Authors Frank Koslucher, Michael G. Wade, Brent Nelson, Kelvin Lim, Fu-Chen Chen, & Thomas A. Stoffregen recently had an article accepted for publication in Gait & Posture. Their contribution is titled: “Nintendo Wii Balance Board is sensitive to effects of visual tasks on standing sway in healthy elderly participants”.
Frank Koslucher is a University of Minnesota undergraduate alumni and is currently pursuing his PhD. Brent Nelson and Kevin Lim are both University of Minnesota Psychiatry doctoral students.
Dr. Chen received his PhD in Kinesiology from the University and currently serves as an assistant professor of Recreation Sport & Health Promotion at Pingtung National University, Taiwan.
Twin Cities German Immersion School students visit Human Sensorimotor Control Lab
Recently, 6th and 7th graders of the Twin Cities German Immersion School visited the Human Sensorimotor Control Lab (HSCL) in conjunction with their science class curriculum.
After playing host to HSCL research as field test subjects this past Spring, the students participated in data analysis on position sense and body awareness. The HSCL staff provided each student with a report entailing their unique, collected data, and perspective on the physiological importance of body awareness and motor control.
The HSCL is directed by Dr. Juergen Konczak, Kinesiology professor of biomechanics and neuromotor control.
Weiss conducts youth development research and outreach in South Africa
Maureen Weiss, professor in the School of Kinesiology, traveled to Stellenbosch University in South Africa May 15-26, where she collaborated with Professor Elizabeth Bressan on research and community engagement projects. Their research involves an active lifestyles camp for culturally diverse and disadvantaged adolescent girls, with an emphasis on developing positive self-perceptions, supportive relationships, and leadership skills to contribute to community. They developed the curriculum to achieve positive youth development goals and trained coaches to effectively deliver the curriculum. Evaluation of the program’s impact will be assessed using longitudinal and mixed methodologies.
shown below: Dr. Weiss with coaches who were trained to deliver the camp.
Weiss consulted with administrators of JAG (Jointly Achieving Growth), an afterschool physical activity-based youth development program focused on teaching life skills and health-enhancing behaviors to underserved youth. The running program consists of curriculum to promote social and emotional skills (e.g., resisting peer pressure to engage in risky behaviors) using trained coaches to deliver the lessons. Methods to improve life skills learning and evaluate the program’s impact were discussed.
To draw linkages in youth development between kinesiology and psychology, Weiss advised psychology graduate students on their theses and delivered a research presentation to psychology faculty and students. The title of her presentation was, “Positive Youth Development in Physical Activity Contexts.” A subsequent meeting with the dean of science involved discussing the possibility of creating a center for positive youth development that could benefit university and area secondary school students.
Finally, Weiss attended a reception hosted by the British deputy consul general in Cape Town “to celebrate the power of sport across all abilities” in anticipation of the Olympic and Paralympics Games in London. Members of England’s Premier Football (Soccer) League were in attendance as well as stakeholders involved in Coaching for Hope, an innovative program that uses soccer to create better futures for young people in West and Southern Africa. The program organizes coaching courses where professional coaches from the UK train local youth workers. At the same time, the local coaches learn how to deliver HIV awareness and life skills sessions to young people in their communities.
Study shows that exercise may not be helpful for everyone
Dr. Arthur Leon, professor of exercise physiology, has co-authored a just-released journal article appearing in PLoS ONE:
“Adverse Metabolic Response to Regular Exercise: Is it a Rare or Common Occurrence?” by Claude Bouchard, PhD; Steven N. Blair, PED; Timothy S. Church, MD, MPH, PhD; Conrad P. Earnest, PhD; James M. Hagberg, PhD; Keijo Häkkinen, PhD; Nathan T. Jenkins, PhD; Laura Karavirta, PhD; William E. Kraus, MD; Arthur S. Leon, MS, MD; D.C. Rao, PhD; Mark A. Sarzynski, PhD; James S. Skinner, PhD; Cris A. Slentz, PhD; and Tuomo Rankinen, PhD. PLoS ONE, 2012
The article, published May 30, has generated considerable attention from the media because the researchers found that, in analyzing data from six rigorous exercise studies involving 1,687 people, about 10 percent of the subjects worsened on at least one of the measures related to heart disease, and about 7 percent worsened on at least two measures. Dr. Bouchard, the lead author, first discovered the adverse exercise effects when he looked at data from his study that examined genetics and responses to exercise, the New York Times reports. He noticed that about 8 percent of subjects seemed to be getting worse on at least one measure of heart disease risk.
Is it possible that exercise is unhealthy for some people? The study authors say that while people should continue to exercise, they might also have their heart disease risk factors checked on a regular basis.
The article is a new publication resulting from the HERITAGE Family Study consortium, a research group that included the University of Minnesota and was led at this institution by Dr. Leon. To read the complete article, go to this link:
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0037887
Fencing instructor Roberto Sobalvarro to coach Women’s U.S. Olympic team
Roberto Sobalvarro, instructor for PE 1031 Sabre Fencing and PE 1033 Foil Fencing in the School of Kinesiology, is traveling to London this summer for a once-in-a-lifetime visit. He has been named the head coach of the Women’s Epee U.S. Olympic Team.
Sobalvarro is head coach of the Twin Cities Fencing Club and has been coaching and fencing for thirty years. He is a member of the U.S. national coaching staff and a former national head coach. He has traveled with and coached numerous senior and junior U.S. teams.
Joining Sobalvarro as a competitor on his Olympic team is Susie Scanlan, his fencing student since she was 9 years old and a University of Minnesota student beginning this fall. Scanlan was featured in a KARE-11 news segment yesterday. Above, Sobalvarro with his team at the National Championships. Congratulations to all!
Dengel invited to give seminar to Green Bay Packers
Dr. Don Dengel, associate professor of exercise physiology in the School of Kinesiology, was invited to give a seminar to the Green Bay Packers football team last week. His presentation was on, “Positional Characteristics and Prediction Modeling of NFL Professional Football Players Using iDXA.”
He traveled to Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to give the invited seminar on May 17.
Dr. Rainer Rauramaa to give special presentation in School of Kinesiology
Rainer Rauramaa, M.D., Ph.D., professor at the University of East Finland and director of its Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine, will be making a special presentation to the Kinesiology community on Monday, June 4, from 10:45 a.m-11:45 a.m. in 214 Cooke Hall. The topic of his presentation will be the results of a major Finnish exercise and dietary longitudinal intervention study in older adults. Study endpoints include changes in risk factors and biomarkers for CVD, cognitive brain functions, and mortality (The DRs EXTRA Study). All are welcome!
Dr. Rauramaa has been a distinguished international colleague and collaborator with Dr. Art Leon for over the past 30 years. In recognition of his significant accomplishments to exercise and sports science, he will receive a prestigious award at the ACSM’s 59th Annual meeting in San Francisco, May 29th to June 2, 2012.
LaVoi Joins Alliance of Women Coaches Board of Directors
Nicole M. LaVoi, Ph.D., instructor in the School of Kinesiology and associate director of the Tucker Center, was recently named to the Alliance of Women Coaches (The Alliance) Board of Directors. One of seven members of the Board of Director’s, LaVoi will attend The Alliance’s first national event, The Huddle, in Atlanta, Ga., on May 30 and June 1 and will present two sessions (Motivational Strategies & How to Build Confidence) at the NCAA Women Coaches Academy in Denver June 14-17.
“Serving on the board for the AWC and teaching at the WCA is an honor,” stated LaVoi. “I feel strongly about education, networking, and helping recruit and retain females coaches at all levels of sport and this is a way I can give back.”
LaVoi’s research falls within the social psychology of sports where she answers critical questions that can make a difference in the lives of sport stakeholders–particularly girls and women. In her doctoral research she focused on relational qualities of the collegiate coach-athlete relationship that can lead to empowerment, authenticity and mutual engagement. More recently, LaVoi developed an ecological model of barriers and supports for female coaches, and is examining female coaches’ experiences with sexism.
LaVoi was an Assistant Professor of Physical Education and the Head Women’s Tennis Coach at Wellesley College (1994-’98), and the Assistant Women’s Tennis Coach at Carleton College (1991-’93). LaVoi played four years of intercollegiate tennis at Gustavus Adolphus College where her team placed 4th (’89), 2nd (’91) and won the NCAA-III National Championships in 1990. She is a two time NCAA Academic All-American.
Kinesiology director, faculty featured in Spring/Summer issue of Connect
The School of Kinesiology takes center stage in the Spring/Summer issue of Connect, CEHD’s alumni/faculty/staff magazine. Kinesiology director Li Li Ji is featured on the cover, and his key involvement in establishing the U.S.-China American Cultural Center for Sport, a partnership with the U of M China Center, the School of Kinesiology, and the Tianjin University of Sport in Tianjin, China. The grand opening and inauguration ceremony was held March 20 at Tianjin University of Sport and included dignitaries from China and the U.S. as well as the University of Minnesota, School of Kinesiology, and the Tucker Center. Read the full story here.
Also featured in Connect was Dr. Don Dengel, associate professor in exercise physiology, and his Study Abroad trip to London with 25 students last December to explore the impact of the Olympics on the city of London, the first city to host the games for the third time. Students visited venues from the previous games (1908 and 1948) as well as 2012 venues under construction. Go to http://www.cehd.umn.edu/Connect/2012Spring/Olympics.html to read the full story.
Vollum accepts boys basketball head coach position in Eagan
Matt Vollum, teaching specialist and coordinator of Kinesiology’s physical education and health licensure programs, and Kinesiology doctoral student in sport sociology, has been appointed boys basketball head coach for Eagan High School.
Vollum was head coach at Bloomington Kennedy High School from 2002-2009, where he coached the boys basketball team to the 2008 state Class 4A tournament. The team made it to the quarterfinals where it lost to Minnetonka, the eventual state champion.
Congratulations, Matt!
Ji awarded Grant-in-Aid by Office of the Vice President for Research
The University’s Office of the Vice President for Research has awarded Li Li Ji, Ph.D., professor and director of the School of Kinesiology, a University Grant-in-Aid of Research, Artistry, and Scholarship effective July 1, 2012, through January 15, 2014, for his work titled “Efficacy of in vivo PGC-1α Transfection in Protecting Against Muscle Disuse Atrophy.”
This grant will suport an investigation using mice as a model on how local injection of a DNA binding protein called PGC-1α would improve recovery of hindlimb muscle from immobilization due to banding. Preliminary work indicates this nuclear cofactor enhances energy production, antioxidant defense and suppresses inflammatory response, and thus facilitates recovery.
Buysse will travel to France for site visit and to explore possible collaborations
Dr. Jo Ann Buysse, sport management undergraduate coordinator and lecturer in Kinesiology, will be in France beginning May 20 with U of M Learning Abroad staff to observe 12 U of M students attending a Learning Abroad course on Sport and Culture in France at the University of Montpellier. Nearly all the students attending are Kinesiology or Recreation, Park, and Leisure Studies undergraduates. The students will travel to see the European X Games and meet with Team Handball players. Dr. Buysse will also visit the AMOS School of Sport Business in Paris to discuss possible collaborations between the U of M and AMOS.
Ross interviewed on naming rights for proposed Vikings stadium
Dr. Stephen Ross, director of undergraduate studies and associate professor of sport management in the School of Kinesiology, was interviewed this week by Tom Lyden of Fox 9 News on naming rights of the newly proposed Vikings stadium.
In the interview, Ross discusses the importance of team success on the field, the future value of the Vikings naming rights, and the role of the economy in the costs of naming rights.
To read more, go to this link:
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/18435687/future-vikings-stadium-name-comes-with-high-expectations
Dengel publishes with UROP student, former PhD advisee
Dr. Don Dengel, associate professor in Kinesiology, has two recent publications:
1. Polgreen LE, Petryk A, Dietz AC, Sinaiko AR, Leisenring W, Goodman P, Steffen L, Perkins JL, Dengel DR, Baker KS, & Steinberger J: Modifiable risk factors associated with bone deficits in childhood cancer survivors. BMC Pediatrics, 12:40, 2012.
2. Lou X, Templeton DL, John R, & Dengel DR: Effects of continuous flow left ventricular assist device support on microvascular endothelial function. Journal of Cardiovascular Translational, 5(3):345-350, 2012.
Ms. Lou, the first author, is a former UROP student who worked with Dr. Dengel on her research project. Dr. Danielle Templeton is a 2010 PhD graduate of Kinesiology and advisee of Dr. Dengel.
PE 1055 Golf class features hole-in-one
Tianyi Zhao, a senior majoring in Economics, had a hole-in-one during match play in PE 1055 Golf class last week. For very few people, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Mr. Zhao shows off his magic golf ball in the photo.
The course is taught by Angela Ause.
Kinesiology graduate Cody Mikl is graduate student representative on Board of Regents
Kinesiology graduate Cody Mikl has been selected to serve as the graduate student representative on the Board of Regents. Mikl is pursuing his Ph.D. in OLPD. He received his B.S. and M.A. degrees in Kinesiology with a sport management emphasis. Cody is also a physical activity program instructor and facility manager in the Department of Recreational Sports.
PE 1262 students to run in Eau Claire Marathon this weekend
Of the 87, some never imagined they could run a marathon, but wanted to try. Others had nearly no running experience, but were looking for a physical and mental challenge. One of them is a U of M physics and astronomy professor. But this Sunday, all the students in PE 1262 Marathon Training will try for their personal best as they compete in the Eau Claire Marathon in Wisconsin.
In their last preparatory event, the group will convene for a carbo-load Saturday evening, with 118 race participants and colleagues expected at the dinner. The evening will also include a pre-race pep talk by Dr. Stacy Ingraham, Kinesiology lecturer and co-instructor and coach for the course. She will give a slide presentation tracing the history of PE 1262.
PE 1262 is taught by Chris Lundstrom, Kinesiology doctoral student and advisee of Dr. Ingraham, and a nationally ranked marathoner. The course was first offered in Spring 2008 and enrolled 48 runners. This semester, enrollment has almost doubled from the first class, and the course has grown into one of the most popular PE offerings.
Konczak lab will test new device designed to safely fasten child car seats
As part of an NIH-sponsored research R44 award, the Human Sensorimotor Control Lab, directed by Prof. Juergen Konczak, received a subcontract to perform the biomechanical testing of a new device that should make it easier for parents to safely secure a child car seat. The project, “Easy-to-use Electric Low Anchor Tether Winch for Child Safety Seats,” is an industry cooperation with Minnesota HealthSolutions, a local company that is a provider of engineering and human study design services. A large national manufacturer of car seats is already interested in producing these new car seats.
Prof. Konczak is the PI for the U of M portion of the project. As part of the testing, researchers will try to determine if the new device provides a tighter fastening of the child seat to the car seat while resulting in less muscular strain and reducing awkward compromising postures of the caregiver who puts the child into the seat (“If you are the parent of a young child, you likely have been there.”).
Konczak gives invited presentation at international neuromotor control conference in Venice
Dr. Juergen Konczak, professor of biomechanics, spoke to approximately 300 researchers from across the world at the annual meeting of the Society for the Neural Control of Movement in Venice, Italy, about recent findings on what factors determine how well children and adults recover from a cerebellar tumor or a stroke affecting the cerebellum. The underlying research studies have been part of an international collaboration with neurologists and neurosurgeons at the University Medical Center in Essen, Germany.
Results indicate that if the injury or the surgery affects several small nuclei in the deeper layers of the cerebellum, the prognosis for recovery at every age is very poor. If the nuclei are spared, a full recovery is possible given the right treatment.
Two Kinesiology undergraduates awarded UROPs for Fall 2012
Kinesiology undergraduates Kolbi Becker and Danielle Wills have been chosen as recipients for Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) awards to conduct research with Dr. Lesley Scibora during Fall 2012. Both undergraduates will be working on projects examining diet, physical activity, and aspects of bone health in adolescent dancers and gymnasts. Ms. Becker is in the clinical movement science emphasis and Ms. Wills is in the exercise science emphasis.
Congratulations to Kolbi and Danni on this prestigious award!