Instructor of Kinesiology
Office Location
A.F. Gray Room 203
Biography
Ken comes to Warner Pacific University from Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR where he taught F-T in the Kinesiology, Human Biology and Biology Departments. He is a Professor Emeritus and former Director of the Graduate Program in Cardiac Rehabilitation, in conjunction with the Department of Human Performance at Minnesota State University (MSU) and Mayo Clinic Health Systems, Mankato. Under his direction, MSU and Mayo Health Systems twice received a certificate of excellence from the Minnesota Governor’s Council as one of the outstanding cardiovascular rehabilitation / health programs in the State of Minnesota.
Ken earned his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Maryland, College Park. He received a master’s degree in Exercise Science/Zoology from the University of Massachusetts and an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Illinois, Chicago.
Ken is a fellow member (FACSM) of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and has presented numerous research projects and/or symposia at state, regional, national/international conferences, and currently serves on several national committees for CEPA (Clinical Exercise Physiology Association) and the Executive Committee for the Northwest Chapter of ACSM). Ken also is the former president of the state-wide organization, Minnesota Council for Physical Activity and Sport, and has also served as a statistical consultant for both the Medtronic and StayWell corporations in the Greater Twin Cities, MN Metropolitan area.
Ken grew up in Hinsdale, IL while his wife Ingrid is from Regina, Saskatchewan. They currently make their home in La Center, WA where they enjoy tent camping and hiking in the Pacific Northwest.
Education
Ph.D., Exercise Physiology, University of Maryland, College Park, 1990
M.S., Exercise Physiology/Zoology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 1980
B.S., Biology, University of Illinois, Chicago, 1976
Areas of Expertise/ Research Interests
Special Populations and Exercise; Clinical Exercise Physiology
Publications (Refereed Journals)
Mendoza G and Ecker KR: Quality of Life Improved by Adequate Physical Activity Levels Among University Employees. OJCAM, 6(2): 1-7, 2021
Dobler L and Ecker KR: “Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease Among University Employees”. OJCAM, 2020.
Walser S and Ecker KR: “Naturopathic Cancer Treatment: Associated with Increased Quality of Life”. JSS, 06:56, 2018.
Ecker K., Gordon, P. and Barth, S: “Relationship of Contraceptive Use, Estrogen Replacement Therapy and Age on Blood Lipid Profiles in Women”. Int. Jour. Sport Sci., 04:05, 2015
Ploog B., Ecker KR, Opitz K, Kamphoff, C., and Fredstrom S: “Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation: Enhancing the Quality of Life in Older Individuals”. Int. Jour. Sport Sci., 02:02, 2013
Opitz K., Ecker KR, Fredstrom S., Ploog B., and Kamphoff, C: “The Effect of a Group Cognitive Behavioral Intervention on Dietary Choices of a Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation Program”. Int. Jour. Sport Sci., 02:02, 2012
Opitz K and Ecker KR: ” Behavioral Intervention and Diet in a Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation Program”. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., 42(5):S319, 2010.
Paulson J and Ecker KR: ” An Analysis of Lifestyle Choices Between Physically Active and Sedentary Men “. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., 39(5):S375, 2007.
Wilson SM and Ecker KR: “The Influence of Ice Immersion on Muscle Force Production, Power, and Total Work in NCAA Intercollegiate Female Athletes”. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., 38(5):S375, 2006.
Gengler PT and Ecker KR: “Exercise and Lifestyle Choices”. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., 37(5):S250, 2005.
Besonen SL and Ecker KR: “The Effectiveness of Hip Flexor / Resistive Training on Four assessment Tools to Measure Gait, Balance, and Prediction of Falls in the Elderly”. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., 36(5):S359, 2004.
Sweere KA and Ecker KR: “Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation Patient Knowledge and Awareness of Modifiable Risk Factors”. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., 35(5):S:215, 2003.
Gomarko C and Ecker KR: “Sport Specific Anaerobic Power Differences Among Minnesota State University / Mankato Male Athletes Applying Results of the Wingate Test”. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., 33(5):S159, 2001.
Barth S and Ecker KR: “The Effects of Aging on Cholesterol Levels in Women”. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., 32(5):S220, 2000.
Weber KM and Ecker KR: “The Relationship Between Self-Concept and Sport Participation in High School Students”. Med Sci. Sports Exerc., 32(5): S95, 2000.
Laufenberg JL and Ecker KR: “Ratio and Allometric Scaling of Strength Measurements in College-Aged Students”. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., 31(5):S126, 1999.
Young TT and Ecker KR: “Occupational Health and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Primary and Secondary Education Employees”. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., 31(5):S375, 1999.
Minnesota Council on Physical Activity and Sport: Physical Activity and the Older Adult: Resources for People Working with Older Adults, Minnesota Department of Health Publication, 1999.
Schluck JJ Ecker KR, Boehler JL, Al-Omari MA, and Gazzola RA: “The Effects of a Short-Term, High Volume Low Resistive Training Program on Muscular Strength, Body Composition, and Serum Glucose and Insulin Levels in Heart Patients”. J. Exerc. Physiol., 1(2):3, 1998.
McFarland KP and Ecker KR: “Occupational Fitness and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Among University Employees”. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., 30(5):S314, 1998.
Ecker KR and Gordon PM: “Exercise and Aging”. When Living Alone Means Living at Risk, Prometheus Publishers, 1994.
Clarke DH and Ecker KR: “Muscular and Cardiovascular Changes in Aging”. Proceedings of the 36th International Congress of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ICHPER) World Congress, 36(1):73, 1993.
Ecker KR, Jung Y, and Jozwiak M: “A Comparison of Body Composition and the 30 sec Wingate Test of Anaerobic Power in Male College Varsity Athletes from Various Sports”. Proceedings of the 6th European International Congress of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (E-ICHPER), 6(1):25, 1992.
Professional Presentations
May 2025 The 72nd Annual Meeting and 14th World Congress on Exercise is Medicine of the American College of Sports Medicine held Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA from May 27-30, 2025. “Association Of Calf Circumference with Blood Pressure and Heart Rate”. (Kayla Craft, B.S. and Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D., FACSM)
May 2018 The 65th Annual Meeting and 7th World Congress on Exercise is Medicine of the American College of Sports Medicine held at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, MN, May 28 – June 1, 2018. “Quality of Life Improved by Adequate Physical Activity Levels Among University Employees”. (Gustavo Mendoza, M.S. and Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D., FACSM)
October 2017 Northland American College of Sports Medicine Regional Chapter, October 12-13, 2017, Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN. “What is the Clinical Exercise Physiology Association (CEPA)?” (Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D., FACSM, ACSM-CEP
June 2017 The 64th Annual Meeting and 7th World Congress on Exercise is Medicine of the American College of Sports Medicine held at the Denver Convention Center in Denver, CO, May 30 – June 3, 2017. Poster – “ Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease Among University Employees”. (Laura Dobler, M.S. and Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D., FACSM)
November 2016 Midwest American College of Sports Medicine Regional Chapter/Clinical Exercise Physiology Association Conference, November 4-5, 2015, Ft. Wayne, IN. “Emerging Horizons in Clinical Exercise Physiology”. (Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D., FACSM, ACSM-CEP)
June 2016 The 63rd Annual Meeting and 6th World Congress on Exercise is Medicine of the American College of Sports Medicine held at the Boston Convention Center in Boston, MA, May 31 – June 4,2016. Poster – “Naturopathic Cancer Treatment: Associated with Increased Quality of Life”. (Shelby Walser, M.S. and Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D., FACSM)
November 2015 Midwest American College of Sports Medicine Regional Chapter/Clinical Exercise Physiology Association Conference, November 6-7, 2015, Ft. Wayne, IN. “Scope of Practice of Clinical Exercise Physiologists”. (Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D., FACSM, ACSM-CEP
June 2015 The 62nd Annual Meeting and 5th World Congress on Exercise is Medicine of the American College of Sports Medicine held at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego,CA, May 26- 30, 2015. “Patterns of and Barriers to Physical Activity among First Year College Students”. (Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D., FACSM)
May 2014 The 61th Annual Meeting and 4th World Congress on Exercise is Medicine of the American College of Sports Medicine held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, May 27- 31, 2014. “The Effects of Stress On Cardio-reactivity In Minnesota Peace Officers”. (Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D., FACSM)
May 2013 The 60th Annual Meeting and 4th World Congress on Exercise is Medicine of the American College of Sports Medicine being held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 28- June 1, 2013. “Relationship of Contraceptive Use, Estrogen Replacement Therapy and Age on Blood Lipid Profiles in Women”. (Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D., FACSM, Paul Gordon, Ph.D., FACSM, MPH and Stephanie Barth, M.S.)
October 2011 International e-Conference on Kinesiology and Integrated Physiology (IECKIP), October 3-21, 2011. “The Effectiveness of Exercise in Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices”. (Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D. and Patrick Gengler, M.S.)
October 2010 International e-Conference on Kinesiology and Integrated Physiology (IECKIP), October 4-22, 2010. “Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation: Enhancing the Quality of Life in Older Individuals”. (Briana Ploog, M.S. and Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
June 2010 The 57th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), June 1-June 5, 2010, Baltimore, MD, USA. “Behavioral Intervention and Diet in a Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation Program”. (Katija Opitz, M.S. and Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
May 2007 The 54th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), May 29-June 2, 2007, New Orleans, LA, USA. “An Analysis of Lifestyle Choices Between Physically Active and Sedentary Men”. (Jesse Paulson, M.S. and Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
May 2006 The 53rd Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), May 31-June 3, 2006, Denver, CO, USA. “The Influence of Ice Immersion on Muscle Force Production, Power, and Total Work in NCAA Intercollegiate Female Athletes”. (Susan Wilson, M.S. and Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
June 2005 The 52nd Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), June 1-4, 2005, Nashville, TN USA. “Exercise and Lifestyle Choices”. (Patrick Gengler, M.S. and Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
June 2004 The 51st Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), June 2-5, 2005, Indianapolis, IN USA. “The Effectiveness of Hip Flexor / Extensor Resistive Training Upon Four Assessment Tools Measuring Gait, Balance, and Prediction of Falls in an Older Adult Population: A Six-Week Thera-Band Program”. (Stacy Besonen, M.S. and Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
May 2003 The 50th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), May 27-June 1, 2003, San Francisco, CA USA. “Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation Knowledge and Awareness of Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors”. (Kara Sweere, M.S. and Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
June 2001 The 48th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), May 29-June 2, 2001, Baltimore, MD USA. “Sport Specific Anaerobic Power Differences Among Male College Varsity Athletes Using the Wingate Test of Anaerobic Power”. (Chad Gomarko, M.S. and Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
June 2000 The 47th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), May 30-June 3, 2000, Indianapolis, IN USA. “Physiological Effect of Aging on Cholesterol Levels in Women”. (Stephanie Barth, M.S. and Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
June 2000 The 47th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), May 30-June 3, 2000, Indianapolis, IN USA. “The Relationship Between Self-Concept and Sport Participation in High School Students”. (Kim Weber, M.S. and Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
June 1999 The 46th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), June 2-6, 1999, Seattle, WA USA. “Ratio and Allometric Scaling of Strength Measurements in College-Aged Students”. (Jessica Laufenberg, M.S. and Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
June 1999 The 46th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), June 2-6, 1999, Seattle, WA USA. “Occupational Health and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Primary and Secondary Education Employees”. (Tiffany Young, M.S. and Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
April 1999 The Annual Meeting of the American Alliance for Health, Physical
Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD), April 19-24, 1999, Boston, MA USA. “A Comparison of Dietary Intake and Body Image of Athletic, Active and Sedentary Females”. (Chris Schewe, M.S. and Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
June 1998 The 45th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), June 2-6, 1998, Orlando, FL USA. “Occupational Fitness and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Among University Employees”. (Kirk McFarland, M.S. and Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
April 1996 Immanuel St. Joseph Hospital’s “Heart to Heart group, Mankato, MN USA. “Exercise, Aging and Cardiovascular Disease”. (Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
November 1995 American Heart Association’s Heart at Work Forum, Mankato, MN USA. “The Epidemiology of Heart Disease”. (Kenneth Ecker,Ph.D.)
August 1993 The 36th World International Congress for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ICHPER) Conference, August 18-22, 1993, Yokohama, Japan. “Muscular and Cardiovascular Physiology Changes with the Aging Response”. (David H. Clarke, Ph.D., University of Maryland and Kenneth R. Ecker, Ph.D., Minnesota State University)
July 1992 The 6th European Congress of the International Congress for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ICHPER) Conference, July 15-19, 1992 Prague, Czechoslovakia. “A Comparison of Body Composition and the 30 sec Wingate Test of Anaerobic Power in Male College Varsity Athletes from Various Sports”. (Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
February 1992 The Eastern District Association (EDA) of the American alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) Conference, February 18-22, 1992, Baltimore, MD USA. “Dietary Patterns and Body Image Profiles of Sedentary and Varsity Athletic Women”. (Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
January 1992 American Heart Association, Cumberland, MD USA. Presentation made to the “Mended Hearts Club”. “Cardiovascular Health and Fitness”. (Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
October 1991 Western Maryland College, Westminster, MD USA. Presentation made at the Maryland association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (MAHPERD) Conference. “What is a Wellness Program and How is it Implemented”? (Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
August 1991 The 34th International Congress for Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ICHPER) Conference, August 12-16, 1991, Limerick, Ireland. “Aerobic and Anaerobic Performance Measures in Active and Inactive Young and Middle-Aged Males”. (Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
February 1986 St. Anthony’s Hospital, Rockford, IL USA. Lecture presented as part of a Cardiac rehabilitation symposium. “Development and Implementation of a Phase III and IV Cardiac Rehabilitation Program”. (Kenneth Ecker, M.S.)
University Presentation
August 2013 University of Wisconsin, River Falls, WI. College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS) Opening Day Events, August, 26, 2013. Research presentation: “Relationship of Contraceptive Use, Estrogen Replacement Therapy and Age on Blood Lipid Profiles in Women”. (Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D., Paul Gordon, Ph.D., MPH and Stephanie Barth, M.S.)
November 1991 Frostburg State University, Frostburg MD USA. Lecture sponsored by Student Educational Services in accordance with Fitness Month. “Nutrition, Body Composition and Weight Control”. (Kenneth Ecker, Ph.D.)
October 1988 University of Maryland, College Park, MD USA. Seminar presented to the Kinesiology Majors Club. “Cardiac Health-Risk Appraisal and Graded Maximal Exercise Treadmill Testing in Healthy Individuals”. (Kenneth Ecker, M.S.)
March 1987 Rockford College, Rockford, IL USA. Seminar presented to the Rockford College faculty. “Effect of Diet and Exercise Modification in Individuals with High Blood Lipid Profiles: Do They Work”? (Kenneth Ecker, M.S.)
Major Accomplishments
Awarded the Midwest American College of Sports Medicine (MWACSM) “Clinical Exercise Professional of the Year” for 2015, recognizing the outstanding achievements of ACSM certified professionals involved in patient/client related successes, research, publications, philanthropy/volunteering, and other professional achievements.
Awarded Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM) for contributions to research and scholarship in the fields of Sports Medicine and Exercise, 2011
Awarded Professor Emeritus in the Department of Human Performance, Minnesota State University, Mankato, 2009
Awarded twice a certificate of excellence from the State of Minnesota Governor’s Council to the Minnesota State University / Mayo Health Systems Cardiac Rehabilitation Program as one of the outstanding cardiovascular rehabilitation / health programs in the State of Minnesota. 2001 and 2003
Professional Affiliations
Member of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Workshop Director’s Board Annual Meeting: National Conference
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) / Clinical Exercise Physiology Association (CEPA) Committees: Clinical Exercise Physiology Association (CEPA) Legislative Committee Member – Current
Northwest American College of Sports Medicine (NWACSM) Chapter Executive Committee Member – Clinical Area – Current 3 Year Term
Community Engagement / Service
Director of the Minnesota State University / Mayo Clinic Health Systems Cardiac Rehabilitation/Adult Fitness Program in Mankato, MN. 1992-2009