Galaxy Watches, InBody Bands)

Other equipment available within adjacent shared labs includes:

• Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (Stratec XCT 3000)
• Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (second GE Lunar iDXA scanner)
• Resistance training equipment

Research Team

Principal Investigator

• Grant M. Tinsley, PhD

Doctoral Students

• Christine Florez
• Carina Velasquez

Master's Students

• Ainsley Way
• Joao Paulo de Melo Cardoso
• Logan Rickey

Undergraduate Researchers

• John Alexander
• Nathan Sapien

Student Opportunities

On a competitive basis, the Energy Balance and Body Composition Lab provides opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students interested in body composition, metabolism, nutrition, and human performance research. Students gain experience in research design, data collection, lab assessment techniques, scientific writing, and presentation of research findings.

Prospective students interested in joining the laboratory are encouraged to complete this Researcher Interest Form.