Ruth Glassow
Ruth Glassow (19 December 1891 - 26 August 1988) was a movement scientist, kinesiologist and educator who was a graduate of the faculty member of the University of Wisconsin–Madison from 1930 to 1962.[1] Between 1946 and 1962 she was a professor of physical education and dance there from 1946 to 1962.[2]
Biography
[edit]Glassow graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1916 and, before returning there in 1930, she held teaching positions at the University of Illinois Chicago and then in Oregon. During this period she also completed her masters degree at teacher's college at Columbia University.[1]
She returned to the University of Wisconsin where she was first a lecturer in kinesiology and biomechanics until, in 1946, she became a professor of physical education and dance. She would hold this position until her retirement in 1962.[3]
During her career she made great contributions in regard to the study of human movement and was a pioneer in filming human movement starting from the early 1930s. In her classes Glassow would, with her students, use motion picture to analyze joint actions in sports skills and study patterns used in movements like throwing, running and jumping in children.[1][4]
In 1950 she published a manual entitled 'A laboratory manual for functional kinesiology' which was followed, in 1963, by the simply titled text 'Kinesiology' which she coauthored with John Cooper which was released in multiple editions.[5]
In 1964 she won the Luther Halsey Gulick Award, awarded by the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, where she was recognized for her work as a teacher, researcher and author and it was stated that: "her greatest contribution may be her inspiration and influence on her graduate students, where her key mind and skillful guidance have stimulated hundreds to higher standards of excellence".[1]
In 1965 Glassow went to Purdue University as a visiting professor an helped develop undergraduate and graduate programs in the field of human movement.[6] Her guidance and help establishing important links in this was viewed as a major triumph for the university and led to the creation of their Department of the Health and Kinesiology.[7]
She retired in 1966 and later died on 26 August 1988 at Madison, Wisconsin.[1]
In 1989, after her death, she was made a fellow of International Society of Biomechanics in sports.[8]
Legacy
[edit]Glassow is now recognized as a pioneer in the field of biomechanics and The Ruth B Glassow Biomechanics Award offered by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education is named for her.[9] This annual award honors a biomechanics scholar who has made significant contributions to applied biomechanics research.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e Sloan, Muriel R (1989). "In Memoriam: Ruth Glassow". Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance. 60 (2): 20–21 – via ProQuest.
- ^ "Ruth B. Glassow". cdm16122.contentdm.oclc.org. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
- ^ "History". Kinesiology. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
- ^ "Overview Fundamentals of Biomechanics". McGraw Hill Medical. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
- ^ Renson, Roland (2002). "Kinesiologists: raiders of the lost paradigm". Kinesiology. 34 (2): 210–221.
- ^ "Biomechanics in the state of Indiana, USA: a historical perspective" (PDF). ISBS Sports Biomechanics newsletter. 10 (1). 1993. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
- ^ Hoffa, Rebecca (7 March 2025). "A look back: Former department head brought kinesiology, new opportunities for women to Purdue". News | College of Health and Human Sciences. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
- ^ "Awards - International Society of Biomechanics in Sports". j3.isbs.org. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
- ^ Ebrahimi, Anahid; Daniels, Katherine A. J.; Gaffney, Brecca M. M.; Banks, Caitlin L.; McDonald, Kirsty A.; Kessler, Sarah E.; Maharaj, Jayishni N. (1 January 2023). "International Women in Biomechanics: Promoting, supporting, and sustaining the careers of women in biomechanics". Journal of Biomechanics. 146: 111419. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111419. ISSN 0021-9290.
- ^ Leahy, Cory (18 February 2008). "Biomechanics Scholar and Autism Expert Honored with National Award". UT Austin News - The University of Texas at Austin. Retrieved 25 July 2025.