Lokoah Paye ’25 (left) and Leo Doyle ’25. Photo Provided.
Stem projects offer students the opportunity to create and manage something that interests them in the field of research. Since the project is year-long, the students must stay proactive and ensure they keep on track with their research in whatever form they choose to do it in.
Lohkoah Paye ’25 and Leo Doyle ’25 are working together on their project, testing the different recovery methods provided here at Northwood. As most students are athletes, they feel that it is important for peers to understand how the recovery equipment can impact their recovery speed.
“We have 3 recovery methods: Normatec, foam rolling, and massage gunning,” said Doyle. “Our goal is to test them all and compare to see their impact on the recovery and flexibility of the quadriceps,” he added. Though there are many different recovery methods, these three are perceived to be most used by the community in the gym and the athletic trainer room.
“We are testing four of the sports groups here, which are boys’ soccer, girls’ skiing, girls’ hockey, and boys’ hockey,” said Paye. “We feel that it is important to test different sports because they have different and similar demands on the body, and with those differences and similarities, the results will be more interesting when comparing,” he added.
As the results start to be analyzed, it will be interesting to see how the quadricep reacts differently for each athlete. “I was a part of the experiment, and it was helpful for me,” said Noah Moodey ’26. “I was able to recognize what is best for my recovery and leg mobility when I get really sore,” he added.
An interesting part of the project is that it’s informing not just the students running it but the athletes being tested because they will get to know their bodies better. This project should have a good impact on the community as everyone who plays a part will have their benefit.
