Directory

Gerald Larson, Ph.D., ACSM-CEP, NSCA-CSCS*D

Associate Professor and Program Director of Kinesiology Phone 816-501-3714

TEACHER | SCHOLAR | PRACTITIONER

Dr. Gerald Larson is an Associate Professor and Program Director of Kinesiology at Avila University in Kansas City, MO.  He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Mid-America Nazarene University; a Master’s degree with a dual emphasis in Exercise Physiology and Sport Psychology from the University of Kansas; and a Doctorate degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Kansas.  Dr. Larson teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in the areas of exercise and stress physiology, biomechanics and motor control, evidence-based nutrition and recovery, measurement and evaluation, and research. 

Dr. Larson also serves as the Kinesiology Lab Director featuring modern golf swing analysis and player development, functional capacity screening, and anaerobic performance testing.  He mentors undergraduate and graduate research projects with an emphasis on action research that reinforces learning and informs professional practice.  A lifelong scholar-practitioner, Dr. Larson’s personal and professional research interests are in the area of functional psychophysical training with an emphasis on tactical strength and conditioning.

Dr. Larson has more than 20 years of practical experience as a personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, clinical exercise physiologist, and small business owner.  He holds specialty certifications as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS*D), Sports Performance Coach (USAW-L1), and is TPI Golf Level 2 Certified.  Dr. Larson’s innovative KINESIO-FIT™ programming systematically integrates joint range of motion, motor patterning, and functional training to promote pain-free movement, health, and peak physical performance.

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES: KN 318: Anatomical Kinesiology
UG/GR DUAL-CREDIT COURSES: KN 381/581: Exercise Physiology, KN 420/520: Stress Physiology, KN 319/519: Biomechanics, KN 376/576: Motor Behavior
GRADUATE COURSES: KN 618: Clinical Kinesiology, KN 627: Evidence-Based Nutrition and Recovery, KN 643: Measurement and Evaluation
RESEARCH COURSES: KN 499: Research Seminar, KN 699: Applied Research
Doctorate of Philosophy in the area of Exercise Physiology, University of Kansas 2001
SCHOLARLY PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
Larson, G. and Potteiger, J. (1997). A comparison of three different rest intervals between squat bouts. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 11(2), 219-223.
Larson, G. (2001). A study of functional physical fitness, physical activity, and health-related quality-of-life in physically independent men and women aged 60 to 75 years. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 21(8), 328-336.
Larson, G. (2006). Seven Secrets Your Doctor Won’t Tell You About Preventing Low Back Pain. E-Book.
Larson, G. (2010). R.A.I.R. Sports Therapy: Education and Athletic Development. E-Manual.
Larson, G. (April 11, 2015). Reactive Neuromuscular Training: Drills and Exercises to Strengthen Weak Kinetic Links. NSCA Missouri State Clinic. Lindenwood University, MO.
Larson, G., and Clary, L. (June 2018). Case Study: The Effects of Cupping Therapy on Acute Reoccurring Myofascial Pain in a Collegiate Female Golfer with Scoliosis [Poster Presentation]. ACSM Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN.
Larson, G., and Richards, J. (June 2018). Functional Evaluation of Collegiate Golfers Improves Training and Performance [Poster Presentation]. ACSM Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN.
Larson, G. (April 13, 2019). Myths and Realities of the Goblet Squat, Kettlebell Swing, and Depth Jumps. NSCA Missouri State Clinic. Avila University. Kansas City, MO.
Larson, G. (December 4, 2021). Just Ruck It! NSCA Missouri State Clinic. Maryville University, MO.
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
Larson, G. (December 2016). Functional Movement Screening for Personal Trainers. Continuing Education Seminar. Kamba Fit, KCMO. (8 hours)
Larson, G. (March 2016). Assessing Movement: A Practical Approach for Trainers and Coaches. Continuing Education Seminar. Kamba Fit, KCMO. (8 hours)
Larson, G. (December 2017). Exercise Progressions: Bridging the Gap between Rehab and Training. Continuing Education Seminar. Kamba Fit, KCMO. (8 hours)
Larson, G. (March 2017). Corrective Exercise: Mobility and Stability; Continuing Education Seminar. Kamba Fit, KCMO. (8 hours)
Larson, G. (April 2017). Core Training for Rotary Sports. Continuing Education Seminar. Kamba Fit, KCMO. (8 hours)
Larson, G. (June 15-16). Structure and Function of Movement Systems. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, AR.
Larson, G. (June 15-16). Neuroendocrine Reponses to Exercise. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, AR.
Larson, G. (June 15-16). Psychology of Athletic Preparation. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, AR
Larson, G. (June 15-16). Physiological Adaptations to Physical Training. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, AR.
Larson, G. (June 15-16). Testing and Evaluation. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Oklahoma State University Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, AR.
Larson, G. (June 15-16). Plyometrics, Speed, and Agility. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, AR.
Larson, G. (June 15-16). Facility Organization and Administration. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, AR.
Larson, G. (May 18-19, 2019). Structure and Function of Movement Systems. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Avila University. Kansas City, MO.
Larson, G. (May 18-19, 2019). Neuroendocrine Reponses to Exercise. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Avila University. Kansas City, MO.
Larson, G. (May 18-19, 2019). Biomechanics of Strength and Conditioning. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Avila University. Kansas City, MO.
Larson, G. (May 18-19, 2019). Psychology of Athletic Preparation. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Avila University. Kansas City, MO.
Larson, G. (May 18-19, 2019). Testing and Evaluation. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Avila University. Kansas City, MO.
Larson, G. (May 18-19, 2019). Plyometrics, Speed, and Agility. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Avila University. Avila University. Kansas City, MO.
Larson, G. (May 18-19, 2019). Facility Organization and Administration. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Avila University. Kansas City, MO.
Larson, G. (July 28-29, 2018). Structure and Function of Movement Systems. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Oklahoma State University. Stillwater, OK.
Larson, G. (July 28-29, 2018). Neuroendocrine Reponses to Exercise. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. OK.
Larson, G. (July 28-29, 2018). Psychology of Athletic Preparation. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Oklahoma State University. Stillwater, OK.
Larson, G. (July 28-29, 2018). Physiological Adaptations to Physical Training. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Oklahoma State University. Stillwater, OK.
Larson, G. (July 28-29, 2018). Testing and Evaluation. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Oklahoma State University. Stillwater, OK.
Larson, G. (July 28-29, 2018). Plyometrics, Speed, and Agility. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Oklahoma State University. Stillwater, OK.
Larson, G. (July 28-29, 2018). Facility Organization and Administration. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Oklahoma State University. Stillwater, OK.
Larson, G. (July 10-11, 2018). Structure and Function of Movement Systems. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. NSCA Annual Conference. Indianapolis, IN.
Larson, G. (July 10-11, 2018). Plyometrics, Speed, and Agility. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. NSCA Annual Conference. Indianapolis, IN.
Larson, G. (July 10-11, 2018). Psychology of Athletic Preparation. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. NSCA Annual Conference. Indianapolis, IN.
Larson, G. (May 19-20, 2018). Bioenergetics of Exercising Muscle. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Avila University. Kansas City, MO.
Larson, G. (May 19-20, 2018). Neuroendocrine Reponses to Exercise. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Avila University. Kansas City, MO.
Larson, G. (May 19-20, 2018). Biomechanics of Strength and Conditioning. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Avila University. Kansas City, MO.
Larson, G. (May 19-20, 2018). Testing and Evaluation. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Avila University. Kansas City, MO. May 19-20, 2018
Larson, G. (May 19-20, 2018). Resistance Training – Science to Practice. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Avila University. Kansas City, MO.
Larson, G. (May 19-20, 2018). Plyometrics, Speed, and Agility. NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep. Avila University. Kansas City, MO.
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS AND DISTINCTIONS
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-CSCS*D), June 1994 - current
Certified Level 1 - Club Coach by U.S.A. Weightlifting, June 2002 - current
Certified as a Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM-CEP), April 2003 - current
Certified as a Performance Enhancement Specialist by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM-PES), October 2005 - current
Certified as an Advanced Myoskeletal Alignment practitioner, August 2006 - current
Certified Golf Level 2 by the Titleist Performance Institute, March 2017 - current
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Award of Appreciation 2005
NSCA ERP Program Director, February 2014 - current
NSCA-CSCS Exam Prep Host and Lead Instructor, July 2018 - current
NSCA State/Provincial Director for Kansas for the term of 4/15/2021 through 4/14/2024
Go back to the top