Teaching Physiology to the Extreme: Learning through Human Outliers
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| Title: | Teaching Physiology to the Extreme: Learning through Human Outliers |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Madison J. Fry, Zachary A. Riley (ORCID |
| Source: | Advances in Physiology Education. 2026 50(1):106-111. |
| Availability: | American Physiological Society. 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814-3991. Tel: 301-634-7164; Fax: 301-634-7241; e-mail: webmaster@the-aps.org; Web site: https://www.physiology.org/journal/advances |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 6 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Descriptive |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Physiology, College Science, Instructional Innovation, Science Instruction, Graduate Study, Discussion (Teaching Technique), Active Learning, Athletics, Athletes |
| DOI: | 10.1152/advan.00225.2025 |
| ISSN: | 1043-4046 1522-1229 |
| Abstract: | There are many ways to deliver physiology education as an interdisciplinary subject, yet a lot of them can be dry or considered boring by students because of the subject matter. Several years ago, the idea was introduced of teaching physiology based on superheroes. Learning physiology in the context of these mythical people with superpowers is much more stimulating. However, it lacks a translational component because humans are not faster than a speeding bullet or stronger than a locomotive. We have taken this same basic concept and applied it to the extremes or outliers of human physiology. What is unique or special about the physiology of individuals like Lionel Messi? Michael Jordan? Usain Bolt? We give examples of two research reviews that we examine in a graduate course on physiology and also provide a framework for how the content is discussed in the classroom. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1497545 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | There are many ways to deliver physiology education as an interdisciplinary subject, yet a lot of them can be dry or considered boring by students because of the subject matter. Several years ago, the idea was introduced of teaching physiology based on superheroes. Learning physiology in the context of these mythical people with superpowers is much more stimulating. However, it lacks a translational component because humans are not faster than a speeding bullet or stronger than a locomotive. We have taken this same basic concept and applied it to the extremes or outliers of human physiology. What is unique or special about the physiology of individuals like Lionel Messi? Michael Jordan? Usain Bolt? We give examples of two research reviews that we examine in a graduate course on physiology and also provide a framework for how the content is discussed in the classroom. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1043-4046 1522-1229 |
| DOI: | 10.1152/advan.00225.2025 |
