Human Kinetics

Kinesiology students embrace turns and transitions in their research journey

Two people look at a poster in a hallwayThe 19th annual Kinesiology Research Day featured keynotes, a poster session and lab tours (MICHAEL WILKINS/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

Isabella Anes Rangel knows better than most the necessity of pivoting when life takes an unexpected turn.  

A talented basketball player from a young age, Rangel’s athletic skill and drive set her on a trajectory from her home country of Venezuela to Canada as a high school student and eventually to the University of Windsor for an undergraduate degree in kinesiology. 

Partnership with local soccer clubs to study low energy in female players

A group of people in front of the door for the Centre for Human Performance and HealthMSc student Abigail Passy (far left) and supervisor Dr. Andrew Perrotta (far right) met with representatives of local soccer clubs (MANWELA YADKOO/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

Playing a 90-minute soccer game requires a lot of energy: sprinting, tackling, recovering and then running some more. 

That’s not to mention hours a week of on-the-pitch and off-pitch training. 

When this energy expenditure is not matched by energy intake, relative energy deficiency — commonly known as REDs — can occur. 

For adolescent female soccer players, REDs may be a growing issue. 

Kinesiology explores impact of circadian rhythms on muscle regeneration

Dan Scurto and Matt Krause working in the labDan Scurto recently led a research project focusing on the impact of circadian rhythms on muscle regeneration alongside faculty supervisor Dr. Matthew Krause (MICHAEL WILKINS/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

How does the timing of an injury affect the regeneration of that muscle tissue? 

That’s what new research out of the Faculty of Human Kinetics sought to explore. 

AI at sea: New UWindsor report warns of overreliance risks

tablet with AI in maritime defense report cover on table with coffee and laptopA new report by UWindsor Human Kinetics researchers explores the risks of AI in maritime defence (CANADIAN MARITIME SECURITY NETWORK; CANVA STOCK/University of Windsor)

By Lori Bona

From navigation to monitoring ocean traffic, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasing role in ships and maritime operations — including those used by the Canadian Armed Forces. 

But relying too heavily on AI in maritime vessels introduces new risks for human operators and defence systems, according to a new report from researchers at the University of Windsor. 

Student-athlete wins national and provincial awards for community service

Chloe VidAmour smiling and wearing a medalMSc kinesiology student and track and field athlete Chloé VidAmour was awarded both USPORTS and OUA community service awards for 2026 (PROVIDED BY LANCER ATHLETICS/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

Human Kinetics graduate student and track and field athlete Chloé VidAmour has been recognized nationally as the first ever Lancer recipient of the USPORTS Student-Athlete Community Service Award.  

VidAmour also took home this year’s provincial recognition as the winner of the OUA Female Community Service Award in track and field. 

Accessibility, adaptability, connection: Building age-friendly universities and communities

Shanthi Johnson and Veronika Mogyorody speak at podiumsDrs. Shanthi Johnson (left) and Veronika Mogyorody (right) advocate age-friendly cities, communities and universities (FILE/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

With age comes a wealth of lived experience and a lifetime of growth and knowledge.  

Barriers created by a lack of accessibility, adaptability and connections in our homes and communities can, however, sometimes make the aging process unnecessarily challenging. 

Losing gold: Why double Olympic silver may not feel like a win

close up of a hockey player and hockey stick and portrait of Craig GreenhamHuman Kinetics professor Dr. Craig Greenham explains why some fans may feel disappointed in silver (CANVA STOCK/University of Windsor; C. THERASANATHAN/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

With the Milano-Cortina Winter Games officially wrapped and Canadian athletes beginning to arrive home, the support for Team Canada continues at airports across the country. 

Winning 21 medals total — five gold, seven silver and nine bronze, Team Canada took home medals across seven different sports. 

Sidewalk skating: Preventing falls and injuries in winter weather

students walk across the UWindsor campus on a snowy wet dayWinter weather can increase the risks of falls and injuries. (FILE/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

While we’ve had a brief respite from frigid polar vortex temperatures, snowy conditions — and with them an increased risk of falls and injuries — may still return this season. 

At particular risk of injury from icy sidewalks and driveways are older adults; however, anyone can fall prey to a sneaky patch of unseen ice. 

Small daily movement changes can help older adults stay strong and independent

three older men do chair stretches across from a UWindsor student with another student observing with a clipboardPhysical activity is key for everyone, including older adults. (MIKE WILKINS/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

Just 10 minutes of physical activity a day can be the start many people need to get moving, according to Dr. Paula van Wyk, professor in the Faculty of Human Kinetics. 

Physical activity is especially important for older adults as the aging process can lead to loss of strength and function. 

“In general, people are aware of the potential benefits of engaging in physical activity,” she says. 

Lifting, law and lifelong learning: World record holder studies women’s strength athletes

Jeanine Watt next to a statue of a bodybuilderJeanine Watt is a graduate student, two-time UWindsor alumna and world record-holding powerlifter (PROVIDED BY J. WATT/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

Jeanine Watt (BSc ’78, LLB ’88) joined a gym in 2018 to stay active as a semi-retired lawyer. 

“I knew that if I retired, the only thing that would get any exercise was my thumb on the remote control,” she jokes. 

This March, she will take the main stage at the Arnold Sports Festival as a pro competitor in the Arnold Armlifting Championships.