Kinesiology

Using Tech to Track Brain Health

Posted on May 01, 2025

computer screen showing image of puzzle pieces

PAC Lab Article Written By Brittany Armstrong

From quick brain games on a smartphone to detailed sleep and stress metrics on a smartwatch, there is a growing world of user‑friendly technology designed to support brain health. It doesn’t matter whether you’re just getting comfortable with gadgets or a seasoned smartphone user. A variety of tools are available to measure, track, and manage your brain health. Here’s how to get started with brain games and exercises, health trackers, and digital memory aids.

Brain Games and Exercises

There are tools that use games to exercise memory, processing speed, and problem‑solving skills. Many free smartphone apps are available for iOS and Android, including matching games, number and word games (like Sudoku and Scrabble), coloring apps, puzzles, and sorting games. There are also several subscription apps. Elevate (iOS, Android) provides personalized training in reading, writing, and math reasoning. Lumosity (iOS, Android, Web) offers short daily “brain workouts” with puzzles and memory tasks. BrainHQ (iOS, Android, Web) uses exercises backed by research to improve processing speed. Many paid apps offer a free trial, so it’s a good idea to try them before committing.

Health Trackers

Modern fitness trackers and smartwatches do more than count steps; many monitor factors closely tied to brain health such as sleep quality and heart rate variability (HRV). Popular choices include Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Garmin devices—all of which sync to easy‑to‑read smartphone apps.

Digital Memory Aids

Forgetful moments can be frustrating, but apps can help. Calendar and reminder apps (Google Calendar, Apple Reminders, Microsoft To Do) let you set repeating alerts for medications, appointments, or brain‑boosting activities. Voice Assistants (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri) can announce reminders out loud—perfect if you’re busy cooking or gardening. Note‑Taking Tools (Evernote, OneNote, Google Keep) keep all your lists, photos of labels or receipts, and voice memos in one place, searchable by keyword.

When getting started with brain health apps or devices, there are a few things to keep in mind. You don’t need every app or device. Pick one or two that feel comfortable and go from there. Take advantage of free trials to find the best fit, and review privacy policies to make sure your data is stored securely. Also, it is important to remember that these tools do not provide a medical diagnosis. They are designed for wellness and fun. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to a healthcare provider.

Technology can transform brain health from a vague goal into a series of clear, trackable actions—and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Download a free trial of a brain exercise app, sync up your sleep tracker, or set a reminder for your next walk. Your brain will thank you!

PAC LAB

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Kinesiology

Kinesiology alumna focuses research on female athletes

Posted on June 30, 2025

Sam Goldenstein performing research

There’s so much we don’t know about women athletes. It’s my lifelong pursuit to understand and educate women about their physiology.

Samantha Goldenstein, U.S. Army Reserve veteran and Kinesiology alumna
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UNCG’s Faculty Fellow for Military-Affiliated Students a Model for Other Schools

Posted on June 20, 2025

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The goals of the fellowship are deeply rooted in advancing student veteran success through intentional, equity-minded programming and partnerships. One major objective is to develop and implement initiatives that support the health and well-being of student veterans, particularly during their transition to university life. Efforts are also being made to connect student veterans with culturally relevant undergraduate research opportunities by working with the Office of Undergraduate Research.

Chris Gregory, director of UNCG Military-Affiliated Services
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Kinesiology Professor Discusses Importance of Jackie Robinson

Posted on May 22, 2025

Adam Berg

There’s a lot of racist ideology undergirding those social practices and the structures in place, and when (baseball player Jackie) Robinson and his teammates walk on the field, they’re challenging the ideas that validate those structures. So, it makes people think differently about race, and it may have helped people in Greensboro think differently about race.

Dr. Adam Berg, Department of Kinesiology Professor and director of Undergraduate Studies
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UNCG Basketball Star Graduates with Kinesiology Degree

Posted on May 12, 2025

Khalis Cain, 2025 Kinesiology graduate and Spartan women's basketball power forward

Our high school did a trip (to UNCG), and I just fell in love with how it looked. I loved how diverse it was. And I really liked the atmosphere. I also met one of my Kinesiology professors on my trip, Dr. DeAnne Brooks. Just to see how bright she was and how excited she was about my major, it lit something inside me and made me feel warm and welcome. 

Khalis Cain, 2025 Kinesiology graduate and Spartan women’s basketball power forward
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Kinesiology Professor Says Why Building Stamina is Good for Runners

Posted on May 07, 2025

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No matter what type of runner you are, you don’t want to only be able to go for a long distance at a slow pace.

Dr. DeAnne Brooks, Department of Kinesiology professor and graduate program director
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Kinesiology Students, Professor Study Benefits Of Exercise And Aging

Posted on April 29, 2025

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We think that if that (protein) is released in response to exercise, and we exercise consistently, then we’re going to have higher levels of BDNF (a protein) that could result in some protective effects.

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Kinesiology Chair’s Research Reveals Impact of Exercise on the Brain

Posted on March 07, 2025

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PE Class of 1975 Shows How to Make an Impact

Posted on April 22, 2025

class-0f-75

For 50 years, members of UNCG’s Physical Education class of 1975 held onto coursework notes, textbooks from their time at the University, old uniforms and jackets, and photos showing them with their classmates. 

They recently gathered at the University to be inducted into the UNCG Vanguard Society and shared some of what made their class special. 

“When I got here, I realized I was in a class of superstars and I had to keep up,” said Vicki Simmons, alumna and archivist for the class. “Every one of us turned out to be success stories.” 

Members of this class not only succeeded in their careers connected to physical education and kinesiology, but decided to help others interested in those fields. 

(Dr.) Kathy Williams was the associate dean and encouraged us to think about how we could add impacT

Paula Bonner, Alumna

In 1990 they decided to not just honor their class, but future UNCG scholars. 

The class started making contributions for a scholarship, and created what is now the Hielscher Scholar program. It’s named for former physical education professor and class advisor, Pat Hielscher. The scholarship was initially designed to help one student a year with their tuition. The Class of ‘75 has grown its endowment, and now they are able to help three students annually. 

The scholarship is awarded to one new student each year to someone who will make an impact in the field of kinesiology. The Class of ’75 said they wanted to not only award scholarships to students, but maintain a connection with them. This includes meeting with the students annually and forging connections. 

“We wanted to make an investment in our future,” said alumna Cathy Tamsberg. “It’s exciting to see these young people who we are able to support and carry on Pat’s name.” 

Memories preserved from the Class of 1975
Memories preserved from the Class of 1975

Scholarship recipients have included Janiah Lindsey, from Lilesville, N.C., who is now coaching a middle school soccer team and wants to earn a M.S. in Athletic Training; Elizabeth “Liz” Romero, from Fayetteville, N.C., who is graduating this year and plans to be a physical therapist; Raven Ross, from Iron Station, N.C., who wants to be a physical therapist; and Emmy Therassant, from Burgaw, N.C., who hopes to be a strength and conditioning coach. 

“I appreciate you all genuinely wanting to meet your scholars,” Ross said to the alumnae. “It’s inspiring to see you all continue to meet, laugh, and have fun.” 

Hielscher, who attended the reunion, said the bonds the women in this class created are special. 

“We shared four years together, but we kept sharing. We learned, we grew, we were challenged, we had fun, we suffered, we had hard days, but we made it,” she said. “(Your professors) are so proud of each of you. You followed your passions. You have bloomed where you were planted and dared to be different. I didn’t know how lucky I was to be your class advisor.” 

School of Health and Human Sciences Dean Carl Mattacola said he has learned from this class, who regularly meets on Zoom and still distributes an annual newsletter. 

You all have taught me the power of connection and long-term relationships

Dean Carl Mattacola, about the Class of 75′

Alumna Betsy Blee said their class is special because they were trailblazers for women at the time. 

“The 1970s was so important to women in sports, especially with Title IX,” she said, reference the federal law created in 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational programs that receive federal funds. 

Current Department of Kinesiology Chair Dr. Jenny Etnier said the department continues to strive to be as impactful and meaningful as it was when the Class of 1975 was at UNCG. She cited the dedication of the faculty, new programs that have started in the last few years, and that the department is consistently ranked tops in the country. 

By Sarah Newell 

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Kinesiology

Brian Sutton Helps Launch New Journal in Sport & Exercise

Posted on April 02, 2025

Dr. Brian Sutton, a 2024 graduate, has achieved a milestone in his career. As a 20-year veteran in the field of sport and fitness, Brian recently played a key role in the launch of the National Academy of Sports Medicine’s (NASM) new journal.

The Journal of Fitness, Wellness, and Human Performance is now the official journal of NASM. As Senior Content Manager for NASM and co-editor of the journal, Brian is involved in the review and acceptance of article submissions. The journal accepts original research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, case studies, narrative reviews, and practical applications called “tips from the field” from a wide range of areas within the realm of sports medicine, such as nutrition, strength and conditioning, physical therapy, and sports psychology.

Brian feels the EdD in Kinesiology program helped prepare him to serve as the managing editor. It helped him to strengthen his research, collaboration, management, and editorial skills through courses like program design and the dissertation process in which students regularly engaged in editorial-like activities as part of their peer review. Training during the program also included sessions on predatory journals, which helped him to understand how to properly structure the journal.

Brian is proud of the launch and wants to extend an invitation to new writers to submit an article to NASM’s new journal. We all would like to applaud Brian on his accomplishments with NASM and wish him the best of luck going forward!

Visit our website to learn how the EdD in KIN program can help advance your career.

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