Funding of this laboratory will allow three-dimensional data
acquisition with an infrared system, thus providing
state-of-the-art, highly accurate kinematic analyses.
Additionally, hardware and software have been included to
synchronize the signals from the EMG and force platform, which will
allow students to gain an understanding of how the kinematics of
movement are related to muscle activity and ground reaction forces.
With this upgraded equipment, students will be able to:
Perform much more complete biomechanical and movement
control analyses which will provide them a much broader and
deeper understanding of human function and factors that
influence it
Develop much greater understanding of human motion as it
relates to performance, injury rehabilitation, disabilities and
maintaining capacities of daily living
Understand the unique influence of each sensory modality in
the control and learning of human movement and physical
adaptation
Impact of Your Support
Your gift to the Piper Movement Analysis Laboratory will:
ENHANCE INSTRUCTION - This new laboratory equipment
will serve the growing needs of our students and their
increasingly complex research questions. Faculty members will be
able to infuse this new technology into the classroom thereby
producing a much more active and improved learning environment.
FACILITATE LEARNING - With this improved learning
environment, students will be better able to apply biomechanical,
anatomical and motor learning/control expertise in their careers.
The equipment will provide better understanding of the motions and
forces involved in many different activities. Moreover, the
qualitative and quantitative inter-relationships between the
kinetic, kinematic, and anatomical bases of motion will be enhanced
by the features of this improved laboratory. Students will be able
to experience the changing influences of the sensory system on the
motor control system, leading to a greater appreciation for the
intricacies of our complex human functions.
SUPPORT STUDENT RESEARCH - Student research at Truman
will be greatly improved as research questions, previously
unavailable due to the lack of equipment, will not need to be
eliminated or modified. Students will develop more cutting-edge
research skills that will better prepare them for their
post-graduate work and future careers. Students will be able to
explore interdisciplinary questions (e.g., physics) and potentially
work with physician scholars from the Kirksville College of
Osteopathic Medicine.
PREPARE STUDENTS FOR POST-GRADUATE STUDIES OR PROFESSIONAL
CAREERS - The Piper Lab will allow the HES Program to continue
to be a leader in the preparation of health science and exercise
science students. Through improved instruction, learning, and
research, our students will develop greater problem-solving and
critical-thinking skills. These skills will enable them to gain
admission to the leading post-graduate programs or to work with the
top employers in the world.