Shane Scholten
Shane Scholten
Professor / Dept. Chair - Human Performance
Department
College of Education & Human Performance
Education
Ph.D., Nutrition, Exercise and Food Sciences - South Dakota State University
M.S., Exercise Science - University of Nebraska at Omaha
B.S., Fitness/Wellness Management - Dakota State University
Biography
Dr. Shane Scholten is a Professor of Exercise Science at Dakota State University, specializing in biomechanics, nutrition, and wellness coaching. He earned his Ph.D. in Nutrition, Exercise, and Food Sciences from South Dakota State University, where his research explored how vitamin D and antioxidants influence human performance.
With more than 20 years of teaching experience, Dr. Scholten is known for his hands-on approach to student learning and his commitment to mentoring future professionals. His research agenda centers on ischemic preconditioning and its potential applications for improving exercise performance.
In addition to his academic work, Dr. Scholten is a certified exercise physiologist and wellness coach. He recently served as president of the Northland Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine, advancing professional development and collaboration within the field.
Contact
Office Location: Kennedy Center
Phone: (605) 256-5177
Email
Dr. Scholten's objective is to create a welcoming, student-centered environment where learning extends beyond the classroom. By combining clear objectives with real-world projects—like undergraduate research and the Human Performance Club—he inspires students to develop professional skills and a passion for life-long learning.
Coursework taught includes: biomechanics, nutrition for sport and exercise, motor learning, introduction to research.
Dr. Scholten’s research explores nutritional supplementation and physiological strategies to enhance physical performance, with a primary focus on vitamin D and ischemic preconditioning (IPC). He has published 16 peer-reviewed articles, with additional manuscripts in review, and was recently recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM) for his sustained scholarly contributions.
Dr. Scholten’s early studies examined the effects of antioxidants and vitamin D on human performance, establishing that supplementation does not improve endurance or strength in athletes. His current line of inquiry investigates IPC's applications in skeletal muscle performance. His team has demonstrated benefits of IPC in activities lasting 3–6 minutes and developed standardized methods for its application.
Equally committed to mentorship, Dr. Scholten engages undergraduate students in every stage of the research process, from data collection to manuscript writing. Many of his publications and presentations feature student co-authors.
- ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP)
- Daum, H T., Daum, L.T., & Scholten S.D. Academic Achievement Among NCAA Division 2 Student-Athletes and Non-Athletes. Youth; 2024;4:1260-1270.
- Erickson, S., Pandorf, Z., Scholten, S.D. Ischemic Preconditioning on Swimming Performance: An Exploration into Practical Application. Top Ex Sci Kines; 2023;4(1):546-559.
- Lillquist, T., Hackney K., Scholten, S.D. The Effect of Direct and Remote Post-Exercise Ischemic Conditioning on Muscle Soreness and Strength 24 hr Following Eccentric Drop Jumps. J Strength Cond Res; 2023;37(9):1870-1876.
- Nelson, C.R., Brand, C.R., Chitty, M.R., Birger, C.B., Scholten, S.D. The Acute Effects of Ischemic Preconditioning on Short-Duration Cycling: A Randomized Crossover Study. . Int J Ex Sci. 2022; 16(6):148-158.
- The Acute Effects of Ischemic Preconditioning on Short-duration Cycling: A Randomized Crossover Study. ACSM, Boston, MA. 31, May, 2024.
- Using Functional Movement in Training and Rehabilitation. Northland ACSM, Duluth, MN. 22, March, 2024.
- Eccentric Training for Performance and Rehabilitation. NSCA-SD, Sioux Falls, SD. 2 Dec, 2023.