Washburn University Kinesiology Case Study

About Washburn's Kinesiology Department

Washburn University's Kinesiology department is a dynamic hub of learning and innovation in the field of human movement and exercise science. With a commitment to excellence in education and research, the department offers a wide range of programs designed to prepare students for careers in exercise physiology, physical therapy, sports medicine, and other health-related professions. The dedicated faculty members bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the classroom, fostering a supportive learning environment where students can explore the intricacies of human movement, anatomy, and physiology. Whether through cutting-edge research projects or hands-on clinical experiences, Washburn University's Kinesiology department equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact on individuals' health and well-being.

Washburn’s Kinesiology Department

Before adopting BridgeAthletic, John's teaching approach relied solely on traditional manual tools such as spreadsheets and documents for his lectures and projects. However, he found these methods to be not only inefficient but also lacking in terms of keeping his students abreast of the latest technological advancements.

In order to better equip his students for their future careers, John realized the importance of incorporating a more practical and up-to-date solution into his coursework, one that mirrors the technology used in professional settings.

Directed students to submit coursework through Bridge

The technology was leveraged in multiple projects including periodization and program design. John was able to check work directly in the Bridge platform, which was streamlined by the consistent formatting offered by the software.

Students could also download PDFs of their work for written or presentation purposes. The students were added as ‘coaches’ into the platform to gain the same practical experience of program design and periodization as do the 8,000+ coaches who are currently using Bridge professionally.

Practical application of technology

BridgeAthletic is used by approximately 75 pro teams, 300 college teams, 100 tactical groups, and 10,000 strength coaches. More and more weight rooms across the globe now rely on technology in their day-to-day operations. Using Bridge in the classroom provides students with earlier exposure to technology they’ll see in the field, and inspires innovative ways to design programs.

Conversation and critical-thinking

BridgeAthletic’s partnerships with Exos, FMS, Hyperice, and other experts have produced an exercise library of over 3,000 exercises tagged by movement pattern and equipment and including images and cues. These assets help students to see how the pros design programs and inspire opportunities for conversation and critical-thinking, through new movements, prescription patterns, and methodologies.

Ease and efficiency

The cloud-based platform allows for a consistent format for program design. This vastly reduces your various Word docs, Excel spreadsheets, and computer folders for submissions. Increased efficiency makes it easier to prep work for the next semester and store sample work for future courses.

About John Burns, Washburn Kinesiology Prof.

John is a Senior Lecturer of Kinesiology at Washburn University with expertise in teaching human movement including; anatomical kinesiology, biomechanics, exercise techniques, and corrective exercise approaches. He has additional experience in teaching Functional Movement Screening (FMS) and NASM Personal Training Certification courses. Prior to teaching, John’s career in Athletic Training spans over 20 years, where he has served as a Program Director as well as a nationally certified and state-licensed athletic trainer.

John boasts an impressive list of qualifications, including certification as a Corrective Exercise Specialist, Level-1 FMS certification, and recognition as a Certified Weightlifting Performance Coach. His contributions to the field have earned him esteemed honors, including induction into the Kansas Athletic Trainers' Society Hall of Fame, being named the Kansas Athletic Trainer of the Year on two occasions, and receiving the NATA National Service Award. Furthermore, his dedication to students has been acknowledged with the Carol Vogel Faculty Advisor of the Year award and recognition as a Student Retention All-Star.