Masataka Umeda

Masataka Umeda, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), College for Health, Community and Policy. His research focuses on the interplay between physical activity, chronic pain, and cardiovascular responses, particularly in fibromyalgia patients and racial/ethnic minority populations.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Exercise Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison (2007)
  • M.S., Health Education, University of Tsukuba (1999)
  • B.S., Exercise Physiology, University of Tsukuba (1995)

Dr. Umeda's research examines pain modulation mechanisms, including conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). His work investigates racial/ethnic disparities in pain sensitivity, gender differences in chronic pain prevalence, and behavioral correlates of fibromyalgia symptoms. Recent studies explore social pain sensitivity, heart rate variability as a pain response predictor, and maternal exercise effects on metabolic adaptations.

Selected publications span 2024–2003, with recurring foci on pain perception dynamics, physical activity mediation in pain conditions, and cardiovascular-pain interactions. Key journals include Journal of Psychology, Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, and Biological Psychology. Dr. Umeda has presented at major conferences like the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting and International Association for the Study of Pain Biannual Meeting.

His work highlights racial/ethnic disparities in pain modulation efficiency, with African American and Hispanic populations showing distinct patterns compared to non-Hispanic White individuals. Studies also address sleep health in adolescents, demonstrating bidirectional relationships between physical activity, screen time, and sleep quality.