From Heatwaves to Moonwalks: Understanding Human Health and Movement

From Heatwaves to Moonwalks: Understanding Human Health and Movement is a collection of hands-on activities for members of the community to learn more about the science of performance and some of the sport and human performance-related research undertaken at the University of Canberra. 

This event is a unique opportunity to explore the University of Canberra Research Institute of Sport and Exercise (UCRISE) and some of its industry-leading research that is partnered with the likes of NASA, national sporting organisations and elite sports clubs. You'll be hearing from the researchers leading this work and get to use specialised equipment they work with on the daily. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent, administrator, or you're interested in being fit and active or exploring a career in sport and health, this event will have something for you.

Each activity will begin every half hour, with limited capacity (between 8 and 10 participants, see below). Sessions are casual - first in, first served!

Activities:

1. Is it me, or is it hot in here! Our world is warming up and the frequency and severity of extreme heat events is increasing, which places vulnerable people such as young children, older adults and those with cardiovascular disease at higher risk of experiencing heat-related health issues. Jump in UC's heat chamber to experience a simulated heat wave (43ºC and 30% relative humidity) and learn more about how your body and mind is impacted by heat with our Environmental Physiology Laboratory team. Maximum 8 participants per session.
2. Standing on the Moon: With humans aiming to be back on the moon for longer periods than ever before in the next few years, it is critical to understand how we adapt in changing gravity. Our collaboration with MIT and NASA has been examining ways to test the brain's response to the reduced gravity on the moon. Try out our moon-gravity bed, which allows you to experience what it feels like in the moon’s gravity, which is 1/6th of Earth's. Maximum 10 participants per session.
   
3. Leap into Action: In this session, you will discover how the Applied Biomechanics Research Theme at UCRISE combines expertise across biomechanics, motor control, and skill acquisition to understand human movement. The session will include a demonstration of our cutting-edge 3D motion capture system, where you can leap into action to unleash your inner superhero or athlete to discover how joint angles, forces, and instruction impact jump performance. Maximum 10 participants per session.
   

What to bring:

1. Sports clothing, including sneakers.
2. A gym towel.
3. Bottle of water.

Parking: public parking is available and is free on weekends. Carparks P22 off University Drive (South) and P29 on University Drive are the closest casual/visitor parking lot -see our map for directions.

Accessibility: there is a lift in the building to access the heat chamber on the level above. We recommend Carpark P22 for anyone looking for a flat surface into the building.

Researchers leading the sessions:

1. Is it me, or is it hot in here! Professor Julien Périard is Deputy Director of the University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise (UCRISE), where he also leads the Environmental Physiology Research Laboratory. His integrative research examines the physiological mechanisms that mediate health and performance during exercise in adverse environments (heat and altitude), as well as the adaptations that stem from chronic exposure.
2. Standing on the Moon: Gordon Waddington is the University of Canberra Australian Institute of Sport Research Professor of Sport and Exercise Medicine. He leads multiple projects in Australia and internationally that examine how brain function changes with changes in function following injury or novel movement environments.
3. Leap into Action: Crystal Kean is a Senior Lecturer within the Discipline of Sport and Exercise Sciences and a member of the Applied Biomechanics Theme of the University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise (UCRISE). Her research combines areas of biomechanics and neuromuscular physiology to investigate mechanisms underlying musculoskeletal injuries, athletic performance and intervention strategies to improve human performance.

This is a free event held by the University of Canberra as part of Research Festival 2024. Get involved and explore the full program on our website.