Rate My Professor Richard Mikat

Richard Mikat is a Professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he serves as the Exercise Science Program Director. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from Brigham Young University and his PhD from the University of Utah. As a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM), Mikat has made significant contributions to exercise physiology research, particularly in validating fitness technologies and assessing physiological responses to exercise. His work emphasizes practical applications for health, fitness, and performance monitoring.

Mikat's research portfolio includes studies on the accuracy of wearable devices and mobile applications for exercise assessment. Notable publications co-authored by him feature 'Effect of Face Masks on Physiological and Perceptual Responses During Exercise' (2022, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health), 'Zumba: Is the Fitness-Party a Good Workout?' (2012, Journal of Sports Science and Medicine), 'The Effects of Gloves on Grip Strength and Three-Point Pinch' (2001, Journal of Hand Therapy), 'Chest, Waist, and Hip Circumference Estimations from Skinfold Thickness' (2000, Perceptual and Motor Skills), and ACE-sponsored research on activity trackers (2015) and the LeanScreen App for body composition (2018). These investigations, often conducted with colleagues Carl Foster and John Porcari, explore heart rate monitoring, body composition estimation, and exercise intensity perception. Mikat has extensively mentored students, co-authoring numerous theses and presentations at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's annual Celebrations of Student Research and Creativity from 2010 onward. He participates in university governance, including the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee and College of Science and Health curriculum meetings. His role in directing the Exercise Science program supports internships and practical training, as outlined in official department agreements. Through these efforts, Mikat influences exercise science education and applied research at the institution.