Physical activity promotion and behaviour change
Using theories and frameworks drawn from psychology and the behavioural sciences, our research focuses on:
- Identifying and modifying factors related to physical activity participation and
- Developing and implementing physical activity behaviour change interventions.
Psychological and physical health benefits of physical activity
Our research aims to identify the types and amounts of physical activity that improve health and well-being. We have a primary interest in quality of life outcomes such as pain, psychological well-being, and social functioning. We frequently collaborate with physiologists to study additional outcomes such as changes in fitness, inflammation and other marks of cardiometabolic health.
Translation of knowledge into products, tools and services
We are committed to ensuring that the results of our research are put in the hands of people who can use them. Using both integrated Knowledge Translation (KT) and end-of-research KT methods, we work with various end-users (e.g. people living with SCI, healthcare professionals, not-for-profit organizations, policy makers) to translate our research into knowledge products, tools and services.
Funding
The following organizations support our research:
Exercise Guidelines Promotion and Implementation in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury
The “EPIC-SCI” Trial
Our lab is conducting a 6-month study looking at the effects of exercise on health and well-being among adults with spinal cord injury who live with chronic neuropathic or musculoskeletal pain. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to 6-months of home/community-based exercise or a 6-month waiting list.
Lab members involved with the project: Femke Hoesktra, Kenedy Olsen, Cameron Gee, Nathan Adams, Matteo Ponzano, Ava Neely, Robert Shaw, & Sarah Lawrason
If you have a spinal cord injury and would like to take part, please contact the investigators below to determine if you are eligible for the study:
Kenedy Olsen, Research Coordinator, B.H.K (Hons), kenedy.olsen@ubc.ca or call (236) 970 – 6226.
Femke Hoekstra, Post-Doctoral Fellow, PhD, femke.hoekstra@ubc.ca
Promoting and Implementing Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults with Disabilities
The Joy Active Project
We are seeking individuals to participate in a research study that will look at participation within community-based exercise program for people with disabilities. The study aims to better understand the experiences and perceptions of individuals participating in an exercise program. The program includes a session with a fitness trainer, a personalized exercise program, group-based exercise sessions in an adapted gym, and structured fitness testing.
Lab Members involved with the project: Kenedy Olsen, Femke Hoesktra, Aleks Jevdjevic, Maaike Wildekamp, & Ava Neely
If you have a spinal cord injury or have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and would like to take part, please contact the investigators below to determine if you are eligible for the study:
Kenedy Olsen, Research Coordinator, B.H.K (Hons), kenedy.olsen@ubc.ca or call (236) 970 – 6226.
Reliability and Validity of the LTPAQ and PARA-SCI
We are conducting a study looking at a new questionnaire to measure physical activity participation in people with spinal cord injuries. Participation in the study involves performing a maximal fitness test, maximal strength test, completing physical activity questionnaires, and wearing a specialized portable monitoring device for a full day to monitor your heart rate and breathing rate.
Participants can receive up to $225 in compensation depending on which aspects of the study are completed.
Lab members involved in the project: Cameron Gee, Aleks Jevdjevic, & Kenedy Olsen
If you have a spinal cord injury and would like to take part, please contact the investigators below to determine if you are eligible for the study:
Kenedy Olsen (kenedy.olsen@ubc.ca)
Reliability and Validity of the LTPAQ-D
We are conducting a study looking at a new questionnaire to measure physical activity participation in people with physical and/or sensory disabilities. Participation in the study involves performing a maximal fitness test, maximal strength test, and completing physical activity questionnaires. Participants are reimbursed up to $45 for participating.
Lab Members involved with the project: Cameron Gee, Ava Neely, Aleks Jevdjevic, & Kenedy Olsen
If you have a physical and/or sensory disability and would like to take part, please contact the investigators below to determine if you are eligible for the study:
Kenedy Olsen, Research Coordinator, B.H.K (Hons), kenedy.olsen@ubc.ca or call (236) 970 – 6226.
Canadian Disability Participation Project
The Canadian Disability Participation Project is a SSHRC-funded Partnership Grant focused on enhancing sport and exercise, mobility, and employment participation among Canadians with physical disabilities. Kathleen Martin Ginis is the Principal Investigator. Visit CDPP.ca for more information.
