Overview
Directed by Elisabet Børsheim, Ph.D. and Associate Director Eva Diaz Fuentes, M.D., Ph.D., the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center operates two in-house facilities that make up the Physical Activity and Metabolism Core: a modern ~1,400 square-foot Laboratory for Active Kids and Families and a fully outfitted ~1,800 square-foot Fitness Facility.
Contact Director Elisabet Børsheim at EBorsheim@uams.edu.
Contact Associate Director Eva Diaz Fuentes at ECDiazFuentes@uams.edu.
The Laboratory for Active Kids and Families
One of only a few dedicated pediatric exercise physiology labs in the nation, The Laboratory for Active Kids and Families houses equipment necessary for exercise physiology studies, phlebotomy, and vital signs.
![a girl uses a hand-held strength-testing instrument](https://medicine.uams.edu/pediatrics/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/fly-images/50704/B31A0183-455x256-cc.jpg)
Fully-equipped Pediatric Exercise Test Lab
Two pediatric ergonomic cycles, both isokinetic and hand dynamometers, balance testing instrument, flexibility testing instruments
![](https://medicine.uams.edu/pediatrics/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/fly-images/50709/B31A8145-455x256-cc.jpg)
Dedicated Exercise Physiology Space
Three treadmills, Two gas exchange analysis systems, Pulmonary function testing unit and Biochemistry analyzer
![Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center's (ACNC) lab for active kids](https://medicine.uams.edu/pediatrics/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/fly-images/15829/ACNC_child-physical-activity-lab_V1_1536x1024-455x256-cc.jpg)
Clinical Space
There is a clinical room en suite that facilitates biopsy or minimally invasive procedures
The Fitness Facility
The Fitness Facility is staffed by a full-time certified exercise trainer
![a row of adults on elliptical machines with a trainer](https://medicine.uams.edu/pediatrics/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/fly-images/50715/B31A8288-455x256-cc.jpg)
For Controlled Exercise Training Studies
Outfitted with four treadmills, four recumbent bikes, and four elliptical machines.
![](https://medicine.uams.edu/pediatrics/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/fly-images/50768/B31A8224-455x256-cc.jpg)
For Studies in Pregnant Women and Children.
Easily adjustable equipment for resistance exercise that facilitate studies in pregnant women and children. Intensity can be closely monitored through heart rate monitors.
![panoramic view with elliptical machines and weight equipment](https://medicine.uams.edu/pediatrics/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/fly-images/50716/group-1-455x256-cc.png)
Space for free play, directed activities and class activities
Step benches, medicine balls, free weights, smaller gym equipment and mats.