The School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences (ENS) has evolved from its beginnings in 1914 as a physical education department to one that now offers undergraduate degrees in kinesiology and foods and nutrition; master’s degrees in athletic training, exercise physiology, and nutritional sciences; and a doctor of physical therapy degree.
In addition to offering strong academic programs that help students develop practical skill in areas such as athletic training, fitness, physical therapy, and sports conditioning, the faculty are active researchers who study a range of topics that include:
Exercise Physiology
- Molecular mechanisms of respiratory and locomotor muscle dysfunction in chronic inflammatory diseases
- Effects of minimalistic exercise on health outcomes
- Molecular mechanisms of respiratory and locomotor muscle dysfunction in chronic inflammatory diseases
Food Science
- Sustainable agriculture and food sources
- Protein and flavor chemistry
Nutritional Sciences
- Diets affecting satiety control, weight management, and obesity prevention
- Dietary modulators related to the prevention of colon cancer and inflammation diseases
Physical Activity and Behavioral Nutrition
- Community-based physical activity interventions
- Food insecurity, food access, and food choice behaviors as they relate to nutrition and health equity among historically-marginalized communities
- Psychosocial and mental health impact of physical activity, nutrition, and mind-body interventions
- Digital health (e.g., mobile app interventions, wearable technologies)
Rehabilitation
- Chronic pain
- Sport-related and military concussionsPelvic floor muscle function and rehabilitation
- Chronic recurrent low back pain – mechanisms and intervention
- Lower extremity and trunk biomechanics associated with sports-related injuries
- Use of robotic devices to improve walking function and health in people with spinal cord injury and other neurologic conditions
In addition, the Adaptive Fitness Clinic is an ENS program for individuals with a range of physical disabilities. Founded in 1983, the Clinic has served over 1,500 clients from the local community and provided hands-on training experiences for over 5,000 ENS students.
Building Location
The school’s main office and many if its facilities resides in the Exercise & Nutritional Sciences building near the center of the SDSU campus.
School of Exercise & Nutritional Sciences
ENS Building rm #351
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-7251
Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
Visiting the Adaptive Fitness Clinic
Though we don’t have formal arrangements for tours of the Adaptive Fitness Clinic, you may contact Matt Soto, the clinic’s director (sdsufitclinic@sdsu.edu).
