Brain. Movement. Science!
Is walking and texting automatic?
In this lab activity, you will investigate factors influencing the learning and performance of a movement. You will also see how motor tasks and thinking tasks can interfere with one another and significantly influence performance. What you thought was an automatic process might not be!
Gait and Balance Analysis
How high can you jump and why?
Discover some of the laws of biomechanics; how they relate to the way you move; and how these forces can be measured, studied, and maximized. You will use a variety of equipment to introduce you to several biomechanical principles, such as joint summation, acceleration of body mass and ground reaction forces during gait and balance activities.
Cardiovascular Health
Explore the integrated workings of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. What happens to your body during increased work demands?
Volunteer(s) from your group will ride a cycle ergometer while other students assess the cardiovascular response to exercise using state-of-the-art breath by breath oxygen uptake analysis equipment, electrocardiogram, and a sphygmomanometer. You will also learn how researchers at Waterloo are using these techniques to investigate cardiovascular health throughout the lifespan.
Work Those Muscles
Watch your muscles contract; learn how they work, and find out what could make them work harder.
Different types of muscle contractions will be discussed and demonstrated using the “Muscle Car” and biofeedback mechanisms such as EMG (electromyography). You will investigate force-length relationship, muscle fibre types, how forces are generated in the different types of contractions, and how all of these relate to weight-training implication and principles.
Neurological Inquiries
What’s inside your head?
Students will learn about common neurological injuries including concussions and stroke. To facilitate this study, students will have the opportunity to handle human skulls as well as preserved human brain specimens.
Anatomical Inquiries
"What Lies Beneath the Skin".
In this laboratory experience students will be given the opportunity to observe and handle preserved anatomical specimens. Bones, muscles, and internal organs will be highlighted. Students will be encouraged to explore in small groups and relate common injuries and illnesses to the anatomy of our human cadaver donors. (limited enrollment)
Athletic Taping
"Helping Athletes Maintain Peak Performance".
Learn how athletic therapists use taping techniques to help athletes remain healthy and injury-free. This lab will review the most common athletic taping techniques used in a rehabilitation setting. You will apply athletic tape to classmates to gain an appreciation of the art and science of athletic taping.