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2016 | Doing Business in Connecticut 45 A subject runs on the "super treadmill" at Southern Connecticut State University. The treadmill and camera system helps runners diagnose gait problems and avoid injuries. PHOTO/SCSU paying for the service out-of-pocket be- cause the diagnostic services are not covered by insurance. Because the laboratory is teaching exercise physiology and mechanics, Gregory oen has students learning the process and procedures, helping with the analysis. Due to the educational component, Gregory says, SCSU can price the services at an "educa- tional" level. Gait analysis for someone with no connection to SCSU is $150. "at's an absolute steal, because that similar service, if you were to go to NYU Lan- gone [Medical Center in New York City], or if you were to go to Boston...would cost you $350 to $400," Gregory said. SCSU has partnered with the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada, to study gait dynamics. e Calgary school developed sophisticated analytical soware called 3D Gait which collects data from each test and evaluates a subject's running mechanics along a bell-shaped curve. "Too much or too little range of mo- tion would predispose you to getting hurt," Gregory said. "ere is nothing else like it in the world. When somebody comes in and has their gait analyzed, they're going to walk out of here with a computerized printout identi- fying the strengths and weaknesses of their gait patterns." e Calgary database started at 5,000 individuals, and has now collected data on more than 7,000. "You very quickly get an idea of how normal or abnormal your gait is," Gregory said. e exercise lab's mission has expanded over the years from a focus on sports to en- vironmental physiology, ergonomics, biome- chanics and exercise physiology. Studies have included performance of firefighters, steel and iron workers, and over the last decade, research into the ways popu- lations perform physically as they age. e lab has a hydrostatic weighing tank in which subjects are immersed to calculate body composition. It also performs a wide range of other human performance tests, including: skinfold measurement of body composition, cardiovascular fitness tests, and comprehensive fitness packages. e lab uses a three-tiered pricing struc- ture with discounted prices for SCSU students and alumni. ❑