Jacob Caldwell

Jacob Caldwell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Exercise & Sport Science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. His research focuses on cardiovascular physiology, specifically investigating mechanisms of vascular dysfunction in aging and diseases like peripheral artery disease. He explores therapeutic interventions such as dietary nitrate, passive stretching, and exercise training to improve vascular health and blood flow regulation. His work integrates advanced cardiovascular techniques to study microcirculation, hemodynamics, and endothelial cell function.

Dr. Caldwell collaborates with the Mayo Clinic Health System on a collaborative research grant program, and his studies are conducted in the renovated Human Performance Lab, a hub for cutting-edge research and teaching. His office hours are available by appointment, with remote options for students unable to attend in person. He can be contacted at jcaldwell@uwlax.edu.

His research highlights include examining how interventions like nitrate supplementation and stretching protocols enhance vascular responsiveness in patient populations, including cancer survivors and those with peripheral artery disease. His studies also address the impacts of space-related stressors (e.g., microgravity, radiation) on cardiovascular function, emphasizing translational applications for human health.

Key themes in his work include:

• Age-related vascular decline and therapeutic mitigation strategies
• Exercise physiology and bone-vascular interactions
• Nitric oxide pathways in cardiovascular health
• Functional sympatholysis and blood flow regulation during exercise

Dr. Caldwell’s publications emphasize translational research, bridging basic science and clinical applications to improve cardiovascular health outcomes across diverse populations.