On March 31st, 2024, Kenny Macumber, a fourth-semester grad student of SUNY Cortland’s exercise science program, was recognized by the American Kinesiology Association for his “commitment to promoting and enhancing kinesiology as a unified field of study and to advancing its many applications.” He was awarded as a Master’s Scholar for his extensive research in the field, in particular, his senior thesis, “Reliability and validity of the MetricVBT© compared to the Tendo Sport© during the hexagonal bar deadlift in trained young adults.”
The award is given to a select group of students based on recommendations from faculty members. Kenny was nominated by Dr. Bryanne Bellovary, his thesis mentor. Faculty members must have strong academic and leadership backgrounds to nominate students. Dr. Bryanne Bellovary meets these criteria as she holds a PhD in exercise physiology from the University of New Mexico and is currently an Assistant Professor in SUNY Cortland’s Kinesiology Department. Additionally, she has authored 27 research publications in the field. Her research interests include exercise physiology, altitude physiology, and resistance training physiology. Currently, she is researching, “Changes in neuromuscular activation during the deadlift and bench press with different biofeedbacks to control repetition velocity.”
Dr. Bryanne Bellovary’s research in Kinesiology motivated Kenny to pursue his current thesis, “Reliability and validity of the MetricVBT© compared to the Tendo Sport© during the hexagonal bar deadlift in trained young adults.” His thesis aims to determine how accurately the MetricVBT© smartphone application can track velocity and displacement during weightlifting movements. By isolating the study to one movement, the hex-bar deadlift, Kenny has tested the accuracy of the smartphone application against the existing method of tracking, the Tendo Sport©.
Over several weeks, Kenny conducted sessions to collect data from over 30 participants. Participants were found on a volunteer basis through word of mouth and flyers posted around the SUNY Cortland campus. The data collection process of his thesis is now complete and Kenny is now working on the final manuscript.
With Tendo Sport© priced at over $1600 and the MetricVBT© smartphone app offered for free, exploring the credibility of such tools opens up the world of Velocity Based Training to a wider audience. Kenny recognizes how this training method could benefit him personally and in his future role as a Strength and Conditioning Coach.
This final manuscript will contain the findings of this research and explain how they can be applied in a practical setting. The findings of this study are important as they will provide more information on the practicality of this smartphone application, MetricVBT©, and its use in the weight room. Kenny explains that “Depending on the results of this study, this application may provide a cheaper alternative to devices already on the market, such as Tendo Sport©.”
Kenny is set to graduate this semester with a Master’s degree in Exercise Science, building upon his Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. During his time at SUNY Cortland, he has been actively involved in various capacities: competing in multiple powerlifting meets, serving as a personal trainer and fitness attendant at the Student Life Center, and providing support to individuals interested in the realm of training.
As Kenny nears the end of his academic journey at SUNY Cortland, he looks ahead with excitement, envisioning a future driven by ambitious goals and aspirations. He hopes to become a high-level collegiate strength and conditioning coach, with potential ambitions to train athletes at the professional level.
The A.K.A Master’s Scholar awards strive to recognize and promote academic excellence, elevate the professional capabilities and dedication of exceptional students, and advance the progress of kinesiology and its related disciplines. Kenny Macumber’s diligent efforts and deep passion for the field of kinesiology have earned him recognition as a distinguished recipient of the A.K.A Masters Scholar Award.
