Honors students needed to assist with research on cognition

The Motor Control, Cognition, and Neuroimaging Laboratory at Penn State is looking for undergraduate honors students to join their research team! The lab is directed by Dr. Kristina Neely, a neuroscientist focused on the role of the basal ganglia and prefrontal cortex in the neural control of movement. She is particularly interested in the intersection of cognition and action in neuropsychiatric populations. She uses systems neuroscience techniques that include functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), structural MRI, and kinetic and kinematic movement analysis. Her experimental set-ups include air-jet supported friction-free manipulanda, 3-D recording systems, MRI-compatible force sensors, hand and grip force dynamometers, and clinical scales for cognitive and motor testing. 
More information about the lab can be found here:

Research video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwvCN-RMHOU

Lab website: http://sites.psu.edu/mcnlab/

ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kristina_Neely

Interested students should contact Dr. Neely (kan17@psu.edu) to discuss research opportunities.

Now accepting new honors scholars

The Kinesiology Department is now accepting applications to become a Kinesiology honors scholar through the Schreyer’s Honors College Gateway Application process. For more information please read HERE.  Applications are being accepted until May 12.

Myofascial Release and the Roller Stick: is it actually helplful?

For my undergraduate thesis, I examined the effect of a myofascial release roller stick on lower extremity range of motion and functional performance….in other words, is using the roller stick helpful or hurtful? This is a topic that is applicable to any active individual or athlete who may suffer from muscle soreness, limited flexibility, or fascial restrictions (for example, trigger points and “knots”). I also talk a little about my experience completing my thesis; i.e., helpful advice and things to consider. Read more here!

STABILITY OF STANDING ON AN UNSTABLE SURFACE

Hello everyone! If you’d like to check out and learn more about keeping quiet stance on an unstable surface click here. Thanks!

The Independent and Interrelated Effects of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior on Functional and Quality of Life Outcomes in Older Adults

Hello! I recently completed research involving the independent and synergistic effects of physical activity and sedentary behavior on functional and quality of life outcomes in the older adult population (60+). If you are interested in reading about my study and my findings, please visit my blog by clicking here. Thank you!

 

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT SCREEN SCORES AND INJURIES IN COLLEGE-AGED WATER POLO PLAYERS

Hello everyone!  If you would like to learn more about my honors research involving Functional Movement Screen administration and injury risk among water polo players, visit my blog!  Click here to go to the blog.  Thank you!

Amenorrhea in Exercising Women Results in Adaptations in Bone Geometry and Estimated Bone Strength

In exercising women, a common health concern is insufficient caloric intake to support the energy expended on a daily basis, especially due to the added caloric cost of exercise.  This energy deficiency can result in menstrual dysfunction that can ultimately negatively impact bone health.  Adaptations in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone geometry can compromise bone strength, which can be estimated using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT).  See the link below for my full thesis blog detailing the effects on exercise on bone density, geometry, and estimated bone strength when accompanied by menstrual dysfunction.

www.sites.psu.edu/emilysouthmaydthesis

~Emily Southmayd

Caloric Expenditure from Traditional Back Squats

Hello fitness enthusiasts!

With the overweight and obese population in the United States reaching new heights, there is a desperate need to make exercise more efficient in order to appeal to fast pace world we live in today. So if you have ever wondered what factors to consider when designing an exercise program in order to get the largest calorie burn for the least amount of time as well as some additional insight on the benefits of the squat exercise, take a look at my research at the following website: http://stbarrett99.wordpress.com/the-effects-of-varying-loads-and-repetitions-on-caloric-expenditure-during-traditional-back-squats/

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