Daniela Rubin, PhD Daniela Rubin ,  PhD

Professor
Location: KHS 138 
Telephone: (657) 278-4704
Fax: (657) 278-5317
Email:  drubin@fullerton.edu

Curriculum VitaePDF File Opens in new window
Research GateOpens in new window
Prader-Willi Syndrome studies websiteOpens in new window

Laboratories that I direct or co-direct: Dual x-ray absorptiometry (KHS-004C), Biochemical Analyses (KHS-04B), Exercise Physiology (KHS-016), Fitness Assessment (KHS-004).

Course(s) Taught: Physiology of Exercise (KNES 348), Physiology of Exercise Laboratory (KNES 348 L), Nutrition for Sports and Exercise (KNES 470), Advance Study of Exercise Physiology (KNES 551), Cardiovascular Exercise Testing and Prescription (KNES 354), Internship (KNES 495/550), Independent Study (KNES 499/599), Thesis or project (KNES 598)

Biosketch:

My interest in the topic of exercise endocrinology, inflammation and obesity led to several projects comparing hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory responses to exercise in children, including youth with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Prader-Willi syndrome is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder and is the best characterized form of congenital obesity. People with PWS lack satiety to their brain so they are constantly hungry. As I learnt about the challenges faced by people with PWS, my studies sought to examine exercise aspects in this syndrome from a multidimensional perspective. My studies characterized physical activity patters using accelerometry, examined motor aspects in terms of motor proficiency, cardiorespiratory responses to exercise, energy expenditure, body composition and phenotype. We developed and tested a 24 weeks physical activity intervention in 116 children with and without PWS (Active Play at Home©, FunDoRoo©). This game-based at-home routine showed improvements in motor proficiency, health-related quality of life, inflammatory and metabolic factors, and bone. My last study involved an interdisciplinary approach evaluating gait and motor function in adults with PWS. My interest in nutritional practices in female athletes has led to an on-going project on the topic of nutrition and the menstrual cycle (article in press). My current ongoing study is an online resistance training program for adolescents and adults with Down syndrome.

Interest Area: Exercise Physiology, Pediatric Exercise Science, Endocrinology and Exercise Metabolism, Obesity, Prader-Willi syndrome, Physical Activity Promotion in Children and Adolescents, Body Composition, Nutrition in Female Athletes