Dr. Alderman's primary research and professional focus is on the effects of exercise on physiological, neurocognitive, and psychological resilience. His laboratory uses advanced psychophysiological techniques including impedance cardiography and electroencephalography to better understand acute and chronic adaptations to exercise, and how knowledge of these adaptations can be applied to intervention development. Other ongoing projects in the laboratory include evaluating the role of exercise in modulating cardiorespiratory and neurocognitive function and establishing the potential efficacy of acute and chronic exercise (both aerobic exercise and resistance exercise) for attenuating cardiovascular responses and increasing heart rate variability (HRV) during acute laboratory stressors. This work is helping to elucidate mechanisms underlying the effects of exercise on mental health states (e.g., anxiety and depression).
In addition to teaching courses in exercise psychology, sport psychology, and research methods, Dr. Alderman serves as the Director of the Honors Program in the Department of Exercise Science. His research has appeared in journals such as NeuroImage, Translational Psychiatry, Psychophysiology, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Behavioral Medicine, and Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology.
