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 motion analysis software. ESHP has over 245 students a year in the kinesiology classes, PET 4330C, with over 60 in the biomechanics classes, PET 4340C. Human motion can be evaluated in depth using a motion analysis system called DARTFISH . This high tech software allows for an in depth analysis of human motion detailing such biomechanical variables as center of mass, specific joint angles, trajectory, while helping the student calculate for velocity, work, power, etc. This measurement is conducted using video taken by students and uploaded for analysis using the DARTFISH software.
The ESHP department does have 10 computers in our lab which contain older versions from 2014 (CONNECT Version 7) , while two others contain the more advanced DARTFISH PRO SUITE Version 7 (contain more features) While the DARTFISH PRO SUITE versions are still functional, we do need to upgrade the 10 CONNECT Version 7s. Four of those will be upgraded to CONNECT Version 8 while six remaining will be upgraded to PRO SUITE Version 8. These upgrades will afford the biomechanics students with a more comprehensive environment with which to work, and expand their analytical experience in this class. It will also enhance the tools for the research students significantly.
In regards to the FAU strategic plan (pillars and platforms), in summary, the DARTFISH software can continue the ESHP’s department in providing excellent experience for the undergraduate students and provide a more comprehensive graduate education. In fact, this motion analysis software 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 DARTFISH upgrades 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 DARTFISH software 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.
Implementing Organization
Exercise Science and Health Promotion faculty and graduate students will oversee the implementation of the software into our classrooms and laboratory, once fully loaded by the College of Education technology team.
