Kinesiology

Christopher Kovacs, Ph.D.

Christopher Kovacs, Ph.D.

Professor

Department: Department of Kinesiology
Areas of Focus: Motor Behavior, Exercise Physiology, Diving Science
Academic Programs: Undergraduate Exercise Science Program,  Graduate Kinesiology Program, Scuba Diving Minor
Research Areas: Diving science and health behavior, aging and movement control
Email: CR-Kovacs@wiu.edu
Phone: 309-298-1981

Resume/CV

About Me

I have been interested in exercise science since I was in high school and have been part of the field since my first day as an undergraduate student at Penn State University.  My non-academic professional experience is quite diverse and I have worked in many areas of our field, including ergonomics, cardiovascular and athletic performance testing and evaluation, and strength and conditioning.  During my doctoral work I became very interested in motor behavior and the changes in movement capabilities that occur with aging and I have published multiple articles in journals such at Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, the Journal of Applied Gerontology, and Research Quarterly in Exercise and Sport.

I am passionate about scuba diving and the science behind safe diving practices.  I am a certified scuba instructor as well as trained technical diver.  I have traveled extensively and participated in diving expeditions around the world, including Australia, Central America, Iceland, and Greenland.  I am particularly interested in cold water diving and its effects on human physiology.  My diving research has been presented in many forums and I have published research in the International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education, Sources - Journal of Underwater Education,  and the journal International Maritime Health.

Awards:
  • Provost's Awards of Excellence in Scholarly Activities – Western Illinois University; 2019
  • Faculty Appreciation Award: Office of Disability Services – Western Illinois University; 2015
  • Professional Achievement Award – Western Illinois University; 2016
  • Professional Achievement Award – Western Illinois University; 2013
  • Professional Achievement Award – Western Illinois University; 2011
  • Lolas Halverson Young Investigator Award - American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and  Dance/NASPE Motor Development Academy; 2005
  • Faculty Research Fellow - University of Mississippi; 2004
  • Faculty Research Fellow - University of Mississippi; 2003
  • Fisher Dissertation Prize - UNCG; 2001
  • Kate Barrett Professional Development Award – UNCG; 2000
  • Pearl Berlin Writing Award - UNCG; 1998
  • Graduate Student Scholarship - Michigan State University; 1993

Education:

Ph.D.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Concentration: Motor Behavior
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - Gerontology
Dissertation: “Obstacle avoidance as a function of sensory training in healthy older adults” 

 2001

Master of Science in Physical Education and Exercise Science
Michigan State University
Concentration:  Exercise Physiology

1994
Bachelor of Science
Pennsylvania State University
Concentration: Exercise and Sport Science		 1991

Research and Publications

  • Kovacs, C. (2023). Scuba Diving and the Stress Response: Considerations and Recommendations for Professional and Recreational Divers, International Maritime Health, 74 (3), 186-191, DOI: 10.5603/imh.91707

  • Kovacs, C. & Dohm, C. (2022). Effects of a Demand-Valve SCUBA Regulator on Cardiorespiratory Response During Submaximal Exercise Under Normobaric Conditions: A Preliminary Investigation, International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education, Vol. 13: No. 4, Article 2. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25035/ijare.13.04.02
  • Kovacs, C. & Buzzacott, P. (2017). Self-reported exercise behavior and perception of its importance to recreational divers, International Maritime Health, 68, (2), 115-121, DOI: 10.5603/IMH.2017.0021
  • Kovacs, C. & Paulsen, T. (2017). Effect of In-water Scuba Diving Activities on Response Time in Recreational Divers, International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education 10, (1), Article 2
  • Kovacs, C. (2015). A mnemonic for dealing with dive emergencies. Sources - Journal of Underwater Education, (27), 2, 52-54
  • Kovacs, C. & Walter, D. (2015). Scuba diving and kinesiology: development of an academic program. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 86, 3, 12-17
  • Kovacs, C., & Bories, T. (2010). Effects of increased physiological arousal on upper extremity reaction and movement times in healthy young adults. Neuroscience International, 1(2): 28-33
  • Kovacs, C., & Bories, T. (2010). Effects of increased physiological arousal on upper extremity positional awareness in healthy young adults. Journal of Social Sciences, 6 (3): 468-473
  • Kovacs, C. (2008). Measuring motor skill learning – a practical application. Strategies – A Journal for Physical and Sport Educators, 22, 24-29.
  • Williams, K., Hinton, V., Bories, T, & Kovacs, C. (2006). Age differences in dual task performance: Walking and talking. Research Quarterly in Exercise and Sport, 77 (1), 137-141.
  • Kovacs, C. (2005). Age-related changes in gait and obstacle avoidance strategies in older adults: A review. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 24, 21-34.
  • Kovacs, C. & Williams, K. (2004). Sensory training effects on obstacle avoidance capabilities in healthy older adults, Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics. 22, 1-17.
  • Williams, K., Gill, D.L., Kovacs, C., & Williams, L. (2003). Intralimb coordination of fallers and non-fallers during stair climbing and descent. Journal of Human Movement Studies, 45, 233-255
  • Williams, K., Mustain, K. & Kovacs, C. (2002). A home-based intervention to improve balance, gait, and self-confidence in older adults. Activities, Adaptation, and Aging, 27, 1-16
  • Dohoney, P., Chromiak, J., Lemire, D., Abadie, B., & Kovacs, C. (2002). Prediction of one repetition maximum (1-RM) strength from a 4-6 RM and a 7-10 RM submaximal strength test in healthy young adult males. Journal of Exercise Physiology, 5, (3), 54-59
  • Williams, K. & Kovacs, C. (2001). Balance and mobility training for older adults: An undergraduate service-learning experience. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, 72, 54-59.
  • Kovacs, C. (2001). Age-related changes in motor control that affect balance and the performance of functional activities in older adults. Journal of Mississippi Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Fall
Published Abstracts
  • Kovacs, C. & Buzzacott, P. (2016). Self-reported physical activity and perceptions of structured exercise in certified divers. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine. Volume 43 (6)
  • Kovacs, C. & Paulsen, T. (2014) Effect of instructional in-water training activities on response time in recreational scuba divers. Journal of Exercise and Sport Psychology. Volume 36: Supplement
  • Hinton, V.A., Williams, K., Bories, T.L., & Kovacs, C. (2006) Walking and talking: Shared task performance in older women. Journal of Exercise and Sport Psychology. Volume 24: Supplement
  • Kovacs, C., Webb, H., Long, A. & Acevedo, E.O. (2004). Effects of state anxiety on measures of reaction time and movement time in healthy young adults. Journal of Exercise and Sport Psychology. Volume 26: Supplement
  • Long, A., Kovacs, C., & Acevedo, E.O. (2004). Effects of state anxiety on temporal and spatial parameters associated with normal gait in healthy young adults. Journal of Exercise and Sport Psychology. Volume 26: Supplement
  • Kovacs, C. & Williams, K. Variability in kinematic measures of gait in healthy older adults (2003). Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, Volume 35: Supplement
  • Kovacs, C. Obstacle avoidance as a function of sensory training in healthy older adults (2002). Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, March
Academic Presentations
  • Kovacs, C. (2021). Scuba Diving and Kinesiology: Development of a Unique Academic Program at Western Illinois University. Presented at the Illinois Alliance for Health, Physical Education, and Dance Conference, Tinley Park, IL. December
  • Kovacs, C. & Dohm, C. (2020). Effects of a Demand-Valve Scuba Regulator on Cardiovascular Function Under Normobaric Conditions: Preliminary Findings. Poster presented at the American College of Sports Medicine Conference, San Francisco, CA, June
  • Kovacs, C. & Buzzacott, P. (2019). Required sample sizes for testing cardiovascular effects of normobaric scuba regulator breathing without immersion: A pilot trial. Poster presented at the Undersea Hyperbaric Medical Society Annual Conference, San Juan, PR, June
  • Lopez, C., Litow, K., & Kovacs, C. (2017). Effect of hand dominance and functional position on grip strength in young adults. Poster presented at the Illinois Alliance for Health, Physical Education, and Dance Conference, St. Charles, IL. November
  • Kovacs, C. & Buzzacott, P. (2016). Self-reported physical activity and perceptions of structured exercise in certified divers. Poster presented at the Undersea Hyperbaric Medical Society Annual Conference, Las Vegas, NV, June
  • Kovacs, C.R. (2015). Exercise behavior and diving: A preliminary report. Paper presented at Divers Alert Network National Headquarters, Durham, NC. December
  • Paulsen, T. & Kovacs, C. (2015). Effects of musically induced aggression on vertical jump performance. Poster presented at the Illinois Alliance for Health, Physical Education, and Dance Conference, St. Charles, IL. November
  • Dixon, A. & Kovacs, C. (2015). Belly dance as an intervention training method for the dolphin kick. Poster presented at the Illinois Alliance for Health, Physical Education, and Dance Conference, St. Charles, IL. November
  • Dixon, A. & Kovacs, C. (2015). Belly dance as an intervention training method for the dolphin kick. Poster presented at the Second Annual Graduate Research Conference, Macomb, IL. March
  • Kovacs, C. & Paulsen, T. (2014). Effect of instructional in-water training activities on response time in recreational scuba divers. Poster presented at the North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity Conference, Minneapolis, MN. June.
  • Paulsen, T. & Kovacs, C. (2013). Effect of in-water scuba diving activities on response time in student recreational divers. Poster presented at the Illinois Alliance for Health, Physical Education, and Dance Conference, St. Charles, IL. November
  • Paulsen, T. & Kovacs, C. (2013). Effect of in-water scuba diving activities on response time in student recreational divers. Poster presented at the Thomas E. Helm Undergraduate Research Day.
  • Bories, T., Lee, O., & Kovacs, C. (2008). Participating in lifetime activities for young and old. Poster presented at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance National Conference, Fort Worth, TX. April
  • Bories, T., Kovacs, C., & Lee, O. (2007). PLAY-O: Development of a program for student-parents and their children. Motor Development Research Consortium. Baltimore, MD, November
  • Kovacs, C. & Parker, M. (2005). Effects of Increased Arousal on Upper Extremity Proprioceptive Awareness in Healthy Young Adults. Paper presented at the 2005 Motor Development Research Consortium Annual Meeting, Northern Illinois University, October.
  • Kovacs, C., Long, A. & Acevedo, E.O. (2005). Effects of increased physiological arousal on measures of functional motor performance in healthy young adults. American College of Sports Medicine annual conference. Nashville, TN. June.
  • Kovacs, C. (2004). Age-related changes in gait and obstacle avoidance capabilities in older adults: A review. Paper presented at the Southern Gerontological Society Conference, Atlanta, GA. April
  • Kovacs, C., Webb, H., Long, A. & Acevedo, E.O. (2004). Effects of state anxiety on measures of reaction time and movement time in healthy young adults. North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity annual conference. Vancouver, B.C. June.
  • Long, A., Kovacs, C., & Acevedo, E.O. (2004). Effects of state anxiety on temporal and spatial parameters associated with normal gait in healthy young adults. North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity annual conference. Vancouver, B.C. June.
  • Williams, K., Hinton, V., Kovacs, C., & Bories, T. (2003). Effects of age differences on simultaneous task performance: Walking and talking. Paper presented at the SGS Conference, Richmond, VA. April
  • Williams, K., Hinton, V., Bories, T., & Kovacs, C. (2003). Age differences in shared task performance: Walking and talking. Paper presented at the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance National Conference, Philadelphia, PA. April
  • Kovacs, C. & Williams, K. (2003). Variability in kinematic measures of gait in healthy older adults. Paper presented at the American College of Sports Medicine National Conference, San Francisco, CA. May
  • Hinton, V.A., Williams, K., Bories, T.L., & Kovacs, C. (2002). Age differences in shared task performance: Walking and talking. Motor Development Research Consortium. Austin, TX. October.
  • Hinton, V.A., Williams, K., Bories, T.L., & Kovacs, C. (2002). Walking and talking: Shared task performance in older women. North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity annual conference. Baltimore, June.
  • Kovacs, C. (2001). Training balance and mobility in older adults: A new approach. Mississippi Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Jackson, November/December.
  • Kovacs, C. (2002). Obstacle avoidance as a function of sensory training in healthy older adults. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance national convention. San Diego, April.
  • Williams, K., Gill, D.L., Kovacs, C., & Williams, L. (2001). Intralimb coordination of fallers and nonfallers during stair climbing and descent. North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity annual conference. St. Louis, June.
  • Williams, K., Kovacs, C., & Mustian, K. (2001). A home-based intervention to improve gait, balance, and self-confidence in older adults. Presented to the Research Consortium of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Cincinnati, OH, March.
  • Williams, K. & Kovacs, C. (2001). Balance and Mobility Training for Older Adults: An Undergraduate Service-Learning Experience. Presented to the Motor Development Academy (preconference symposium) of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Cincinnati, OH, March.
  • Williams, K. & Kovacs, C. (2000). In home balance and mobility interventions for older adults. Motor Development Academy of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Orlando, April.
  • Kovacs, C. & Williams, K. (2000). Balance and Mobility Training for Older Adults: An Undergraduate Service-Learning Experience. Southern Gerontological Society. Raleigh, March.
  • Williams, K. & Kovacs, C. (2000). In home balance and mobility interventions for older adults. Paper presented to the Motor Development Academy of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. Orlando, April.
  • Williams, K. & Kovacs, C. (1999). In home balance and mobility interventions for older adults. Motor Development Research Consortium. Madison, WI. October.
  • Williams, K., Kovacs, C., & Justice, M. (1999). The success of exercise interventions with older adults. North Carolina Summer Symposium on Aging, Fayetteville, NC. July.
  • Kovacs, C. (1998). Age-related changes that affect postural stability in older adults. University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Berlin Writing Award presentation. Greensboro, NC. April