Human Performance, Dance & Recreation

Dr. David Keeley Demonstrates the use of Ultrasound for Imaging of Muscle Tissue

Literacy Through Movement

NMSU Dance Program Director, Debra Knapp and Pan American Dance Institute Director Ann Gavit are currently involved in a project to evaluate how movement (i.e. Dance) may enhance literacy among elementary school students. Movement is critical to the overall development of children, and evidence that will support the benefits of movement with respect to literacy and other learning outcomes is vitally important in the design of fully integrated curricula.  

Fighting Inactivity and Obesity in Today's Youth

Professor Kim Oliver is a internationally recognized scholar in understanding physical activity patterns among adolescents. She has developed and implements student-centered inquiry based approaches to physical education in school settings, and is recognized for the work she does in training her students to be effective physical educators.

Professor Kim Oliver (second from right)

HPDR Students and Faculty collaborate with Mechanical Engineering to Explore Gait in Older Adults

Biomechanics of Muscle Injury

Assistant Professor, David Keeley has been analyzing shoulder movement in baseball pitchers in an effort to ultimately improve performance and prevent injuries. 

In order to look at shoulder movement, Keeley used a camera system that tracks reflective markers on the body at super high speed. Next, he examined the three-dimensional rotations and angles involved when using the shoulder. Those specific movements were then correlated to things like performance, injury or discomfort.

For the complete story click here.

NMSU Dance faculty and Students explore the importance of movement with respect to growth and academic performance of children

Aging and Falls Prevention

Professor Robert Wood and assistant professor David Keeley are working with Ou Ma professor of Mechanical and Aerospace engineering to analyze and compare movement patterns of older adults who have and have not fallen in an effort to more accurately assess factors that put people at risk for falls. The study has been funded through the NMSU Interdisciplinary Research Grant program.

The gait analysis will be performed at NMSU’s recently constructed Reduced Gravity and Biomechanics Lab (RGB Lab). Subjects will have photo-reflective technical markers placed on various parts of the body (arms, chest, back, legs and feet) to help the 10-camera system track the person’s movements in three dimensions. 

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