KIN 507
Motor Control
Research paper &
presentation requirements
Fall 2014
Dr. Gordon Chalmers
Dept. of PEHR
Kinesiology & Physical Education Program
Western Washington University
 2014, Gordon Chalmers, Ph.D.
RESEARCH INVESTIGATION PAPER
You will select a motor control topic that interests you (see example topics later in
assignment description). Your investigation should start with a REVIEW of the critical
issues in your topic. This forms approximately 80% of your report. This is like the
literature review of your thesis proposal and final thesis. The viewpoints of multiple
investigators must be included. In this section it is important to address the strong
points and limitations of each study. A Summary - Consensus of conclusions or points
of disagreement between different investigations must be discussed. This is a critical
section that allows you to draw together the results from different studies in different
sections of your paper. Finally, from this review and understanding you have gained,
one key issue which you see that is not addressed (a question unanswered) must be
identified. It should follow logically from the summary you have done. You then
discuss this issue you have identified. Why is this key issue a critical and important
question, and how you would address it (i.e., how would you potentially
experimentally examined the unanswered question). There must be a clear explanation
of why you have selected a certain aspect of your topic for further investigation, and
how you would do it. The method described must be realistic.
Each of the topics underlined above corresponds to a section in the grading sheet for
evaluation of the paper. To help organize your paper it is required to have the
following three major sections identified using APA style headings: Review of the
literature, Summary - Consensus of conclusions or points of disagreement, A key issue:
Why and how to address it. The use of these three section headings within your paper
is required to help it be organized and more easily readable. For this research a major
emphasis is on your REVIEW of current knowledge on your topic. Note in the grading
sheet that the review is in three sections for grading because the review is heavily
weighted. The review of the literature section is to be broken into subtopics, these major
subtopics will have sections headings to allow for coherent organization of facts and
ideas (see APA style guide for instructions on levels of headings). Each subtopic section
is to start with a single powerful leading sentence that summarizes the findings of the
section. Individual research articles are then discussed under that subtopic heading.
Finally, a conclusion for that subtopic section should be made, in more detail than the
lead sentence. An example for a paper titled "Motor Unit Changes with Aging" follows.
Review of the Literature
Introduction
Put introductory paragraph in here
Review of the Pertinent Literature
Motor Neuron Death Powerful lead sentence. Study 1. Study 2. Study n
Conclusion for this subtopic
Muscle Fiber Biochemical Changes Powerful lead sentence. Study 1. Study 2. Study n
Conclusion for this subtopic
Muscle Fiber Distribution Changes Powerful lead sentence. Study 1. Study 2. Study n
Conclusion for this subtopic
Summary - Consensus of Conclusions or Points of Disagreement
Put in pargraph(s) here
KIN 507 Paper & presentation  2014, Gordon Chalmers, Ph.D.
Pg. 2
updated 9/18/14
RESEARCH INVESTIGATION PAPER
A key issue: Why and how to address it
Put in pargraph(s) here
If you feel that using section headings as suggested do not apply to your topic, then talk
with Dr. Chalmers.
Your report must have a minimum of 15 references, cited in APA style. If you have
not used APA style before, then it will be necessary to learn it for this assignment
because you will also need it for your thesis. APA style extends beyond the reference
style. All aspects of the paper formatting are defined in the style guide. Use the
biomedical databases (& other sources) for your literature search. A list of web links for
research in our field is on the course web page. A maximum of three book sources may
be used. You can not use undergraduate or graduate text books as references. The use
of non peer reviewed sources is rare in scholarly research in our field, so use it
judiciously if at all. This includes the use of any internet sources that are not peer
reviewed. The only internet sources that are acceptable are ones that provide scholarly
information that is not available elsewhere. If you plan to use any internet sources it
would be best to check them with Dr. Chalmers before you use them. You must ensure
that you provide a reference for all statements you make in your paper which are not
your own original thought. Also, you must use the most up-to-date information
available as your sources. Biomedical information that is greater than 10-15 years old is
likely out-of-date (Would you want your doctor or teacher to use only information that
he/she learned 20 years ago and has not updated since? Staying current in your
profession is crucial!). Cite only sources that you obtain and read completely. Do not
use a reference that you only obtain the abstract for. You are not required to submit
copies of your references with this paper. During evaluation of your paper, however,
Dr. Chalmers may request that you provide your complete references within 24 hours,
so keep them handy after writing the paper. The report should be 8-12 pages of typed
double spaced text (this does not include the title page or the reference list pages). The
grading sheet is to be attached as the last page of the assignment. Reading the grading
sheet before, and during your writing, will help ensure proper organization and
completeness. It is also recommended that you read Dr. Chalmers' "TERM PAPER &
CLASS PROJECT SUBMISSION SUGGESTIONS" web page, which can be accessed via
Dr. Chalmers' home page. For references you provide for this assignment, citation of
the class lecture notes as a reference is not allowed.
Ensure that your paper is checked by a human before submission. A paper that is
only checked by a spelling checking program may contain grammatical errors, or errors
of disjointed thought or poor organization. Only human checking by a person other
than the original author can detect these sorts of errors.
Report topic due date: The due date is listed in the course outline. You are to list
your name, your topic, and a sentence or two explaining why you picked that topic.
KIN 507 Paper & presentation  2014, Gordon Chalmers, Ph.D.
Pg. 3
updated 9/18/14
RESEARCH INVESTIGATION PAPER
Written report due date: The due date is listed in the course outline. Papers
submitted after start of class on this date lose 10% of the maximum total marks per day,
including each weekend day.
Paper extensions and course incomplete grades: Extensions on the paper due date
and incomplete grades for the course will be allowed only for documented medical
reasons or very significant personal reasons.
Presentation: On the date listed in the course outline, you will make a presentation
to the class on the research you have done. The presentation will be graded on the
clarity and organization of your presentation, effect use of visuals (power point or a
similar presentation software), your ability to handle questions, your comfort and poise
in front of the audience, the ability to present without excessive dependence on notes,
eye contact with the audience, and your voice projection. All of these aspects of your
presentation can be improved by practicing your presentation. Review the presentation
grading sheet as you prepare for your presentation. In class we will discuss further the
features of a good presentation. Note that the conclusion for each subtopic may form a
nice single slide which you can project as a summary, while you give the needed
description of the underlying studies. Your presentation must include references to key
studies discussed, placed after a stated fact.
Below is a list of possible topics which Dr. Chalmers has thought up, or previous
students have written papers on. They are intended to stimulate your thoughts on
possible topics. The best topic for you will be one you have a personal interest in.
Feel free to create your own topic, but be sure to discuss it with Dr. Chalmers. If you
pick a topic listed below discuss it with Dr. Chalmers to ensure your cover it well, or to
narrow the focus of your research.
Locomotion control.
Posture control.
Balance control, and training for balance.
Vestibular contribution to motor control.
Vision contribution to motor control.
Reaching, upper limb control.
Paraplegia, neuromuscular problems and therapies.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for strengthening of muscle.
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) of paralyzed muscles.
Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Can people voluntarily produce 100%
of the possible muscle force?
Stress management / relaxation treatment affect on neuromuscular function,
and/or assessment of treatments by neuromuscular measures.
Mental practice and motoneuron activity.
Proprioceptive training, of healthy athlete and/or rehabilitation following injury.
Is it effective? (Not just a discussion of exercises to do)
KIN 507 Paper & presentation  2014, Gordon Chalmers, Ph.D.
Pg. 4
updated 9/18/14
RESEARCH INVESTIGATION PAPER
Force control & tremor, influence of training & aging (and other variables?).
Changes in muscular contractile properties and motor unit control during
muscular fatigue.
Proprioception & prophylactic knee bracing.
Velocity specificity of strength training.
Muscle fiber type changes with chronic changes in endurance or power training.
Motor control during neuromuscular fatigue (e.g., proprioception, coordination,
motor unit control). Could include discussion of injury implications.
Muscle coordination following anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Nervous system contribution to fatigue of muscle (Neural fatigue).
Can you recruit (activate) fast muscle fibers selectively to perform fast
movments?
Aging affects on some of the topics listed above.
e.g.,
Aging effect on motor unit control.
Posture control and aging.
Fine motor control in the elderly.
Training affects on some of the topics listed above.
Changes in motor control during locomotion when wearing different shoe
designs.
The affect of exercise on neural and cognitive function in the elderly.
KIN 507 Paper & presentation  2014, Gordon Chalmers, Ph.D.
Pg. 5
updated 9/18/14
Motor Control Paper Grading Sheet
Good
Some Improvement
Correct facts at
Needed
sufficient detail to
Facts & detail explain
explain issues, and
issues, but more detail,
written
easily possible, or some
presentation
explanation confusing.
without any
Written presentation with
significant errors
some significant errors
5
4
3
FACTUAL CONTENT OF REVIEW
5 4 3 2 1
Exceptional
Obvious extra
& outstanding
effort in
research &
reporting
Weak
Facts & detail do
not explain issues,
or some significant
errors. Written
presentation with
very significant
errors
2
Comments
Missing
TOPIC:
Needs to be
completely redone
NAME:
1
0
Accuracy, clarity and detail of the
review of critical issues in the topic.
Strong points and limitations of each study.
Accuracy, clarity and detail of the
review of critical issues in the topic.
Accuracy, clarity and detail of the
review of critical issues in the topic.
Summary: Consensus of conclusions or
points of disagreement.
IDENTIFICATION OF ONE RESEARCH QUESTION
Key issues yet to be resolved. Why is it
a critical and important question. How
you would address it
PREPARATION OF PAPER
Paper and paragraph organization of
material, use of headings to organize
material (required), flow of writing.
Spelling, punctuation, & sentence
structure
Minimum 15 references, 0-3 books &
few to no select scholarly internet
sources. No undergraduate or
graduate text books as references
APA style reference list, Correct use of
citations within paper
8- 12 pages _____
Grading sheet attached _______
General Comments:
KIN 507 Paper & presentation  2014, Gordon Chalmers, Ph.D.
Pg. 6
updated 9/18/14
Good
Well done work in
the category.
Sufficient for a
presentation at a
regional conference,
or a thesis defense.
4
Presentation of research
review & proposal
5
4
3
2
Adequate
Could be
improved with a
bit more effort or
time devoted to
the items in the
category.
3
Weak
Much more
practice or time
needs to be
spent on this
aspect of your
presentation.
2
Missing
Exceptional
Obvious extra &
outstanding effort in
the category
Sufficient for a
presentation at a
national conference.
5
TOPIC:
Needs Help!
NAME:
1
0
Comments
1
Key points clearly
identified and
communicated to audience,
no use of excessive detail
when it is not needed.
References included
Overall clarity and
organization of your
presentation
Use of visual aids
No excessive reading from
notes
Ability to handle questions,
comfort and poise in front
of the audience
Eye contact with the
audience, voice projection
TIME: Within  2 min of target
= 5; 2-3 min under or over time
= 3; >3 min under or over time =
1; cut off by instructor due to
excessive length = 0
General comments:
KIN 507 Paper & presentation  2014, Gordon Chalmers, Ph.D.
Pg. 7
updated 9/18/14