Ryan Davis, Ph.D., CSCS, EP
Area(s) of Expertise: Peripheral blood flow, Muscle metabolism, Small muscle mass exercise, Single leg cycling, Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS)
Education
- Ph.D., Exercise Physiology, Kent State University, 2025
- M.S., Exercise Physiology, Valdosta State University, 2019
- B.S., Exercise Physiology, Valdosta State University, 2018
Courses Taught
- KINS 4471 - Cardiovascular Physiology
- KINS 4450 - Exercise Physiology
- KINS 4430 - Exercise Testing and Prescription
Research/Special Interests
Dr. Davis' research broadly centers on evaluating peripheral blood flow and muscle metabolism during small muscle mass exercise using non-invasive techniques. Specifically, he uses Doppler ultrasound and near-infrared spectroscopy to assess vascular dynamics and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity.
Publications
Pelka E.Z., Davis B.R., Tomko P.M. et al. Analysis of electrical stimulation and voluntary muscle contraction on skeletal muscle oxygen uptake and mitochondrial recovery using near-infrared spectroscopy. Eur J Appl Physiol (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-023-05221-4
Pelka EZ, Davis BR, McDaniel J. Sourcebook update: Using near-infrared spectroscopy to assess skeletal muscle oxygen uptake. Adv Physiol Educ.doi:10.1152/advan.00047.2024
Tomko PM, Davis BR, Pelka EZ, Gallagher SF, McDaniel J. The use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation to elicit muscle contractions does not impair the hyperemic response compared to volitional contractions. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. doi:10.1097/PHM.0000000000002579
Davis, B.R., Aultman, S., Barnawi, S.,Sipolino, A., & McDaniel, J. (2026). Metabolic and blood flow responses to single leg emphasis cycling compared to single and double leg cycling. Experimental Physiology, 1–10.https://doi.org/10.1113/EP093250
Pelka, E. Z., Davis, BR., & McDaniel, J. (2026). Vascular and skeletal muscle oxidative capacity responses to continuous double and single leg cycling. Experimental Physiology, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1113/EP093377
Tomko, P.M., Pelka, E.Z., Davis, B.R., Gallagher, S. F., & McDaniel, J. (2026) Blood flow and force responses to voluntary and electrically induced isometric contractions. Sport Sci Health 22, 172 . https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-026-01780-z
Tomko, P. M., Pelka, E. Z., Davis, BR., Gallagher, S. F., & McDaniel, J. (2025). Comparing the effects of voluntary and electrically induced contractions on muscle recovery and vascular function. Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging, 45(4), e70023. https://doi.org/10.1111/cpf.70023