As your topical representative for biomechanics and neural control of movement, I am excited to be able to share with you some of the highlights of our programming at the 2020 ACSM Annual Meeting in San Francisco. We have worked hard to increase content across the whole of the meeting, and I am proud to say that we have included one or more sessions in this area every morning and every afternoon of the conference!

Biomechanics and neural control of movement will have eight thematic poster sessions, each one a great opportunity for exchange of ideas and discussion with the presenters and experts in the field. Thematic topics include ACL injury, knee arthritis, functional movement in people with Parkinson’s disease, field-based measurement of running gait, spine biomechanics and weightlifting biomechanics. Additionally, there will be a rapid-fire slide session on posture and balance in older adults and a traditional slide session focusing on concussion.

For those of you interested in running assessment and intervention, I want to highlight Saturday morning’s (May 30) offerings: a tutorial about use of technology in clinical and real-world applications and a thematic poster session about running technique interventions. Make sure to stick around for these great back-to-back sessions! Programming will also include tutorials about novel joint imaging approaches and use of wearable sensors in clinical and real-world evaluation of runners and athletes post ACL injury, plus symposia on an integrated approach to running injury and strategies to improve performance in neurological disorders.

Poster sessions will be shorter this year, so make sure to plan accordingly to take advantage of the opportunity for one-on-one discussion with poster presenters about their latest research findings!

Our showcase highlighted symposium this year will be “The Aging Neuromuscular System and the Protective Effects of Physical Activity,” on Thursday, May 28, 1:30 – 3:30 PM. Presenters include Sandra Hunter, Ph.D., FACSM, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI; Ashleigh Smith, Ph.D., University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia; Christopher Sundberg, Ph.D., Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI; and Russell Richardson, Ph.D., University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT. Age-related changes to the neuromuscular system can be profound leading to functional declines and loss of independence in old men and women. This symposium will highlight how aging affects the physiology and function of the central nervous system and skeletal muscle of older adults as well as the functional consequences such as reduced muscle strength, power and increased fatigability of limb muscles. Importantly, it will highlight physical activity as a powerful tool to protect against declines in neuromuscular function that typically accompany aging. We are presenting this session unopposed by other biomechanics and neural control of movement offerings to give everyone the opportunity to attend.

In addition to our topical area programming, I want to let you know about another session that will be of interest to many of you. If you are a member of ACSM and have been thinking about applying for fellowship of the College, a tutorial on Wednesday (May 27) afternoon will demystify the process and give you the information you need to get started. Fellowship opens up many opportunities to become more involved with the College and support its mission to advance and integrate scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine. Finally, don’t forget to attend the Biomechanics Interest Group meeting* to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. See you there!

Learn more about the 2020 Annual Meeting sessions and register for the event here.

*Special Interest Groups meet either Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. or Thursday at 6:15 p.m., and meeting rooms will be assigned closer to the event date. For meeting night and room location, attendees can look in the on-site Conference and Exhibit Guide or use the ACSM mobile app.

Clare E. Milner, Ph.D., FACSM, is an academic and researcher in rehabilitation sciences and an associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences at Drexel University. Her research interests are in human movement during daily functional activities, such as walking in people with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, and in fitness and leisure activities such as running.

Follow Clare on Twitter @ClareEMilner