Real-World Design for Disabilities
Students in the Division of Disabilty Resources and Educational Services (DRES) and Delta Sigma Omicron (DSO) recently partnered with an industrial design class to create problem-solving, low-tech assistive devices for students with disabilities. Innovative designs included an award-winning chin pointer. DRES, a service unit of the College of Applied Health Sciences, ensures that individuals with disabilities participate fully in curricular, co-curricular, and vocational opportunities available at the University of Illinois. Read more about the project.
Published Date: May 8, 2008
Chocolate IS Good for You!
Dark chocolate lowers cholesterol and blood pressure levels when combined with plant sterols and cocoa flavanols, according to research by Ellen M. Evans, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Community Health and of nutritional sciences, and John W. Erdman, a professor of food science and human nutrition. Sponsored in part by Mars, Inc., the research compared levels before, during, and after an eight-week course of chocolate bars twice a day. Participants' cholesterol and blood pressure measurements were compared following four weeks each of treated and untreated chocolate bars. Read the scientific article in the April edition of the Journal of Nutrition.
Published Date: April 21, 2008
Exercise Impacts MS Symptoms
Multiple sclerosis strikes in the prime of life and is chronic, progressive, and unpredictable. Department of Kinesiology and Community Health professors Robert Motl and Edward McAuley and grad student Erin Snook have examined the role exercise plays in relieving or reducing symptoms of this crippling disease. "Those who are more physically active have more confidence in their exercise performance, are more self-confident in general, and have more confidence in their ability to manage the disease," Motl said. Continuing research will focus on how and why physical exercise affects quality of life for MS patients. See article on MS research.
Published Date: April 2, 2008
Trail Use Varies by Culture
Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism professors Kim Shinew and Monika Stodolska seek to understand how minority populations use recreational trails. What's interesting in the trail literature is that it's assumed that the trails are going to be used for jogging or bicycling and other more active types of leisure use, Stodolska said. What we found is this is not really how a lot of minorities are using this area. It's more of a passive and social type of use. To maximize health benefits among minorities, trail managers and designers must understand cultural differences. Read more about recreation research.
Published Date: March 13, 2008
Fit Kids, Fit Brains
Research by kinesiology professors Darla Castelli and Charles Hillman correlates aerobic fitness with academic performance. At a recent congressional briefing, Dr. Castelli presented data about the correlation demonstrating that fit children made fewer errors than sedentary ones. Aerobically fit children scored better on standardized tests in reading and mathematics. Supported by the American Heart Association, the FIT Kids Act would address fitness levels in schools.
Published Date: February 27, 2008