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Printer-Friendly ModeKinesiology Cards help Flint hockey team
October 12, 2009 —
These days Michigan sports are a sore spot for some. But for others, the sore is just where it starts getting good.
At least, it is for students in the kinesiology department.
This year, the Cardinals who study the mechanics of human movement are partnering up with the minor league hockey team Flint Generals. Their partnership, now entering its second season, offers students firsthand experience working with players and applying the skills of their program.
Seniors from the athletic training and exercise science programs working with upper-level students from both the Athletic Club Organization and the Student Exercise Association met the Generals for the first time Oct. 5.
They administered a number of tests to measure athletes’ strength and agility. They also performed underwater body composition and Wingate anaerobic tests, which check how well an athlete’s body handles time with limited oxygen.
These results offer players valuable information about their bodies’ weaknesses and strengths, which helps them become better athletes.
Jeremy Knous, associate professor in the department, says the interaction keeps getting better.
“The collaboration was successful last year and even more so this year.”
The only difference, he pointed out, is that students have more knowledge and preparedness for constructing and executing these procedures.
“All the tests are autonomously run by the students,” said Knous, “allowing them to take ownership of their work and to develop a deeper understanding of what they do.”
Students hope to work with the players with pre- and post-season training, offering consultation about nutrition, how-to-train activities and a physiology test to profile each athlete.
The department hopes to also have the Generals involved in the National Hockey League Combine, the league’s recruitment testing session. As coaches and scouts watch, players are tested on their endurance, power, flexibility, strength and body composition. Involvement at the combine would give specific information about how to improve a player’s abilities.
Students and professors are excited about the ability to work with players, helping them improve their game while furthering the reputation of the department and giving the students a great opportunity to take the knowledge and skills they learn in the classroom and apply them in the real world.
Knous said he is very excited for what he calls a phenomenal opportunity. He hopes this is the start of a long-term partnership between the Flint Generals and the University.
