Department Of Kinesiology Research Articles

Is it the people or the place? The remarkable 30-year period of integrative physiology research in the Carlson Gymnasium at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Historically, programs of physical education and sport were housed in gymnasium buildings on academic campuses. As physical education evolved to the more scientifically focused successor departments of exercise science and kinesiology, faculty specialization developed in the physiology of exercise. With time, some faculty broadened their research to study the integrative physiology of other biological states and stressors. Through this series of events, a small group of integrative physiologists was formed in the Carlson Gymnasium at the University of Colorado Boulder during the 1990s with the goal of conducting novel biomedical research. The challenges were daunting: no contemporary core laboratory facilities, lack of temperature control, piercing external noise, pests, regular flooding, electrical power outages, and lack of funds for renovation. Despite these obstacles, the group established an innovative program of translational physiological research ranging from high-throughput molecular analyses to cell models to rodent studies to clinical trials in humans. These investigators supported their work with grant awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), American Heart Association, and private research foundations totaling ∼$80 M in direct costs from the late 1980s to 2020. Collectively, the faculty and their laboratory personnel published ∼950 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Over that period, 379 undergraduate students, 340 graduate students, 84 postdoctoral fellows, and dozens of junior research faculty received scientific training in Carlson, supported by >$21 M in extramural funding. What was accomplished by this handful of integrative physiologists speaks to the importance of the qualities of the investigators rather than their research facilities in determining scientific success.

A collective agenda: A qualitative study on Exercise is Medicine® On Campus gold-level institutions

ObjectiveThe Exercise is Medicine® On Campus (EIM-OC) international campaign leverages university resources (e.g., health centers, recreation, and kinesiology departments) to encourage students, faculty, and staff to integrate physical activity into campus culture. This involves evaluating student physical activity levels during health visits and establishing referral systems for exercise prescriptions. EIM-OC allows universities to earn tiered recognition (Gold, Silver, or Bronze) based on their on-campus physical activity promotion and integration. For Gold recognition, schools must incorporate routine physical activity assessments into their health system, ultimately connecting healthcare providers with health/fitness professionals (HFPs, e.g., campus recreation professionals, kinesiology professors). This research worked to uncover pivotal factors driving EIM-OC on-campus collaborations through HFPs’ perspectives. MethodsHFPs (n = 11) working full-time at a Gold-level institution (n = 10 in United States) participated. Semi-structured, Zoom-recorded interviews with a generic qualitative research design were completed between June and September 2022. ResultsMajor thematic findings included the importance of tangible support (e.g., personnel), encounters with both trust and tension cross-campus, positive student development opportunities, and variations in outcome reporting and program evaluation. Faculty and staff emphasized the need for methods to obtain and sustain program funding. Participants also expressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to increase the collective impact of EIM-OC on student health and overall collegiate success. ConclusionHFPs expanded on their EIM-OC experiences and program sustainment or growth requirements. With increased interdisciplinary collaboration, rigor in outcome reporting, and tangible resources, the collective impact of EIM-OC on student health outcomes and overall collegiate success could be greatly perpetuated.

TRIM Enhances Angiogenesis in Dystrophic Muscle 140 Days Post Treatment

Background: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) causes limb muscle dysfunction and impaired mobility while promoting ischemia in effected muscles. For treatment, we developed a novel biomaterial, Time Release Ion Matrix (TRIM), that promotes angiogenesis and enhances muscle structure and function in dystrophic (D2. mdx) mice at 14- and 70-days post injection (dpi). Whether TRIM remains effective at 140 dpi is unknown. Hypothesis: At 140 dpi in D2. mdx mice TRIM will: 1) enhance isometric force and myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA) of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle; and 2) stimulate angiogenic growth factors and increase vascularity. Methods: The right and left TA of adult male D2. mdx mice (male, n=7-8, age 7 months) were injected with saline alone (control) or 250 μg of TRIM suspended in saline. At 140 dpi, the left TA muscle was isolated for in situ muscle force measurements and histological analysis; the right TA was frozen for biochemical analysis. Muscle cross-sections were immunostained for laminin (myofiber borders), DAPI (nuclei), and CD31 (endothelial cells). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) ELISA and immunoblots were performed on muscle homogenates. Results: No difference in peak isometric force was recorded between groups at 140 dpi (means ± SE: TRIM, 65.4 ± 2.7g; Saline, 62.7 ± 1.5g; P= 0.34). TRIM enhanced the relative frequency of myofibers >1000 μm2 by 27% vs. saline (TRIM, 56 ± 2%; Saline, 44 ± 3%; P= 0.006). DAPI staining revealed a 36% increase in central nuclei indicating myofiber regeneration (TRIM, 30.0 ± 1.7%; Saline, 22.0% ± 2.5; P=0.02). Microvessel area (CD31 staining, μm2) was 2.5-fold greater in treated TA’s (TRIM, 131 ± 12 μm2; Saline, 53 ± 6 μm2, P=0.0001). In muscle homogenates, TRIM had no effect on [VEGF] (TRIM, 102 ± 5%; Saline, 100 ± 4%; P= 0.79), while STAT3 activation was greater (TRIM, 129 ± 11%; Saline, 100 ± 7%; P= 0.04). Conclusion: At 140 days following injection of TRIM into the TA muscle of dystrophic mice, peak isometric force was unchanged while myofiber CSA was enhanced. Furthermore, TRIM promotes angiogenic growth factors and muscle vascularity, which should promote the ability to sustain physical activity. University of Missouri Coulter Biomedical Accelerator (SSS), American Physiological Society SURF (AGN), Texas A&M Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management (ABM). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

TRIM Enhances Dystrophic Muscle Function 70 Days Post Treatment

Background: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is associated with limb muscle dysfunction caused by progressive weakness and degeneration of skeletal muscle. Current FDA-approved therapeutic strategies are less effective than originally hoped. Our alternative approach was to develop a novel biomaterial, Time Release Ion Matrix (TRIM), shown to release angiogenic ions and enhance muscle structure and function at 14 days post injection (dpi) in dystrophic (D2. mdx) mice. However, the long-term effects of TRIM are unknown. Hypothesis: At 70 days post injection in D2. mdx mice TRIM will: 1) enhance isometric force and myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA) of the tibialis anterior (TA) muscle; and 2) promote vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) availability and muscle vascularity. Methods: The right and left TA of adult male D2. mdx mice (n=6-7, age 5 months) were injected with saline alone (control) or 250 μg of TRIM suspended in saline. At 70 dpi, the left TA was isolated for in situ muscle force measurements and histological analysis; the right TA was frozen for biochemical analysis. Muscle cross-sections were immunostained for laminin (myofiber borders), DAPI (nuclei), and CD31 (endothelial cells). An ELISA for VEGF was performed on homogenates of frozen muscles. Results: TA’s injected with TRIM increased peak isometric force (means ± SE: TRIM 70.9 ± 1.8 g; Saline, 65.9 ± 1.1 g; P= 0.04). TRIM-treated TA’s had a 2.2-fold increase in relative frequency of myofibers >1000 μm2 (TRIM, 31.8 ± 3.7%; Saline, 14.4 ± 1.9%; P= 0.001), and reduced the frequency of myofibers <400 μm2 by 32% (TRIM, 38.6% ± 2.8; Saline, 56.5% ± 3.5; P= 0.001). DAPI staining revealed a 50% increase in central myonuclei indicative of regenerated myofibers (TRIM, 30.2 ± 1.7%; Saline, 20.2 ± 1.3%; P=0.0006). Microvessel area (CD31 staining; μm2) was 2.1-fold greater in treated TA’s (TRIM, 135.6 ± 8.7 μm2; Saline, 63.6 ± 4.5 μm2; P=0.0001). In muscle homogenates, TRIM increased [VEGF] (TRIM, 139 ± 10%; Saline, 100 ± 6%; P= 0.009) Conclusion: Results support the hypothesis that 70 days following injection of TRIM into the TA of dystrophic mice, muscle force and myofiber CSA are enhanced. Moreover, TRIM enhances VEGF with increased vascularity, suggesting that the angiogenic effects of TRIM complement those on myogenesis and contractile function towards restoring muscle structure and function in DMD. University of Missouri Coulter Biomedical Accelerator (SSS), Texas A&M Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management (ABM). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

A Resource for Promoting Personal and Social Responsibility in Higher Education: A Call to Action for Kinesiology Departments

In recent decades, emphasis on helping postsecondary students develop personal and social responsibility has increased in higher education. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to propose a kinesiology-based model to assist in defining, implementing, and evaluating personal and social responsibility education with postsecondary students. In the paper, a general overview of the higher education landscape as it relates to personal and social responsibility is presented. Then, the teaching personal and social responsibility model is presented as a model that is already familiar in kinesiology and may assist in defining, implementing, and evaluating structures and strategies for promoting personal and social responsibility in higher education. The alignment of this model and the personal and social responsibility priorities of higher education are analyzed. Recommendations for implementing specific strategies and resources associated with the teaching personal and social responsibility model into higher education are shared, and next steps for integrating these resources are acknowledged.

Blending Physical Activity, Fitness, and Health and Public Health in Kinesiology

Early physical education programs were interested in how exercise and physical fitness can improve student health and well-being. This interest in improving health is a foundational purpose of public health. The emergence of physical activity (PA) as a health-enhancing behavior prompted epidemiologists and researchers to identify associations between PA, morbidity, and mortality and to understand the doses needed to enhance health outcomes. Public health experts convened consensus meetings, agreeing that physical inactivity was a public health problem. PA leaders and educators created workshops to train researchers and public health practitioners in topics on PA and public health. Kinesiology departments have embraced the PA and public health agenda. Eleven kinesiology departments have joined the Schools of Public Health, and some offer degrees or concentrations in PA and public health. Most kinesiology departments not in a School of Public Health offer undergraduate courses in PA, fitness, and health, blending kinesiology and public health topics.

Catalyzing Inclusive Excellence: Transformative Practices of Auburn University’s School of Kinesiology

The School of Kinesiology (KINE) at Auburn University (AU) has demonstrated exemplary commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, earning the 2024 American Kinesiology Association’s Inclusive Excellence Award. This article describes the strategic planning and actions taken by AU KINE over more than a decade to promote inclusive excellence by enhancing diversity and fostering inclusion. The article discusses how AU KINE overcame challenges, such as misconceptions about diversity initiatives, and how the unit continues to evolve, including developing an inclusive Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Throughout the process, AU KINE has aligned its diversity and inclusion mission and goals with the broader institution. The authors aim to demystify the process of creating a more diverse and inclusive kinesiology department and offer insights for other programs seeking to enhance their diversity and inclusion efforts. AU KINE’s success demonstrates the transformative power of strategic, sustained initiatives to promote inclusive excellence in kinesiology.

Navigating a Professional Minefield: Service Workload, Identity Taxation, and Department Culture

Faculty with personal and professional identities that are marginalized in higher education experience identity taxation, which is the experience of greater physical, mental, emotional, or psychological labor beyond what is experienced by faculty members with dominant-group identities. Inequities in service work contribute substantially to this taxation. Here, we describe persistent inequities in service work in academia, the impacts and consequences of those inequities, and strategies from the literature and our own experiences to make service work more equitable. We then detail two case examples for how we implemented some of these strategies in our kinesiology department, including (a) adopting an equity-based model of service work for required department and college service committees and (b) applying an equity lens to a faculty search committee. Finally, we reflect on our successes and areas for improvement.

Resilient Pedagogy: Experiences of Kinesiology Faculty during COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic required a rapid shift to emergency remote teaching. Despite the limited previous experience of kinesiology faculty with online or hybrid teaching, our sample (N = 112) had high confidence in their ability to deliver quality educational experiences for their students during the pandemic. Confidence was not linked to having taught online previously or years teaching in higher education. With support from their institutions, technology departments, and teaching and learning centers, faculty developed new skills and organizational strategies. To achieve this, 81% of faculty reported needing extra course preparation time to deliver high-quality remote teaching, with only 19% reporting no extra time and 51% needing up to 5 extra hours per week per course. About one-third of faculty are excited about the prospect of teaching online in the future. These newfound online teaching skills can be leveraged to modernize course offerings in kinesiology departments, supporting student recruitment, retention, and success.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Kinesiology Departments

While kinesiology as a field and as an academic major has evolved and diversified considerably over the last several decades, the cultural and racial demographics of kinesiology majors has remained fairly similar to the demographic characteristics of the early 2000s and before. There is incongruence between the actual diversity of the American population and the diversity of the population in American higher education. This disparate status further extends to kinesiology programs and subsequent subdisciplines. While the responsible systemic racial and cultural variables are worthy to be considered, examined, and corrected, this article does not drill into such constructs. Instead, this article identifies the barriers and facilitators of cultural and racial demographics as expressed by kinesiology majors and kinesiology-related professionals in higher education kinesiology programs and the allied health professions. This article discusses the importance of actively promoting kinesiology to diverse populations in the community. It amplifies the message of many scholars calling attention to a lack of diversity, as well as promotes selected effective strategies being initialized in kinesiology departments and among the allied health professions.

Passing the Torch: Perspectives on Effectively Preparing the Next Generation of Kinesiology Leaders – 2023 Praxis Lecture

ABSTRACT The 3rd annual Praxis Lecture exemplifies the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education’s (NAKHE’s) ongoing commitment to the principles and practices of social justice, diversity, and inclusive excellence as pillars of leadership development. This year’s lecture focused on perspectives, insights, and recommendations for NAKHE as the organization strategically prepares activities and programming to effectively develop, support, and advance future generations of leaders in the kinesiology discipline and beyond. The lecture highlighted an overview of the author’s journey as a scholar, administrator, and member of NAKHE. Additionally, a rationale for and description of six key perspectives on leadership development were offered for consideration. This lecture was dedicated to the author’s mentor, advisor, and supporter Dr. Jepkorir Rose Chepyator-Thomson of the University of Georgia’s Department of Kinesiology.

Editorial introductions.

Editorial introductions.

First Author Highlights

AnnouncementFirst Author HighlightsPublished Online:19 May 2023https://doi.org/10.1152/ajprenal.2023.324.5.AUMoreSectionsPDF (362 KB)Download PDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesGet permissionsTrack citations DANIELLE L. KIRKMANDepartment of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United StatesFigure 1.Danielle KirkmanDownload figureDownload PowerPointDanielle Kirkman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University. She received her PhD in Clinical Exercise Physiology from Bangor University in Wales before completing her postdoctoral fellowship in vascular physiology at the University of Delaware. Her research is focused on applied, integrative physiology at the nexus of cardiovascular and renal health. As an exercise physiologist by training, a large body of her work has investigated the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of exercise in patients across the spectrum of kidney diseases. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors [Photo: Fig. 1].https://doi.org/10.1152/ajprenal.00046.2023FERNANDO MARMOLNorthwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United StatesFigure 2.Fernando MarmolDownload figureDownload PowerPointFernando Marmol is a research scholar at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL, mentored by Dr. Daniel Batlle. He is an International Medical Graduate MD from Ecuador. His research interests focus on acid-base and electrolyte disorders as well as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and its potential therapeutic use. Like Dr. Batlle, he is a fan of the soccer team Barcelona FC. Away from the laboratory bench, he loves practicing basketball, soccer, and cycling. He is pursuing becoming a nephrologist [Photo: Fig. 2].https://doi.org/10.1152/ajprenal.00312.2022LINDSEY A. RAMIREZDepartment of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, United StatesFigure 3.Lindsey RamirezDownload figureDownload PowerPointLindsey Ramirez completed her PhD in Physiology at Augusta University under the mentorship of Jennifer Sullivan. In 2022, she successfully defended with distinction. In her doctoral laboratory, she studied the role of inflammation in mediating high-fat diet-induced changes in adiposity and blood pressure. Currently, she is a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Elizabeth Glover at the University of Illinois in Chicago, IL. In her current role, she is investigating the neural mechanisms that mediate aversion to ethanol. She enjoys learning about true crime, collecting rocks, and various crafts such as sewing, knitting, and crocheting [Photo: Fig. 3].https://doi.org/10.1152/ajprenal.00308.2022YU TAODepartment of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas, United StatesFigure 4.Yu TaoDownload figureDownload PowerPointYu Tao is a PhD student in the Integrative Physiology Department in the University of North Texas Health Science Center, mentored by Dr. Rong Ma. She got her MS from Wuhan University, China. Her research focused on the podocyte and mesangial cell physiology in diabetic kidney disease. She enjoys cooking, baking, and hiking in her spare time [Photo: Fig. 4].https://doi.org/10.1152/ajprenal.00297.2022This article has no references to display. Download PDF Previous Back to Top Next FiguresReferencesRelatedInformation Related ArticlesCall for Papers: Exercise and the kidneys in health and disease 27 Apr 2023American Journal of Physiology-Renal PhysiologyFecal ammonium in mice with CKD: gastrointestinal sequestration by sodium zirconium cyclosilicate 02 May 2023American Journal of Physiology-Renal PhysiologyPerinatal intermittent hypoxia increases early susceptibility to ANG II-induced hypertension in adult male but not in female Sprague–Dawley rats 27 Apr 2023American Journal of Physiology-Renal PhysiologyStore-operated Ca2+ entry inhibition ameliorates high glucose and ANG II-induced podocyte apoptosis and mitochondrial damage 27 Apr 2023American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology More from this issue > Volume 324Issue 5May 2023Pages i-ii Crossmark Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 2023 the American Physiological Society.https://doi.org/10.1152/ajprenal.2023.324.5.AUPubMed37204405History Published online 19 May 2023 Published in print 1 May 2023 Metrics

Timed Release Ion Matrix Enhances Muscle Force in Dystrophic Mice

Background: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is an x-linked, recessive chromosomal mutation of the gene dystrophin, affecting 1 in 3,500 males. DMD is associated with limb muscle dysfunction from repetitive damage to myofibers beginning at 2 years of age. In healthy muscle, dystrophin is responsible for maintaining the sarcolemma through the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex, while muscle with dystrophin deficiencies seen in DMD patients experience severe sarcolemmal disruption following muscle contraction. Despite major advances in genetic engineering, the functional outcomes of FDA-approved therapeutic strategies have failed to enhance the function of dystrophin-deficient myofibers. We have taken an alternative approach to apply a novel biomaterial, Time Release Ion Matrix (TRIM), that has the potential to release ions favorable to regeneration, restoring muscle structure and function in DMD mice. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that muscle force and myofiber cross-sectional area (CSA) of the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) in an established mouse model of muscle dystrophy [D2.B10 mdx (DBA. mdx)] would be enhanced 14 days post-injection of TRIM. Methods: The left TA of adult male DBA. mdx mice (n=3-9, age 6-7 months) was injected with 250 μg of TRIM suspended in saline or saline alone (vehicle control). At 14 days post injection, the TA muscle was isolated for in situ muscle force measurements using direct electrical stimulation. The TA was then removed and frozen in optimal cutting temperature compound (OCT) for histological analysis. Muscle cross-sections (thickness, 10 μm) were labeled with laminin to identify myofiber borders and myosin heavy chain as a marker of myofibers able to generate force. Images were analyzed using Nikon NIS-Elements software. To simulate body fluid, 300 mg of TRIM was suspended in physiological salt solution (PSS) for 120 hours. Results: The dissolution of TRIM in PSS over 120 hours was 40% (179 mg remaining). Peak isometric force of TAs injected with TRIM (60.0 ± 2.3 g) was 11% greater compared to saline alone (52.4 ± 2.4 g) (means ± SE, n=6-9 per group; P=0.048). There were fewer small diameter myofibers (< 400 μm2) in TAs injected with TRIM (10 ± 7%) compared to saline controls (24 ± 5 %) (n=3/group; P=0.03). Conclusion: 14 days following injection of TRIM into the TA of dystrophic mice, muscle force and myofiber CSA were enhanced by 11 and 14% respectively. We suggest that TRIM may be an effective treatment to restore muscle function in DMD and serve as a powerful tool for discovering therapeutic targets against DMD. University of Missouri Coulter Biomedical Accelerator (SSS, ABM), Texas A&M Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management (JAK, ABM) This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Research Bites

Mary M. Yoke, Ph.D., M.A., M.M., FACSM, EIM,is a full-time faculty member at the School for Health and Human Sciences at IUPUI (Department of Kinesiology). Before her position in Indiana, she was an adjunct professor at Adelphi University for 22 years, where she authored or coauthored numerous group exercise research studies. She is the author of four fitness textbooks and one consumer book on happiness; she has presented in 18 countries and throughout the United States on a wide variety of health/fitness topics and has obtained 24 certifications. Her research interests include behavior change, positive psychology, motivation, obesity, group fitness, and personal training efficacy. Disclosure:The author declares no conflict of interest and does not have any financial disclosures.

Publication Rates for Tenure-Track Faculty Members in Kinesiology and Exercise Science Departments at Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities

ABSTRACT Over the past several decades, the scholarship requirements for faculty at teaching-intensive institutions have increased and are used in the tenure and promotion evaluation process. Thus, in order to establish some normative data for faculty and administrators at these institutions we evaluated publication rates among kinesiology departments within liberal arts (LA) institutions and determined what factors might be associated with publication rates across institutions. Departments were identified from the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and members of the Consortium of Liberal Arts Colleges (CLAC). Web of Science, SportDiscus, and PubMed were searched for research published between 2009 and 2018. Demographic information for each school included extramural funding, endowment, number of undergraduate students, and the presence of graduate programs. Of the 116 LA kinesiology departments identified, the mean publication rate across the entire sample was 0.09 ± 0.18 publications/year/tenure-track faculty member. Multiple regression analysis yielded the model: publication rate = (0.266 × endowment) + (0.406 × extramural funding) + 0.057 (R2 adj = 0.333, SEE = 0.181, p < .001). In the 10 R1 kinesiology departments examined, the mean publication rate was 1.97 ± 1.33 publications/year/tenure-track faculty member. Scholarly activity in kinesiology departments at LA institutions is substantially lower than has been reported for their counterparts at R1 institutions. And access to extramural funding is a primary predictor of scholarly productivity. While publishing one peer-reviewed manuscript every 3 years at an R1 institution would likely be unacceptable for promotion and tenure, this publication rate would be in the 90th percentile among LA kinesiology faculty.

High Impact Practices in Domestic and Study Abroad Service Learning Kinesiology and Physical Education Courses

Research shows that study abroad programs can benefit students in myriad ways including: fostering intercultural understanding, improveing completion of degree programs, retention, community college transfer rates, as well as increasing GPA. The purpose of this study, was to assess and evaluate engagement in high impact practices in college students (N=70) through international service-learning, domestic service-learning, and study abroad programs offered by the kinesiology department of a large comprehensive university in California. Results indicated that short-term kinesiology study-abroad programs consisted of significantly higher levels of faculty-student and student-student engagement, as well as higher scores on diversity and experiential learning when compared to a domestic course. The authors echo Dunn’s (2009) call who called for the development and promotion of international experiences, such as study abroad opportunities, in order to enhance the understanding and viability of undergraduate and graduate students in the field of kinesiology. To date, this call has been left unanswered.

Self-Assessment of Research Skills among Undergraduate Students: A Kinesiology Field Perspective

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to assess students’ self-perceptions of their research abilities and develop strategies to improve research skills among undergraduate students. The instrument was administered to students in a Kinesiology department at a university in Midwest U.S.A. Fifteen questions were included in the self-administered questionnaire, which includes research habits, past research experiences, and self-perceptions on research skills and demographics. Data based on a total of 315 respondents showed that most students reported higher levels of self-perceived research skills such as information literacy skills, ethical principles, and communication skills. However, students reported lower levels of confidence in research design and statistical skills. The results of this study illustrate the importance of developing research skills among students. Key strategies include coaching, mentoring, and providing more research opportunities.

From Couch…to Coach…to Ninja Warrior

Dixie Stanforth, Ph.D., FACSM,is a recently retired professor of instruction in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin. She developed and directed the Health Fitness Instructor, Community Health & Wellness, and Medical Fitness/Rehabilitation Specializations for undergraduates. She serves as a provost's teaching fellow emerita, is an associate editor for ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal®, and is a frequent presenter at ACSM's International Health & Fitness Summit and other national conferences. Erin Crownover, M.S.,is a former collegiate basketball player who recently completed her Master's degree in Exercise Physiology in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at UT Austin in the Physical Culture and Sport Studies program. Erin is passionate about exercise and sport, especially the intersection of exercise science with physical culture, sport history, sport economics, and sport/international relations. Disclosure:The authors declare no conflict of interest and do not have any financial disclosures.

Leading at the Edge During COVID-19: Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Pandemic Preparedness

In this paper, we describe how the Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology at Michigan Technological University assembled a COVID-19 pandemic response team to help protect the health of the campus and rural community. Specifically, our team worked to (a) enhance public health messaging, (b) manage the university contact tracing program, (c) expand health science curricula, (d) promote and facilitate physical activity as a key mitigation strategy, and (e) provide professional development opportunities for students. We also consider strategies to prepare for subsequent COVID-19 surges and future health emergencies. Leveraging our broad-based training in health science and “leading at the edge” was a critical asset for the campus and community and may serve as a model for other kinesiology departments and rural colleges and universities.