School of Education Expands State-of-the-Art Equipment for Kinesiology and Sport Management
The upgraded Kinesiology and Sport Management lab now features a 3D motion capture system, force plates, an electromyography system, a BodPod for body composition, a metabolic cart for measuring energy expenditure, treadmills, stationary bikes, weights, functional movement testing kits and a wide range of exercise equipment.
“With the expanded equipment and resources, our students are now engaging with exercise science in ways that weren’t possible before,” said Jessie Daw, Ph.D., chair of Kinesiology and Sport Management. “It’s an exciting step forward for KSM, for both teaching and research.”
Faculty say the new lab is already transforming the way they research and teach, in addition to how students learn.
“Our lab uses advanced equipment such as motion capture cameras, force plates, electromyography and a metabolic cart to study how people move and control their bodies,” said Hyung Suk Yang, Ph.D., assistant professor of KSM. “These tools allow us to analyze balance, coordination and movement efficiency with great precision, which helps us better understand human performance and injury prevention.”
Austin Bauer, KSM instructor, said the lab’s versatility allows students to connect classroom concepts with real-world applications.
“With the addition of several new pieces of equipment, KSM students are able to explore a wide range of fitness-related assessments and training methods,” Bauer said. “In KSM 400: Exercise Testing & Prescription, students assess cardiovascular conditioning using our new metabolic cart system and cycle ergometers. Students are also given the opportunity to explore various forms of muscular fitness concepts like strength and power using hand dynamometers, vertical jump assessment tools and free weights. In KSM 353: Kinesiology, students utilize resistance bands and free weights to develop a deeper understanding of basic movement concepts like flexion and extension as well as the muscles associated with common activities of daily living.”
For Daw, the investment represents more than just new technology.
“This upgraded lab represents our commitment to giving students hands-on experiences that mirror real-world settings,” Daw said. “It’s not just about learning the science—it’s about seeing it in action and living it.”
The lab is designed to prepare students for careers in the clinical, athletic, health and wellness fields.
“We’re preparing students not just to understand exercise science, but to apply it in industry settings,” Daw said. “This lab plays a part in launching their future careers.”
With the new equipment, USD’s KSM program is solidifying itself as a leader in exercise science education in the region—and offering students the chance to learn in an environment that blends cutting-edge research with practical training.
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