Proposal

• neuroscience (cognition)

• healthy aging

  • health and wellness

    • educating and teaching the Exercise Science and Health Promotion majors the latest technology within their field of study

  • geriatrics and aging in place

    • older adults in the FAU Walking Program and other community dwelling individuals will be assessed

• sensing and smart systems

  • sensor technology (Trazer) that measures changes in the health (e.g., obtain heart rates, fitness levels, reaction times, concussion assessments)

  • advanced automation

    • Trazer can calculate COG—Center of Gravity and track an individual’s movement.

• undergraduate research and inquiry

  • Trazer will provide discover and research experiences for students, thus promoting scholarship opportunities, plus prepare for graduate level research programs.

The following information is a more detailed explanation of the above.  The Trazer will advance the efficiency of training FAU undergraduate and graduate students in the methods of visual acuity, vestibular training (concussion) and other exercises in exercise science and neuromuscular teaching and research. This request, if funded, will be introduced and used yearly by more than 800 FAU students [500 to 600 Exercise Science and Health Promotion majors, possibly 200 FAU athletes, and over 100 students in Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, specifics follow within this narrative].  Currently, the Exercise Science and Health Promotion (ESHP) Department is working closely with FAU Athletics. This Trazer system may also be used as an additional assessment with these players, not only as a return-to-play post concussion or other injury, but an initial assessment, to possibly include all FAU athletes.  Exercise Science students, graduate and undergraduate, will also have the opportunity to learn this system, if obtained.  The system will also utilized in several courses (e.g., kinesiology, neuromuscular physiology), not only in our department, but Communication Sciences and Disorders Department.

As you know, the FAU Exercise Science degree is a very popular course of study, currently, the fifth largest (over 1200⁺students) undergraduate degree, plus 60⁺ master’s students. The students graduating from this department go into various successful career paths and advanced degrees.  With continuing to upgrade the department’s technology, the students are prepared to work and study with state-of-the-art equipment.  The labs are utilized daily for student learning and research. All of the faculty efforts, in the labs, are designed to instruct the students about exercise science techniques with strong emphasis on the scientific methods of inquiry. This focus is to ensure the student’s understanding of the practical applications of the major, plus knowing the current and appropriate methods to access techniques with the latest technology used in real world settings.  Currently, many of the exercise science majors are advancing to more medical-oriented careers, such as physical therapy, physician’s assistant, orthopedic, and research.  Some of these businesses have acquired this sport simulator.  These particular opportunities, of having the latest in technology, provide the student a marketable advantage, not only for a job, but for advanced training at the master’s and/or doctorate level.   The student also becomes more aware of the process of acquiring scientific knowledge and understanding neuromuscular, aging, and fitness relationships, which will generate more interest in their classes and possibly research.

The goal of this proposal is for the exercise science students to enhance their learning in the laboratory and research with the latest technology equipment.  Dr. Sue Graves (me) will use this equipment for classes, plus train additional faculty and any interested student(s).  Dr. Mike Whitehurst has expressed interest in this equipment, possible for use in his courses, Neurophysiology of Human Movement, PET 3050 (300 students per year) and Aging, Decision-Making and Mobility, PET 5077 (20 per year), a graduate course.  If this technology is obtained, Dr. Ali Danish, Communication Sciences and Disorders, will also use this equipment with his master’s students (100 per year).  This equipment can provide significant improvements to the existing research structure, enhancing the scope and productivity of exercise science research training. This new and exciting technology, to offer to our FAU students (not just within the department) and future research will

• offer objective documentation of neuromuscular functions in many populations. 

• give the ability to design complex sensory and motor challenges to emulate real world conditions.

• deliver more opportunities to research concussion issues, reaction times, and other performance issues with athletes.

The Exercise Science and Health Promotion Department graduate and undergraduate students, interested faculty, Communication Sciences and Disorders Department, and athletics would all benefit.  The proposed goal will improve student training efficiency on their specific techniques, benefit graduate student projects by having another updated piece of equipment, plus increase student research training on this new technology.  In fact, this Technology Fee application focuses on the FAU Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) initiative regarding improvements to student training.  Thus, this application, totaling $19,598, is an excellent and timely investment in regards to FAU’s research structure, plus would not need to be updated for over ten years.

?See attached quote for specifics. The following information is a general breakdown of the Trazer System.

Trazer Interactive system                $8,995

Software                                            2,000

Heart rate monitor/electrodes              729

Stand/portable/display/cases/TV      3,380

Training                                             1,500

Laptop for offsite                                2495

                                         Total     $19,598

?The Exercise Science and Health Promotion faculty (Dr. B. Sue Graves, me) and graduate students will implement the set up and installation of the equipment.  No additional costs or resource restraints will be needed. 

The equipment manufacturer will implement the initial set up, installation of the equipment, and training, which is included in the quote.  See attached supporting documentation.  No additional costs or resource restraints will be needed.