Fairmont State University Receives $19,742 Grant to Advance Exercise Science Curriculum and ResearchPage Title
Fairmont State University has received $19,742 through the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Science, Technology, and Research (STaR) Instrumentation Grant to enhance its exercise science curriculum and research efforts. The grant will fund the purchase of a wireless electromyography (EMG) system and a nerve stimulation unit for the Health and Human Performance Department.
An EMG system measures electrical activity in muscles in response to nerve stimulation. It helps identify neuromuscular issues such as muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling and evaluates how muscles and nerves function together.
Derek Dewig, Ph.D., an assistant professor of exercise science, will serve as the principal investigator for the grant. He collaborated with Shawn Reese, Ph.D., to secure the funding. Dewig will oversee the purchase, use, and maintenance of the equipment, which will allow students to visualize neuromuscular physiology in real time.
“As the primary instructor for biomechanics, I’m confident this technology will elevate students’ education and research,” Dewig said. “Muscular contraction depends on electrical signals from the nervous system. The EMG system allows students to visualize these signals in real time, helping them better understand how neuromuscular activity drives muscle function.”
The new equipment will integrate with existing biomechanical tools to help students understand how the neuromuscular system enables movements such as walking and jumping. This hands-on experience is particularly valuable for students who are pursuing careers in medicine, athletics, and fitness, where knowledge of neuromuscular physiology and signal processing is essential.
“Students and faculty will be able to evaluate muscle activation patterns during various movements, providing insights into human performance and the effects of orthopedic injuries,” Dewig said.
The EMG system’s portability will also allow researchers to collect data outside the lab, according to Reese, an assistant professor of exercise science. This includes working with clinical populations at locations such as assisted living facilities.
“With access to these individuals, we can study age-related declines in the neuromuscular system and assess how physical activity programs improve or maintain the sensorimotor relationship,” Reese said. “Ultimately, our goal is to improve the quality of life for older adults in the community.”
The equipment is expected to enhance Fairmont State’s research infrastructure, opening doors for collaborations with other universities and independent faculty research. For students, participation in clinically relevant neuromuscular research will provide a competitive edge when applying to professional and graduate programs, as well as for research assistantships.
The STaR Instrumentation Grant Program supports West Virginia undergraduate students by increasing their exposure to advanced scientific tools and preparing them for STEM careers. Exposure to the new equipment will better prepare Fairmont State students for healthcare professions, advanced research opportunities, and long-term careers as exercise science scholars.
The grant was secured with the assistance of the Office of Sponsored Programs at Fairmont State University.
