Human Performance Lab Takes Classroom Learning to the Next Level
04/19/2024
William Penn University’s Human Performance Lab takes classroom learning to the next level for students. The lab run by Mauricio Nunez; Assistant Professor of Kinesiology is a state-of-the-art facility that offers students hands-on learning usually available at the Graduate school level. It is utilized by students in Wellness and Recreation, Kinesiology, and Exercise Science.
While WPU students experience hands-on learning in the Human Performance Lab, student athletes can also benefit from the technology available. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our students and student athletes,” says Nunez. “I was a collegiate athlete, I understand how important it is for an athlete to be performing at their highest level. Using the force plate in the center of the lab allows athletes to learn of imbalances they might have. Correcting such imbalances as hips, knees, or ankles helps athletes perform better and reduces the rate of injury.”
Nunez’s goal is to introduce the knowledge of science so that it can be used as a tool to better help athletes. His wealth of experience ranging from attending a Principle Component Analysis for motion analysis seminar at the University of Innsbruck to spending time at the Institute of Exercise and Environmental Institute enables him to help teach the technology utilizing math and physics to analyze athletic performance. Having the Human Performance Lab on campus gives WPU students the ability to learn real-world technology that is highly sought after as the industry of sport and athletic performance grows in popularity.
Students use all the equipment to initiate and complete research in their area of study in classes such as Exercise Physiology, Human Motion Analysis, and Biomechanics. They develop the research from initial research, collect the data, and present their results and findings. The research topics range from balance studies, force production, and angular momentum, all the way to full gait mechanics/pattern analysis. Seniors have the chance to use any of the equipment for their year-long thesis project. They design and complete the study from beginning to end; they are in charge of all aspects of their research. The Exercise Science Program at William Penn University ensures that the students get full access to the equipment and have ample time to learn how current technology in their field functions.
Equipment available for use are:
- AMTI Force Plate (1000 Hz.)
- 8-Camera Vicon Nexus Motion Capture System
- (2) iWorx systems for Physiology Analysis (EMG, ECG, VO2, Respiratory Rates and Volumes)
- Eye Tracking System
- Monark 928 Ergometer VO2 bike