Melissa Gross - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Melissa Gross

Proceedings Frontiers in Education 1997 27th Annual Conference. Teaching and Learning in an Era of Change, 1997

The ability to describe motion is a fundamental skill needed by kinesiologists. The basics of mot... more The ability to describe motion is a fundamental skill needed by kinesiologists. The basics of motion analysis are taught in the required biomechanics course. Previously, these concepts were conveyed in a traditional lecture format. Now, active learning using instructional technology is incorporated into the course project. Students learn to analyze human motion by capturing movements of their choice onto videotape and then transferring the images to digital format on the computer. Once in digital format, the students conduct biomechanical analyses to determine the essential elements of human performance. The final projects are published on the web. Although formal evaluation is not yet complete, students report that they value the hands-on learning experience and the acquisition of new computer skills. The ability to understand and describe human motion is a fundamental skill needed by kinesiologists. The basics of motion analysis are taught in the movement science curriculum at the junior level in the required biomechanics class (MVS 330 -Biomechanics of Human Movement). Previously, these concepts were conveyed in a traditional lecture format. Now, a course project has been added that uses collaborative teamwork and instructional technology in an active learning paradigm. The students work in teams to conduct small-scale scientific studies of human movment. They formulate the research questions, design the experiments, collect and analyze the data, and finally interpret and report the results. Specifically, the motion analysis project requires students to do the following: 1. select two movements to be compared 2. plan a biomechanical analysis

Health, Interprofessional Practice and Education, 2022

Although introductory interprofessional education (IPE) experiences offered in a variety of forma... more Although introductory interprofessional education (IPE) experiences offered in a variety of formats can be beneficial to students, there is little research evaluating students' attitudes throughout a sequence of introductory IPE activities. Further, the impact of academic level, gender and race on student attitudes about IPE is not known, particularly when students from a diverse range of health profession programs participate together in introductory IPE experiences. METHODS A sequenced, two-part introductory IPE experience comprising a 90 minute online module followed by a 2-hour faceto-face event was delivered to health science students on three campuses at a large Midwestern university. Student attitudes about IPE based on SPICE-R2 scores were compared before and after the online module and after the in-person event. Paired t-tests were used to determine differences between time points, and linear regression was used to estimate the effects of academic level, gender and race. The online course had a significant, positive impact on all students' attitudes about IPE with the greatest changes for the Roles subdomain. Improvements in student attitudes about IPE following the online course were retained after the in-person event. Student responses differed between academic levels and genders, but not race. The initial, online component of the sequenced introductory IPE experience was more impactful on student attitudes about IPE than the subsequent in-person component. Student responses differed between academic levels and genders, suggesting that these factors should be considered when designing introductory IPE experiences for a broad range of participants.

Muscle strength and rising from a chair in older adults

Muscle & Nerve, 1997

... Muscle strength and rising from a chair in older adults. Neil B. Alexander MD 1,* ,; Albert B... more ... Muscle strength and rising from a chair in older adults. Neil B. Alexander MD 1,* ,; Albert B. Schultz PhD 2 ,; James A. Ashton-Miller PhD 2 ,; M.Melissa Gross PhD 3 ,; Bruno Giordani PhD 4. Article first published online: 7 DEC 1998. ...

Floor Composition Affects Performance and Muscle Fatigue Following a Basketball Task

Journal of Applied Biomechanics, May 1, 2000

The relationship between playing surface and muscle fatigue was examined in 22 male subjects perf... more The relationship between playing surface and muscle fatigue was examined in 22 male subjects performing a simulated basketball task on a conventional wood floor and less stiff composite floor. Force and electromyographic activity (EMG) were measured during maximum and submaximum (10% of maximum) voluntary contractions of knee extensor and ankle plantarflexor muscles before and after completion of the simulated basketball task. Jump height was evaluated during the task, and perceived fatigue was assessed at the end of the task. Although not all subjects jumped significantly higher on the composite floor compared to the wood floor. competitive basketball players showed a significant improvement in jump height (3.4 cm. 6%) when jumping on the composite floor. Perceived fatigue was significantly lower for the composite floor (21.7%) than the wood floor (30.2%). The objective measures indicated the occurrence of fatigue; however, force and EMG magnitudes obtained during maximum exertions were not sensitive lo floor types. Post-task increase in EMG magnitude indicated a significant fatigue effect for the soleus muscle on the wood floor only. These findings suggest that the composite floor may benefit human performance without increasing fatigue during basketball-related activities.

Innovative Teaching and Learning Strategies in Kinesiology

Kinesiology review, Nov 1, 2018

Although the use of active-learning strategies in the classroom is effective, it is underutilized... more Although the use of active-learning strategies in the classroom is effective, it is underutilized due to resistance to change from the traditional classroom, a limited evidence base for optimizing engaged learning, and limited support for faculty to overhaul their course structure. Despite these barriers, engaged learning is highly relevant, as the expected job skills of graduates continue to grow and are biased away from rote memorization and toward critical thinking and communication skills. The STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines continue to accrue evidence demonstrating that different engaged-learning formats provide for better learning and preparation for careers. This article describes 2 innovative course formats the authors have used to increase student engagement and enhance competence in the areas of critical thinking, evidence gathering, and scientific communication. Furthermore, the authors discuss what they have learned while applying these teaching approaches to the development of new courses and the enhancement of established courses.

Psychiatry Research-neuroimaging, Nov 1, 2018

The hypomanic group moved faster compared to the euthymic, depressed and healthy groups during ga... more The hypomanic group moved faster compared to the euthymic, depressed and healthy groups during gait and sit-to-walk.  The hypomanic group also produced more force and power compared to the euthymic, depressed and healthy groups during gait and sit-to-walk.  Although this study was based on laboratory-based assessments, our findings suggest that movement speed and force production may serve as activity and energy markers for hypomanic symptoms in bipolar disorder.

Measurement, Mar 1, 2016

We assessed the concurrent validity of commercially available magnetic and inertial measurement u... more We assessed the concurrent validity of commercially available magnetic and inertial measurement units (MIMUs) for estimating mean postural angles for head flexion, thorax flexion and shoulder girdle elevation during gait in seven healthy individuals. Postural angles estimated with the MIMUs were compared with angles calculated using marker data from a gold standard motion capture system. Coefficients of determination of mean postural angles between measurement systems were 0.82 for head flexion, 0.58 for thorax flexion, and 0.77 for shoulder girdle elevation. Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement between measurement systems. Intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.9 for head flexion, 0.73 for thorax flexion, and 0.87 for shoulder girdle elevation. Root mean square errors were less than 3°between measurement systems for all body segments. The present findings suggest that the MIMUs tested in this study are valid for estimating head flexion, thorax flexion and shoulder girdle elevation during gait.

Morning Downhill Exercise Reduces Bone-resorption Marker After Midday, But Not After Morning, Meal

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2019

METHODS: Young, primarily Hispanic female subjects (N=320), age 9-12 yr., wore accelerometers for... more METHODS: Young, primarily Hispanic female subjects (N=320), age 9-12 yr., wore accelerometers for seven consecutive days. Wear time was classified into sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous activity based on Evenson cut points. Femoral and tibial bone density, content, strength, and architecture were assessed using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). Whole body soft tissue composition was measured by DXA. Associations between each bone variable and average daily MVPA were determined using multivariate regression, adjusting for maturity offset, BMI, and ethnicity. RESULTS: Average height, weight, and percent fat were 145.8± 9.6 cm, 44.1± 14.7 kg, and 32.5± 9.8%, respectively. Multiple linear regression resulted in consistently significant (p<0.05) or trends toward significant associations between bone parameters and daily MVPA. Average daily MVPA was 22.3± 63.1 minutes. Femur 20% periosteal circumference, strength-strain index (SSI), 4% tibia average bone strength index, average periosteal circumference, average cortical thickness, and 66% tibia cortical content, periosteal circumference, and SSI all had significant associations with average daily minutes of MVPA, while other pQCT measures approached significance. The variance explained by MVPA ranged from approximately 0% to 4.8%. Together, BMI, maturity offset, and ethnicity explained 2.6% to 70.2% of the variance in the models. CONCLUSION: There is a significant positive relationship between average daily MVPA levels and bone content and strength in Hispanic girls. Physical activity interventions could lead to enhanced bone development and strength, as shown in non-Hispanic populations. Sponsored by: NIH Grant 5R01HD074565-05

Facilitation of Osteogenic Bone Marker Release in Postmenopausal Women by Single, Rather Than Spaced, Mechanical Loading or Anabolic Hormones

The Endocrine Society's 93rd Annual Meeting & Expo, June 4–7, 2011 - Boston, 2011

Virtual Dissection: Using Active Learning with the Anatomage Table to Enhance Student Learning

The FASEB Journal, Apr 1, 2017

BACKGROUNDFor centuries, active learning of anatomy has involved dissection of human cadavers, bu... more BACKGROUNDFor centuries, active learning of anatomy has involved dissection of human cadavers, but access to this experience is limited, especially for undergraduate students. Today, new technology...

Journal of Biomechanics, Dec 1, 2016

This study aimed to investigate the effect of emotion on movement smoothness during gait. We foll... more This study aimed to investigate the effect of emotion on movement smoothness during gait. We followed an autobiographical memories paradigm to induce four target emotions, neutral emotion, sadness, anger and joy, in eighteen healthy young adults. Participants performed gait trials while feeling the target emotions. We collected gait data using an eight-camera optoelectronic motion capture system. We measured spatiotemporal gait parameters, smoothness of linear movements for the whole body centerof-mass (COM), head, thorax and pelvis in the anterior-posterior (AP), vertical (VT) and mediolateral (ML) directions, and smoothness of angular movements in the sagittal plane for the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle. Movement smoothness was measured as jerk, the first time derivative to acceleration, normalized to movement distance and stride time. Compared to sadness, gait speed increased with anger and joy, and spatiotemporal parameters associated with increased gait speed changed accordingly. In the VT direction, movement smoothness in the whole body COM, head, thorax and pelvis increased for anger and joy compared to sadness. In the AP direction, movement smoothness increased only for the head for neutral emotion, anger and joy compared to sadness. In the ML direction, emotion did not affect movement smoothness. In angular movements, smoothness in the hip and ankle increased for anger compared to sadness. Smoothness in the shoulder increased for anger and joy compared to sadness. The present findings suggest that emotion affects movement smoothness during gait, and that anger and joy are associated with increased movement smoothness.

Bone Marker Responses to Exercise Parameters: Relative Effectiveness of Mechanical,Temporal, and Hormonal Stimulation

Journal of Clinical Densitometry, Jul 1, 2009

International Journal of Health Professions

Introduction Early health profession learners hold stereotypes about their own and other professi... more Introduction Early health profession learners hold stereotypes about their own and other professions. Socialising students through interprofessional education (IPE) early in their training facilitates the development of their beliefs and values surrounding their professional and interprofessional identities. This study evaluates the effect of a 3-week, virtual IPE intervention in early health professional learners. Methods Students reflected on their functioning as an interprofessional team through discussion and written prompts which were coded by two faculty members for themes and trends. Exposure to developing an interprofessional identity and socialisation within an IPE team were measured through pre- and post-intervention surveys containing the Interprofessional Socialisation and Valuing Scale (ISVS). Results Students increased their positive attitudes towards IPE from pre- to post-intervention module as well as socialisation and readiness across all ISVS subscales: self-percep...

Journal of Biomechanics, 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate balance control during gait and sit-to-walk in individua... more The aim of this study was to investigate balance control during gait and sit-to-walk in individuals with bipolar disorder and healthy controls by examining the inclination angles between the whole-body center-of-mass (COM) and ankle in the sagittal plane. Twenty-one individuals with bipolar disorder in the euthymic (i.e., asymptomatic; n = 11) and depressed (n = 10) phases and 7 healthy controls (ages between 18 and 45) performed gait and sit-to-walk at self-selected comfortable speed. Mood phases for individuals with bipolar disorder were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire and Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale. We collected motion data using a 16-camera motion capture technology. We found smaller COM-ankle inclination angles at seat-off during sit-to-walk for the bipolar-depressed group compared to the bipolar-euthymic and healthy groups, indicating poorly controlled balance for the bipolar-depressed group in sit-to-walk. However, we found larger COM-ankle inclination angles at beginning of single stance phase of gait for the bipolar-euthymic group compared to the healthy group, indicating well controlled balance for the bipolar-euthymic group in gait. Our results suggest an association between the depressed phase and balance impairment during daily movements in relatively young adults (ages 45 years). Our results also suggest that the depressed phase may be as detrimental to balance control as the effect of age-related neuromuscular weakness.

A Framework and Recommendations to Recruit and Engage Faculty Facilitators for Large-Scale IPE Events

Journal of allied health, 2021

AIMS As integration of interprofessional education (IPE) events gains traction in health sciences... more AIMS As integration of interprofessional education (IPE) events gains traction in health sciences, there is an increased need to recruit and train faculty to facilitate student groups from multiple health care disciplines. This report describes a framework used to effectively recruit and prepare faculty as facilitators for a large-scale, one-time IPE event. We detail recruitment strategies, training tools, facilitators' perceptions about the training, and recommendations for future training. PROCEDURES Faculty were recruited via email to facilitate an IPE student group of 8-10 learners for an in-person, one-time event. Before the event, faculty facilitators received a Welcome Video and Guidebook providing a description of their role, best practices of facilitation, and scripts. On the event day, facilitators engaged in a face-to-face session to familiarize themselves with the Guidebook and best practices. After the event, facilitators received an email to thank them and invite t...

Designing for Cross-Cutting Skill Development and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in a Foundational Kinesiology Course

Kinesiology Review

Pedagogical strategies continue to improve and evolve with the primary purpose of preparing learn... more Pedagogical strategies continue to improve and evolve with the primary purpose of preparing learners for life and career challenges. The focus on discipline-specific content and individual assessment has dominated higher education practice, including those in kinesiology. Although there is a clear vision to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in kinesiology curricula, we also need to improve important foundational skills (e.g., quantitative literacy, information literacy, teamwork skills) that our students need to succeed in our programs and beyond. Our narrative review highlights how we tackled these two challenges in an intentional redesign of our foundational kinesiology course. In addition, we outline how we integrated our siloed content and moved to coinstruction of a large, team-based-learning class that employs a diverse set of learning assessments and is supported by near-peer learning assistants.

The Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 2001

Background. Difficulty in rising from a chair is common in older adults and may be assessed by ex... more Background. Difficulty in rising from a chair is common in older adults and may be assessed by examining the biomechanics of the rise. The purposes of this study were (i) to analyze the biomechanics of rise performance during chairrise tasks with varying task demand in older adults with varying rise ability and (ii) to determine whether a strengthtraining program might improve chair-rise success and alter chair-rise biomechanics, particularly under situations of increased task demand. Methods. A training group (n ϭ 16; mean age, 82 years) completed a 12-week strength-training regimen while a control group (n ϭ 14; mean age, 84 years) participated in a seated flexibility program. Outcomes included the ability to complete seven chair-rise tasks, and, if the chair-rise tasks were successful, the biomechanics of these rises. Chair-rise task demand was increased by lowering the seat height, restricting the use of hands, increasing rise speed, and limiting foot support. Results. At baseline, increased chair-rise task demand generally required increased task completion time, increased anterior center of pressure (COP) placement, increased momentum, increased hip flexion, and increased hip and knee torque output. Those unable to rise at 100% knee height without the use of their hands (task NH-100), compared with those able to rise during task NH-100, followed this pattern in requiring increased time, more anterior placement of the COP, and increased hip flexion to rise in the least demanding tasks allowing the use of hands. However, the unable subjects generated less momentum and knee torque in these tasks. At 12 weeks, and compared with baseline and controls, the training group demonstrated changes in chair-rise biomechanics but no significant changes in rise success. The training subjects, as compared with the controls, maintained a more posterior COP, increased their vertical and horizontal momentum, maintained their knees in greater extension, and maintained their knee-torque output. Conclusions. These data demonstrate that subtle yet significant changes can be demonstrated in chair-rise performance as a result of a controlled resistance-training program. These biomechanical changes may represent a shift away from impairment in chair-rise ability, and, although the changes are small, they represent how training may reduce rise difficulty.

Biological Psychiatry, 2018

Background: Quantitative information about the association between mood symptoms and motor behavi... more Background: Quantitative information about the association between mood symptoms and motor behavior in bipolar patients (BP) is very limited. We investigated activity-and energyrelated gait variables in BP and healthy controls (HC) at baseline and 6-month follow-up sessions. Methods: We analyzed baseline data from 31 BP (5 hypomanic; 14 euthymic; 12 depressed) and 14 HC, and longitudinal data from 24 BP and 13 HC. We assessed mood symptoms using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale (ASRM), and gait using an optoelectronic motion capture system and force platforms. Results: Gait speed (m/s), and peak braking and vertical forces (fraction of body weight) were greater for hypomanic BP (mean±SD¼1.48±0.

Reliability of a three-dimensional method for measuring facial animation: a case report

The Angle Orthodontist

Reliable methods of quantifying functional impairment of the craniofacial region are sorely lacki... more Reliable methods of quantifying functional impairment of the craniofacial region are sorely lacking. The purpose of this study was to test the reliability of a three-dimensional method for assessing the functional repertoire of the face. Subjects were instructed to perform repeated sequences of five maximal facial animations. Facial motions were captured by three 60-Hz video cameras, and three-dimensional maximum motion amplitudes were calculated. Student's t-test and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were used to test for significant differences between repetitions. The results show moderate to excellent reliability of the amplitude of motion for the landmarks over all animations. For each specific animation, certain landmarks demonstrated excellent reliability of motion.

Methods for Quantifying Emotion-Related Gait Kinematics

Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 2009

Quantitative models of whole body expressive movement can be developed by combining methods form ... more Quantitative models of whole body expressive movement can be developed by combining methods form biomechanics, psychology, and statistics. The purpose of this paper was to use motion capture data to assess emotion-related gait kinematics of hip and shoulder sagittal plane movement to evaluate the feasibility of using functional data analysis (FDA) for developing quantitative models. Overall, FDA was an effective method for comparing gait waveforms and emotion-related kinematics were associated with emotion arousal level.