In this Season 4 episode of On the Move from the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University, host Chelsea Reber talks with Dr. Jenny Yentes and PhD student Kuanting “Quan” Chen about how kinesiology research is helping keep firefighters safer on the job. They explore how heavy gear, demanding skills, and long calls affect movement and injury risk, and how field based studies with TEEX Fire Academy are changing the way firefighters train and perform.

Dr. Yentes and Quan explain why musculoskeletal injuries are so common, how wearable IMU sensors can capture real movement in full gear, and what it means to build durable firefighters who can handle the demands of a full career. They also share practical advice for graduate students on staying curious, flexible, and focused on impact.

To learn more about the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at Texas A&M University, visit https://knsm.tamu.edu/

Host: Chelsea Reber

Guests: Dr. Jenna Yentes, Associate Professor, and Kuanting “Quan” Chen, PhD student in Kinesiology

Timestamps

(00:00-00:28) Cold Open Protective Traits

(00:29-01:16) Welcome And Project Origins

(01:17-02:00) High Risk Fire Skills

(02:01-03:03) Quan Joins The Project

(03:04-05:04) Strength Endurance Durability Focus

(05:05-07:40) Weight Gear And Movement

(07:41-09:31) Training What You Control

(09:32-11:32) Musculoskeletal Injuries And Cost

(11:33-13:20) Lab Limits And Inclusion

(13:21-16:07) Markerless Motion Capture Challenges

(16:08-18:40) Pivot To IMU Sensors

(18:41-20:51) Skills For All Bodies

(20:52-23:01) Building Durable Firefighters

(23:02-24:21) Open Mind And Curiosity

(24:22-26:07) PhD Skills And Outro