Science and Ethics of Human Performance Optimization

Catalog description

This course provides an overview of various biobehavioral factors that underpin the enhancement of human capabilities, including, but not limited to, kinesthesia, physical fitness, and motor coordination in diverse physically active populations. Using the clinician-scientist model, students are exposed to content that augments their skills in the discovery, appraisal, and dissemination of knowledge to benefit the species. Learning activities are structured to promote theory-practice nexus in the health sciences, and the advantages for doing so will be outlined. Gaining novice to advanced beginner competence with tests and measures employed in contemporary human performance science is emphasized. This will include becoming familiar with an array of related technological apparatuses, their utility, and viability in research, and practice settings. The intersections of human performance science, ethics, and regulation are also stressed to guide conscientious and legal practice. Competency in these domains facilitates appropriate application of contemporary theory and scientific findings in patient/client management to yield efficacious performance restoration and optimization of variables such as, but not limited to, postural control, rate of force development, and aerobic endurance. A key takeaway from this course will be the importance of integrating theory, research, and experiential practice to stimulate transformative and innovative environments.