Narrative
The Exercise Science and Health Promotion Department’s (ESHP) kinesiology and biomechanics undergraduate classes need more hands-on practice with labs and potential research with electromyography (EMG). ESHP has over 245 students a year in the kinesiology classes, PET 4330C, with over 60 in the biomechanics classes, PET 4340C. Muscle electrical activity can be measure with an EMG. In fact, many studies measure how well and fast nerves send electrical signals within the body. This measurement is conducted with electrodes placed on the muscle and a receiver to record the signals.
The ESHP department did purchase one Biopac unit in 2004, through department start-up funding. This Biopac unit needs to be upgraded to state-of-the-art unit with an additional unit to accommodate the increasing number of students in these classes.
In regards to the FAU strategic plan (pillars and platforms), in summary, the EMG equipment can continue the ESHP’s department in providing excellent experience for the undergraduate students and provide a more comprehensive graduate education. In fact, this EMG request is consistent with the “Sensing and Smart Systems” Pillar which can measure people’s health and any changes with this advance automation system. The system could also be used with the “Health Aging Pillar” in the PET 4947 course with students and community dwelling individuals, who attend for fitness three days a week. The platforms are Community Engagement, and
Undergraduate Research and Inquiry.
The EMG units will begin to provide hands on and research experiences for the ESHP students. The students would have scholarship opportunities, plus be able to prepare for graduate level research programs, while creating various research projects, not just within the department, but with potentially the community.
If this request is funded, the equipment would be introduced and used yearly (all three semesters) by more than 300 FAU Exercise Science and Health Promotion majors. ESHP students, graduate and undergraduate, will also have the opportunity to be trained on this system. As you know, the FAU ESHP degree is a very popular major at FAU, currently, we are the fourth largest (over 1200+students) undergraduate degree, plus 60+ master’s students. Upgrading the department’s technology with this equipment, the students will be prepared to work and study with state-of-the-art equipment. 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. 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 advanced technology, which will generate more interest in their classes and possibly research.
In summary, purchasing the EMG equipment will allow the ESHP graduate and undergraduate students many benefits. 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 application would enhance the FAU Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) initiative regarding improvements to student training. Thus, this application is an excellent and timely investment in regards to FAU’s research structure.
Sustainability
The equipment requested is state-of-the-art, so the sustainability should be a minimum of 10-15 years. This particular technology will be maintained by the Exercise Science lab manager, research assistants and faculty.
Implementing Organization
The ESHP faculty and graduate students will implement the set up of the equipment in conjunction with the College of Education for the software. No additional costs or resource restraints will be needed.
