Connecting figure skating and kinesiology through undergraduate research
Inspired by her experience as a figure skater, senior Angela Paxos is investigating how the nervous system controls balance and movement through undergraduate research in the Sensorimotor Neuroscience and Learning Lab.
Understanding 'pregnancy brain'
Penn State Kinesiology researchers investigated in a recent study how physical activity, anxiety and depressive symptoms influence cognitive difficulties during pregnancy and early motherhood, highlighting the importance of self-care for maternal well-being.
Gaining a global perspective on health care
Through Global Medical Brigades, kinesiology student Calvin Mott (second from the left) traveled to Panama to gain hands-on health care experience, strengthen his communication skills, and learn how cultural understanding shapes the way health care is delivered.
What are the benefits of physical activity courses at college?
Students who participated in physical activity courses at college had better mental health and experienced other benefits, according to Melissa Bopp, professor of kinesiology.
Kinesiology
Examining Human Movement — and Its Powerful Impact on Health and Well-being
The Department of Kinesiology in Penn State's College of Health and Human Development has built a long-standing reputation of excellence in the study of physical activity, from the basic mechanisms of human movement to the complex dynamics of physical activity in society as a whole.
Undergraduate Program
Undergraduate Program
The central focus of the undergraduate kinesiology program is examining physical activity — ranging from the basic mechanisms of human movement to the complex dynamics of physical activity in the context of human health and well-being.
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Graduate Program
Graduate Program
The graduate program in kinesiology has been ranked as one of the top three programs in the United States by the National Academy of Kinesiology for the last 15 years. Our research and scholarship is internationally prominent in a broad range of research areas within the broader field of kinesiology.
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Research
Research
Kinesiology has a rich history of research, scholarly accomplishments, and scientific training in a wide array of specializations. Our scholarship is pursued from multiple perspectives, i.e., cells to communities, using basic, clinical, social sciences, and humanities methodologies.
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Center for Fitness and Wellness
Center for Fitness and Wellness
Our Center provides health and fitness assessments and wellness education for thousands of Penn State students each year. Assessments include: aerobic capacity, muscle strength and endurance, body composition, flexibility, blood lipid profiles, blood glucose, and blood pressure.
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Melissa Bopp was recently named a fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology, and was recognized for her impact in research, teaching, and leadership, making her the thirteenth department faculty member to be named a fellow.
