USURJ: University of Saskatchewan Undergraduate Research Journal

College of Kinesiology Research Showcase

2025-08-13T16:43:34-06:00

Editorial Board and Acknowledgements

2025-08-13T16:43:34-06:00

Editors, Special Issue

Lead: Matthew Chapelski, Health Sciences Graduate Advisor

Ali Rizvi, Health Sciences Senior Editor

Arshpreet Randhawa, Health Sciences Associate Editor

Mason Beaulieu, Health Sciences Associate Editor

Fatma Younis, Health Sciences Associate Editor

Emily Zepick, Undergraduate Editor-in-Chief

Aliya Khalid, Graduate Editor-in-Chief

Faculty Reviewers

Dr. Nancy Gyurcsik, College of Kinesiology

Dr. Carly Priebe, College of Kinesiology

USURJ Staff Advisor

Liv Marken, Writing Centre, University Library

Layout Editor

Parastoo Tahmasbi, University Library

Cover

Photography courtesy College of Kinesiology

Layout: Amy St. Jacques, University Library

Effect of Post-Exercise Dry Cupping Therapy on Muscle Recovery

2025-08-13T16:43:33-06:00

College of Kinesiology Research Theme: Human Performance

Introduction: Dry cupping therapy has gained popularity in athletic settings as a recovery modality, yet empirical evidence supporting its effectiveness remains limited. The practice involves using suction to create negative pressure on the skin, which is theorized to promote blood flow and tissue recovery.

Purpose: To determine whether post-exercise dry cupping therapy would improve recovery of muscle strength, reduce muscle soreness, and limit swelling compared to a sham control arm.

Methods: Ten resistance-trained adults (aged 20-22) participated in a randomized, within-subject, blinded trial. Participants performed a biceps-focused muscle-damaging exercise. One arm received dry cupping therapy post-exercise, while the opposite arm received a sham cupping treatment (cups applied with no suction). Assessments were conducted at six time points: pre-exercise, post-exercise, post-cupping, and 24, 48, and 72 hours post-exercise. Outcomes included muscle strength (isometric torque via Biodex), muscle thickness (ultrasound), and soreness (Visual Analog Scale). Differences were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA to assess arm × time interactions and time main effects.

Results: There were no significant arm × time interactions for any outcome, indicating similar recovery patterns between cupped and control arms. Significant time main effects were observed for all outcomes (p < 0.01). Muscle strength decreased post-exercise and remained below baseline at 24, 48, and 72 hours (p < 0.05). Muscle thickness increased post-exercise and remained elevated at 24 and 48 hours before returning to baseline by 72 hours (p < 0.05). Muscle soreness increased post-exercise and remained elevated at all follow-up time points (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Dry cupping therapy applied after resistance exercise did not significantly improve recovery of strength, soreness, or swelling compared to the control, who received sham treatment. These findings suggest that cupping may not provide additional recovery benefits beyond placebo.

Exploring the utility of resistance training for congenital mirror movement disorder

2025-08-13T16:43:33-06:00

College of Kinesiology Research Theme: Human Performance

Introduction: Congenital mirror movement (CMM) disorder is a very rare condition (<1 in a million) where voluntary limb movements trigger involuntary mirroring in the opposite limb. This study examined whether four weeks of unilateral resistance training, followed by 10 days of detraining, affects mirroring activity and cross-education effects (i.e., strength gain in the untrained opposite limb) in individuals with CMM.

Methods: Two right-handed participants (both male; age 18 and 47) reporting CMM completed four weeks of maximal unilateral isometric grip training of the left hand, three times per week using a grip trainer (Digiflex), followed by 10 days of detraining. Training sessions increased from two to five sets of eight maximal repetitions per session. Participants completed testing for grip strength and muscle activation at baseline, mid-training, post-training, and after detraining. Testing included three brief 3-second maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) and a 1-minute MVC contraction of each hand. MVC force (kg) was measured using Jamar and Biopac grip dynamometers, while simultaneous EMG recordings captured muscle activity from the flexor carpi radialis, extensor carpi radialis, and flexor digitorum superficialis of both arms.

Results: Due to the low sample size in this study (on account of the rare condition), only descriptive results are reported. After left-hand training, left grip strength increased in the first participant by ~12% and remained ~6% above baseline after detraining. Strength in the untrained right arm improved ~17% and increased to ~23% above baseline after detraining, indicative of cross-education. The second participant showed a modest increase of ~6% by the end of detraining and no cross-education. Both participants showed substantial mirroring force and EMG activity in the opposite limb during 1-minute MVC contractions of either hand. Mirroring force in the right hand during a 1-minute left MVC was ~20% MVC for both participants at baseline and decreased by almost half at the end of detraining. Mirroring force in the left hand during 1-minute right MVC was ~40% MVC and ~20% MVC for each participant, respectively, and decreased by almost half after detraining. EMG activation of the right hand during the left 1-minute MVC ranged from 67% to 82% MVC at baseline, with little change after training, and then increased after detraining. EMG activation of the left hand during the right 1-minute MVC was in the range of 80% MVC and tended to increase post-training, but reverted to baseline or lower after detraining.

Conclusion: In two participants, unilateral grip training reduced mirroring force and improved strength, with signs of cross-education. However, muscle activation responses varied, and detraining effects were inconsistent. Further research, with larger samples and a longer intervention period, is needed to understand individual differences and long-term benefits for CMM.

Acknowledgements: A special thank you to the participants with CMM who dedicated a considerable amount of time to training and testing for this study and to fellow students in Dr. Farthing’s lab.

The Last Game and The Years That Follow

2025-08-13T16:43:33-06:00

College of Kinesiology Research Theme: Child and youth health and development

Introduction: High school sports are recognized for their numerous positive impacts, as evidenced by extensive research. Despite this, the unique experiences of individuals involved in specific sports, such as football, remain underexplored. This study aimed to address this gap by examining the perspectives of coaches and former student-athletes who participated in one Saskatchewan high school football program that was intentionally structured to foster character development.

Methods: This study employed an intrinsic case study design to explore the perspectives of former participants in the described high school football program. Using snowball sampling, two coaches (minimum 3 years of experience) and four former student-athletes (graduated between 1 - 6 years prior) were recruited. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and document analysis. All interviews were transcribed, and documents were reviewed, with key findings recorded in a research journal. Finally, reflexive thematic analysis was employed to identify and interpret themes within the data.

Results: Analysis of documents, as well as insights from coaches and former student-athletes, revealed three key themes. The first theme explores how high school football serves as a microcosm of life’s emotional fluctuations, exposing athletes’ raw character during extreme highs and lows. It examines how the prevailing win-focused framework contributes to these emotional fluctuations, which can serve as opportunities for character development, while also contrasting this framework with the ideals promoted by coaches and high school football regulatory bodies. The second theme explores the design of the program and the coaches’ intent behind its structure, which forms the foundation of the program. Specifically, it investigates the elements coaches have incorporated into the framework, how they implement their approach, and the underlying motivations behind each structural decision. The third theme addresses the experiences this program’s design and intent facilitated for both coaches and former student-athletes. Coaches, having observed multiple program iterations, identified both beneficial (e.g., strong relationships, team camaraderie, and core values) and problematic elements (e.g., work-life balance, tough playtime decisions, and limited reach with some student-athletes). Former student-athletes reflected on how the program shaped them, highlighting both positive influences (e.g., development of life skills, community and relationships, and the sport itself) and negative influences (e.g., coaching challenges and discipline dynamics, balancing demands and expectations, and physical and social risks).

Conclusion: The participants' insights offer a deeper understanding of their experiences in this unique football program. These perspectives provide valuable information to high school coaches seeking to develop student athletes' abilities and characteristics beyond the playing field.

Evaluation of a Novel Push Task for Shoulder Function Assessment in Breast Cancer Survivors After Reconstructive Surgery

2025-08-13T16:43:33-06:00

College of Kinesiology Research Theme: Human Performance

On average, over 80 Canadian women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day. Treatment is often followed by reconstructive surgeries, which can lead to longer-term musculoskeletal issues. Research has shown that survivors elicit unique upper body muscle activations and kinematics. Typically, ergonomics-related functional tasks are used to assess women who have undergone reconstructive surgery, but lifting is often the only loaded task. A novel functional push task has been developed by the authors, and this study aimed to evaluate this task in comparison to a standard overhead lift in breast cancer survivors. Ten women (Age: 35-68 years), who had previously undergone breast reconstruction surgery more than six months ago and experienced no shoulder pain, were analyzed from a larger dataset. Participants completed a Work-Related and Functional Tasks protocol, which included the standard overhead lift task and the novel horizontal push task from a seated position. Electromyography (EMG) data from the infraspinatus and pectoralis major muscles were recorded from both the dominant and non-dominant arms, along with 3D kinematics of the humerus. Applied force from the push was recorded using a handheld dynamometer. EMG expressed as a percent of maximum voluntary contraction was calculated along with the co-contraction index (CCI) between the muscles. Humeral elevation and rotation were calculated. CCI, EMG and humeral rotation were compared between the lift and push at similar elevation levels using a repeated measures ANOVA with task and arm as factors. The relationships between the variables and load were explored with correlations. Humeral rotation was found to be significantly different (p<0.05) between the tasks, with more internal rotation in the push. CCI were similar between tasks, but absolute muscle activity for both muscles was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the lift task. No between-arm (dominance) effects were observed. CCI, EMG and kinematics were not correlated with load in either the push or the lift tasks. This exploratory study found that the addition of the loaded push task could be valuable, as it resulted in different kinematic and muscle activation patterns in comparison to the lift. Future work will include other breast cancer survivors who do experience pain and comparisons between participants with different surgery types.

Effects of Short-Term Ashwagandha Supplementation on Recovery Following Intense Exercise

2025-08-13T16:43:33-06:00

College of Kinesiology Research Theme: Human Performance.

Ashwagandha, an herbal supplement commonly used for stress reduction and general well-being, has gained attention in sports science for its potential role in muscle recovery. This study examined the short-term effects of ashwagandha supplementation on muscle recovery by assessing muscle strength, soreness, and swelling over a 72-hour period following resistance exercise. Ten healthy adults (ages 18–35 years) participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Participants were assigned to either a 600 mg/day ashwagandha supplementation group or a placebo group, receiving a vitamin B pill, for seven days before completing an acute resistance exercise protocol targeting the biceps. Muscle recovery was assessed using ultrasound (muscle thickness), a Biodex machine (torque), and subjective soreness ratings (Visual Analog Scale). Follow-up assessments occurred at 24-, 48-, and 72-hours post-exercise. Results of a 2 (group) × 5 (time) repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a significant group × time interaction for muscle thickness (p = 0.013). Post-hoc analysis indicated that muscle thickness in the ashwagandha group returned to baseline within 24 hours, whereas the placebo group exhibited persistent swelling at 24-, 48-, and 72-hours post-exercise (p < 0.05). No significant interaction was found for torque recovery, though a time main effect (p < 0.01) indicated that strength declined post-exercise and recovered by 48 hours in both groups. Similarly, muscle soreness followed a typical time-dependent recovery pattern, peaking at 24 hours and declining at 48 and 72 hours (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between groups. These findings suggest that short-term ashwagandha supplementation may accelerate muscle swelling reduction but does not significantly impact strength recovery or muscle soreness compared to placebo. Due to the small sample size, further research is necessary to confirm these results and establish a definitive relationship between ashwagandha and muscle recovery.

The Refinement of a Previously Tested Concussion Protocol to Improve Its Clinical Utility

2025-08-13T16:43:33-06:00

College of Kinesiology Research Theme: Human Performance

Background: Concussions are a complex pathophysiological process that can affect balance control, emphasizing the importance of measuring balance during concussion rehabilitation. Previous research evaluated the feasibility of a balance assessment protocol comprised of 24 standing tasks (e.g., one/two legs, eyes open/closed, on/off foam, with/without a figure 8 head movement, with/without a reaction time task). Fifteen of the 24 tasks were deemed feasible; however, the reliability, clinical implementation, and clinical utility of those tasks are unknown. This research examined the reliability of those 15 tasks, gathered clinician insights, and evaluated the clinical utility to develop a refined balance assessment protocol for people undergoing concussion rehabilitation. We hypothesized that the clinical utility index (CUI) would increase after our refinements.

Methods: Participants completed the standing balance tasks while standing on force plates (VALD Force Decks) to measure Centre of Pressure (COP) movement. Reliability of the COP data for participants without a history of concussion who completed the tasks twice 2-20 days apart was examined using Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for normally distributed data and Lin’s Concordance Coefficient (Rc) for non-normally distributed data (α =.05). Tasks with ≥ moderate reliability were compared between participants with and without a history of concussion using independent t-tests (α =.05). We shared results with four practicing clinicians (physiotherapists at a local clinic) to gather their clinical input and determine which tasks would be clinically useful. Clinical utility was calculated for the original and refined protocols.

Results: Six of the 15 feasible tasks had significant (p<.05), moderate-good reliability, including quiet standing eyes closed, quiet standing single leg, quiet standing single leg eyes closed, figure 8 single leg, figure 8 on foam single leg, and a lower extremity reaction time test. The quiet standing eyes closed and quiet standing single leg tasks differentiated between groups with and without a history of concussion. Clinicians chose the quiet standing eyes closed, figure 8 single leg, and lower extremity reaction time tasks as tasks they could incorporate into their current concussion rehabilitation protocol. The CUI changed from 1 (original protocol) to 5 (refined protocol).

Discussion: Using the previously established feasibility results and calculated reliability results changed the number of tasks from 15 to 3, which increased the CUI and represents a more clinically useful protocol. The feasibility and reliability results allowed clinicians insight into which tests are best to implement into their current protocol. The quiet standing eyes closed task serves as a simple baseline test, while the figure 8 single leg task incorporates vestibular activation, and the lower extremity reaction time task adds a cognitive challenge to balance. Future research could implement these three tasks in people undergoing concussion rehabilitation to determine if they are beneficial in detecting changes in balance and for clinical decision-making.

Bone Health in Newcomer Children Compared to Canadian-Born Children

2025-08-13T16:43:33-06:00

College of Kinesiology Research Theme: Child and Youth Health and Development

Introduction: Bone health is crucial during childhood, as this period is essential for achieving optimal peak bone mass, which can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures later in life. While research exists on the determinants of bone health, suggesting newcomer children may be at risk of impaired skeletal development, little is known of the bone health of newcomer children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if there were differences in bone health between newcomer and Canadian-born children.

Methods: Our cross-sectional study recruited forty-five children (12 newcomers, 33 Canadian-born) from 5 to 11 years of age. Bone health was assessed using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) to measure total bone area (Tt.Ar), cortical area (Ct.Ar), trabecular area (Tb.Ar), total volumetric bone mineral density (Tt.vBMD), cortical density (Ct.vBMD), cortical thickness (Ct.Th), trabecular density (Tb.vBMD), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular bone volume fraction (Tb.BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N), and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) at the distal radius and tibia. Anthropometric measures were recorded, and physical activity (PA) was evaluated using the Childhood Physical Activity Questionnaire. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used to assess differences in HR-pQCT bone outcomes between groups while controlling for age, sex, height, weight, and PA. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Newcomer children had significantly greater Ct.Ar (p = 0.02), Ct.vBMD (p = 0.02), and Ct.Th (p = 0.01) at the distal tibia compared to their Canadian-born peers. No significant differences were observed at the radius between groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Contrary to previous literature, this pilot study did not find that newcomer children had impaired bone health. Instead, newcomer children demonstrated greater values for cortical bone at the distal tibia. This may be explained by our potentially healthier newcomer sample, which reported higher vitamin D intake, more educated parents, and possibly favourable premigration factors. Future research should explore the impact of refugee status, acculturation, healthcare access, PA, and diet with a larger and more ethnically diverse sample to better understand bone development of newcomer children.

Difference in the Arterial Stiffness Measures between Métis Adults with High or Low Connection to Land

2025-08-13T16:43:34-06:00

College of Kinesiology Research Theme: Indigenous Wellness

Introduction: Qualitative research identified land connection as a significant determinant of Métis health. Arterial stiffness, a measure of vascular health, may help evaluate the significance of land connection on cardiovascular health. This study aimed to explore how arterial stiffness measures differed between Métis adults with high or low land connection.

Methods: In partnership with Saskatoon Métis Local 126, Métis adults completed an in-person, paper questionnaire about land connection. Four questions measured participants' land connection: 1) time spent on the land; 2) rural land accessibility; 3) feelings of holistic wellness from land connection; and 4) ability to connect with the land anytime. Central and peripheral pulse wave velocities (PWV) were used to measure arterial stiffness and were compared between individuals with high and low land connections.

Results: The 56 participants (35 females, 21 males) had a mean age of 34 ± 13 years. For each question, the central, upper and lower peripheral PWV were similar between those with high and low land connections. For overall scores, central PWV was similar between high and low land connection groups (n = 42 vs. 11; 8.57 ± 3.83 m·s^-1vs. 8.86 ± 4.57 m·s^-1; p = 0.42). Upper peripheral PWV was similar between high and low land connection groups (n = 41 vs. 11; 20.44 ± 10.39 m·s^-1vs. 25.50 ± 18.13 m·s^-1; p = 0.20). Lower peripheral PWV was similar between high and low land connection groups (n = 39 vs. 11; 9.98 ± 2.35 m·s^-1vs. 10.24 ± 1.52 m·s^-1; p = 0.37).

Conclusion: This study found no significant association between land connection and arterial stiffness among Métis adults. Future research with larger sample sizes and appropriate control for physical activity variables is needed.

Understanding the time demands of integrated knowledge translation (iKT)

2025-08-13T16:43:34-06:00

College of Kinesiology Research Theme: Healthy aging and management of chronic conditions

Introduction. Chronic pain is a public health emergency, affecting one in five Canadian adults. Without adequate pain management strategies, chronic pain can have detrimental effects on physical function, quality of life, and mental health. Despite strong evidence supporting physical activity as an effective nonpharmacological pain management strategy, most individuals who experience chronic pain are inactive. Psychosocial factors, such as fear of movement, pain anxiety, and low pain acceptance, contribute to inactivity. The Active Living for Pain (ALP) research team applied integrated knowledge translation (iKT) to co-develop, with patient and community partners, an accessible and acceptable physical activity program for adults living with moderate to severe chronic pain. The 6-week Movement That Matters (MTM) program targets the building of individuals' knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to engage in and maintain long-term physical activity participation.

Purpose. The study purpose was to record the time required to engage in an iterative iKT approach in the co-development of MTM program materials and program logistics.

Methods. The amount of time for ALP researchers and knowledge users to co-develop and finalize MTM materials (e.g., instructor implementation guide, participant habit tracker) and logistics (e.g., online MTM outcome surveys) was recorded. Knowledge users included patient partners and certified physical activity instructors.

Results. The iKT process of co-development and finalization of the MTM materials ranged from 3 months (implementation guide) to 10 months (program overview guide and participant habit tracker). The time to finalize program logistics ranged from 6 weeks (securing of physical activity equipment) to 5 months (development and testing of online surveys, including participant screening, pre-program, end-program, and 1-month end-program surveys).

Conclusion. The iKT process was time-intensive, requiring substantial coordination, collaboration, and iterative development between researchers and knowledge users. However, as recognized by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, implementing iKT in program design has the potential to lead to more user-centred and effective programs in real-world settings. Researchers should be aware of the time required to meaningfully engage in iKT processes and account for this during program development.

Exploring Children’s Experiences in Circus Club

2025-08-13T16:43:34-06:00

College of Kinesiology Research Theme: Child and youth health and development

Introduction. As children spend the majority of their weekdays at school, it is important that there are a wide variety of movement opportunities that align with their broad interests. In an encouraging shift from sport-centered offerings that often dominate school physical activity programming, circus arts is an increasingly popular movement option in physical education and recess/afterschool contexts. Circus has been found to be an optimal way to develop physical literacy and the introduction of circus arts programs in schools has resulted in increased physical literacy outcomes for children and youth. Additionally, student voices are essential in shaping understanding of movement opportunities, furthering a deeper sense of ownership, confidence, and motivation in their physical literacy development.

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to understand the physical literacy experiences of elementary school children who participated in circus club.

Methods. Circus club is a lunch-time program at an elementary school in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The program is run by a physical education specialist, and it strives to provide students from grades 3-8 a non-sport movement opportunity. An intrinsic case study method was used to gain an in-depth understanding of the participants' experiences in circus club. Three data collection tools were used: field notes on participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and the write, draw, show, and tell (WDST) method. Data analysis was done by using Braun and Clarke’s six step reflexive thematic analysis.

Results. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 students enrolled in grades 4-8, and four completed the optional WDST activity. Using Braun and Clarke’s (2022) reflexive thematic analysis procedures, three themes were identified: (i) “I know I am getting better”: Enhanced confidence and motivation through challenge, (ii) “Learning together”: Collaboration and social engagement opportunities, and (iii) “Just be creative”: Empowerment through choice and creative freedom. The findings highlighted how physical challenge, collaboration, choice, and creative freedom enhanced the participants’ confidence, motivation, and social engagement.

Conclusion. Circus arts provided a unique opportunity for students to develop various aspects of physical literacy including confidence and competence, shown through positive challenge, as well as motivation, social connection, and creativity. The study also illuminated valuable insights into the participants’ perspectives, highlighting the importance of their experiences in shaping their understanding and engagement with physical activity.

Influence of Physical Education Experiences on School-Aged Children’s Perceived Physical Literacy Development

2025-08-13T16:43:34-06:00

College of Kinesiology Research Theme: Child and Youth Health and Development

Introduction: Physical literacy is the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life. Physical education (PE) offers a unique and structured opportunity for children to develop physical literacy by providing varied movement experiences within supportive and inclusive learning environments. Pedagogical practices in these environments often range from more traditional (e.g., sport) to less traditional approaches such as circus arts, which may result in different student experiences. Current literature emphasizes the importance of examining how physical literacy is perceived and fostered within educational contexts, particularly through varied pedagogical approaches.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between teacher and student perceptions of physical literacy within the circus arts and traditional PE environments, and how these experiences might differ.

Methods: A cross-sectional design was utilized, with data collection from the physical literacy self-assessment (PLAYself), teacher assessment of student physical literacy (PLAYcoach), and observational assessments using a comprehensive physical literacy checklist. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and Mann-Whitney U tests were conducted to explore differences and relationships among the distinctive physical literacy measures. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: This study involved 228 students (114 males, 114 females) ranging from grades 4 to 7, and their PE teachers (1 male, 1 female) from the two schools. There was a significant positive correlation between student (PLAYself) and teacher (PLAYcoach) perspectives of physical literacy (r = 0.291; p < 0.001). There was also a significant positive correlation between both perspectives of physical literacy and the PE environment (PLAYself and PE environment: r = 0.754, p < 0.001; PLAYcoach and PE environment: r = 0.272, p < 0.001). When examining the difference in traditional PE compared to circus in PE, we found that traditional PE students reported higher self-perceived physical literacy scores (Environment: 22.5 ± 3.75 vs. 21.0 ± 3.27; p = 0.001; Self-description: 36.9 ± 5.88 vs. 34.3 ± 4.86; p < 0.001), whereas teacher and observational assessments indicated significantly higher scores outcomes in circus arts PE classes (Teacher assessed PL: 67.2 ± 20.54 vs. 53.9 ± 17.89; p < 0.001; Observational scores: 21.8 ± 0.95 vs. 15.6 ± 1.09; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The results of this study revealed important relationships between physical literacy perceptions and their respective PE environments. Observational and teacher-reported data suggest that circus arts in PE provides a more physical literacy-enriched environment compared to traditional PE, fostering greater creativity, inclusivity, and affective engagement, as well as a greater opportunity for teachers to understand the abilities of all students in non-sport contexts. However, these experiences did not translate into students' self-perceptions of physical literacy, indicating a need for further research to understand whether sustained implementation might bridge the gap between instructional design and student experience.