EIM Ontario Student Research Conference Proceedings

Exercise is Medicine
Ontario Student Research Conference
June 23 – 24, 2016
Hosted by Exercise is Medicine on Campus
Western University Canada
Participant Conference Package
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Table of Contents
Letter from Exercise is Medicine Canada……………….………………………………………2
Letter from Exercise is Medicine on Campus at Western……………………………………….3
Keynote Speaker…………………………………………………………………………………4
Guest Speakers…………………………………………………………………………………...5
Conference Information
Conference Fees………………………………………………………………………….6
Presentation Guidelines…………………………………………………………………..6
Activity Descriptions……………………………………………………………………..7
Conference Attire…………………………………………………………………………7
One-Night Stay Options at Western Residences………………………………………….7
Conference Address……………………………………………………………………….8
Conference Itinerary (Presentation Order)………………………………………………………...9
Universities Represented………………………………………………………………………...15
Campus Map……………………………………………………………………………………..16
Schools Represented……………………………………………………………………………..17
Final Conference Abstracts………………………………………………………………………18
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June 23, 2016
Dear Delegate;
Welcome to the first ever, provincial, student led Exercise is Medicine Canada (EIMC)
research conference!
What an exciting opportunity to share research related to exercise and health, and to share
our collective experiences promoting the EIMC vision and goals on our respective
campuses.
Your decision to become involved with EIMC on Campus at your school shows your
passion for knowledge acquisition and dissemination, and your concern for the health of
your fellow students and your communities. As the future health and exercise leaders of
our country, you will discover and share the principles of EIMC that will help change the
landscape of chronic disease prevention and management in Canada.
The knowledge gained through this conference, and others to follow, will help EIMC will
grow and develop this innovative leadership opportunity for future generations of
students.
Congratulations to the EIMC on Campus @Western University student and faculty
organizers, and our very best wishes to all for a successful conference.
Susan Yungblut, BScPT, MBA
Jonathon Fowles, PhD, CSEP-­­CEP
Director, Exercise is Medicine Canada
Chair, EIMC Advisory Council
#370-18 LOUISA ST OTTAWA ON K1R 6Y6 | 1 877 651 3755 | T 613 234 3755
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| F 613 234 3565
Dear Conference Attendee,
Exercise is Medicine on Campus at Western University would like to welcome you to the
very first Exercise is Medicine Ontario Student Research Conference. We are looking forward to
meeting you in London, Ontario on June 23rd 2016.
This conference package will provide you with all the information you need to prepare
for your travel and stay at Western. Please find enclosed details on your oral presentation,
options for staying overnight at a Western University residence, details on the conference fees,
the conference itinerary and descriptions for all of the exciting events we have planned for you.
We hope that this conference will serve as an excellent opportunity for students to share their
research, network with students across Ontario and engage in the Exercise is Medicine initiative.
Western University is known for its excellent student experience and beautiful campus.
We hope to share these aspects of our institution with you over the two days you will be
spending here. If you have any questions as you review the conference package please do not
hesitate to email [email protected].
We are very much looking forward to hearing your presentation. Thank you for
submitting an abstract to the Exercise is Medicine on Campus Ontario Student Research
Conference.
Kind regards,
EIMC @ Western University
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Introducing our Keynote Speaker: Dr.
Robert Petrella, MD, PhD.
Dr. Petrella is the new Beryl and Richard Ivey Research Chair in
Aging, Rehabilitation, and Geriatric Care (ARGC) at the
University of Western Ontario, as well as, Program Leader for
ARGC at the Lawson Health Research Institute. He is Medical
Director of the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, Past
President of the Canadian Coaltion for High Blood Pressure
Prevention and Control. Dr. Petrella holds a CIHR Chair in
"Healthy Lifestyles: Healthy Aging" and is a Clinical Specialist
in Hypertension with the American Society of Hypertension. He
is a Professor in the Departments of Family Medicine, Medicine
(Divison of Cardiology), as well as, Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation of the Schulich School of Medicine, and School of Medicine, and School of
Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario.
Dr. Petrella's research interests include laboratory and community-based study of the
determinants of lifestyle intervention in cardiovascular disease prevention, management and
control. He holds research funding from various agencies including the CIHR, Heart and Stroke
Foundation of Canada, NSERC, Health Canada's Population Health Fund and the Canadian
Diabetes Association, and has over 100 original publications in peer-reviewed journals. Dr.
Petrella is an internal committee member for CIHR Rx &D, and Steering Committee member for
Heart and Stroke Foundation's AIM program and the Canadian Hypertension Education Program
(CHEP). He was Principal Investigator for the SNAC (Staged Nutrition and Activity Counseling
Trial), which is a fully accredited educational activity of the College of Family Physicians of
Canada. Dr. Petrella has been active as a co-investigator in many hypertension outcomes trials
as well as involved in many national and international committees including consensus
conferences in hypertension, diabetes, osteoarthritis and physical activity including the launch of
Canada's Guide for Physical Activity.
Dr. Petrella has been actively involved with Exercise is Medicine at the national and
international level. He brings to us the perspectives physicians have on the Exercise is Medicine
initiative.
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Introducing our Honorary Guest Speakers:
Dr. Lindsey Forbes, C.Psych
Dr. Lindsey Forbes obtained her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Western
University in 2008 and has worked in private practice since that time. She is
registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, holds an Adjunct Faculty
appointment in the Department of Psychology at Western University, has
completed continuing education in sport psychology, and is a member of the
Association for Applied Sport Psychology. In her clinical practice, she works
with individuals to help them perform at their very best - in sport, school, and
daily life. This year, she began offering a new group intervention (the
MOODment program) to increase awareness of the mental health benefits of
exercise and to assist individuals to incorporate regular exercise as a tool to manage stress and
anxiety and to boost their mood and well-being. Out of the office, she has been a long-distance
runner since 2002 and some of her favourite physical challenges have included: Completing her 1st
marathon, hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, hiking the 170K Tour du Mont Blanc, and learning
to scuba dive. She loves being able to combine her personal passion for sport and exercise with her
clinical work with clients.
Dr. Michelle F. Mottola, PhD FACSM
Dr. Mottola is a Professor with a Joint Position in the School of Kinesiology,
Faculty of Health Sciences and the Dept. of Anatomy and Cell Biology, in the
Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western. She is also the Director of
the R. Samuel McLaughlin Foundation – Exercise and Pregnancy Lab, which is
the only lab in North America that specializes in the area of exercising pregnant
and postpartum women. She is a Scientist of the Children’s Health Research
Institute and a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). She
was just elected (2016-17 term) to the Board of Trustees representing Basic and
Applied Science for the American College of Sports Medicine. She is an
anatomist (embryologist) and exercise physiologist who has conducted research
on the effects of maternal exercise on both the mother and the developing fetus, with follow up into
the postpartum period. Her research has led to a co-authorship on the PARmed-X for Pregnancy,
which contains Canadian exercise guidelines for pregnant women, published by the Canadian Society
for Exercise Physiologists (CSEP) and Health Canada and endorsed by the Society of Obstetricians
& Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC). She currently has CIHR Knowledge Translation funding to
update the Canadian Clinical Practice Guidelines for Exercise During Pregnancy. Dr. Mottola
participated in the Expert Medical Panel for the International Olympic Committee (one of 2
Canadians invited) and she recently returned from Washington, DC where she was invited to serve as
a member of the Expert Research Panel for the American Heart Association to present her evidencebased research on “Pregnancy and Maternal Health”. She has received over $2.5 million for research
on exercise during pregnancy and has published over 75 papers on this topic. She has given over 150
invited talks in the area of exercise during pregnancy or postpartum. Her current research focuses on
the impact of a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy on chronic disease risks such as obesity, diabetes
and cardiovascular disease for both mother and her offspring. She is actively involved with Exercise
is Medicine, and encourages exercise to be prescribed to special population groups.
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Conference Information
1. Conference Fees
All conference attendees must pay a conference fee. Your fee covers costs for food (two
breakfasts and two lunches), activities, conference building fees and cover for the evening
conference social (19+ event). Until May 30th you may purchase the early bird price ($45.00).
After this time, fees will be ($55.00). Conference presenters must pay their registration fees no
later than June 10th 2016. After this time if you have not paid, your abstract will be removed.
Please pay fees as soon as possible as your payment will serve as your confirmation for your
presentation. Fees can be made by following this link:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/exercise-is-medicine-student-conference-tickets-22460119823
2. Presentation Guidelines
Please note the following for your presentation:
Presenters will have a maximum of 10 minutes to present, followed by 3 minutes for
questions
All presentation will be timed, presenters exceeding the 10 minute mark will be
respectfully asked to conclude
Presenters will have access to Power Point display only and a microphone
All presenters must bring their presentation on a portable USB device
Presentation time slots are absolute
Please note on the conference itinerary the time slot for your presentation but also, please
note what time you will be asked to come and upload your presentation
We kindly ask all presenters to attend all other presentations to assure everyone is given a
fair and attentive audience
Your abstracts which were previously submitted will be published on the Exercise is
Medicine Canada webpage after the conference
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3. Activity Descriptions
This conference provides many unique and interactive activities for all attendees to
participate in:
EIM Canada Presentation and BBQ Lunch:
Exercise is Medicine Canada director, Susan Yungblut, will be attending the full
conference. She will be providing a national update and information on EIM during a catered
outdoor BBQ lunch courtesy of the Bank of Montreal. Your conference registration badge which
your will receive upon arrival will be your ticket to attend this BBQ.
Guided Campus Walk
To get to our outdoor BBQ lunch, you will have the opportunity to take a guided tour of
Western University’s campus.
Urban Poling
We are very excited to have representation from Urban Poling at our conference. They
will be providing an interactive workshop followed by the opportunity to pol across the Western
campus.
EIM Provincial Workshop
This is a key part of our conference. All attendees will engage in a workshop to create the
next big Exercise is Medicine event that we can then take back to our respective universities and
work towards. This workshop will allow Exercise is Medicine on Campus chapters to work
together, learn from one another and work towards a common goal. This is a great way to get
involved not only with your own campus but on a province-wide initiative. And keeping in mind,
the scope of Exercise is Medicine is international. This is a unique and exciting opportunity!
4. Conference Attire
The conference attire is business casual however we encourage you to bring active
footwear, and clothing to participate in the Urban Polling activity. We will also be selling
Exercise is Medicine t-shirts, and email will be sent to you with order forms.
5. Staying in London – Western University
Western University provides affordable one-night stay options at a university residence,
Ontario Hall. One-night stay options are as low as $65.00. The residence is a 5 minute walk from
the building in which the conference will be taking place. Please follow this link to book your
stay: http://www.stayatwestern.ca/reservations.cfm
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6. Conference Location
Western University Canada
1151 Richmond Street
London, Ontario
Canada
N6A 397
The conference will be taking place in the International and Graduate Affairs Building
(Atrium). Please see the end of the package for a campus map, for a clearer image please follow
the link below. There will be signs up around campus, however we encourage you to arrive early
to assure you have enough time to check into your stay location and find the conference building.
Parking on campus is not covered (unless you are staying at a Western residence). All attendees
will be getting a free London public transit bus pass and London city maps. Western maps:
http://www.geography.uwo.ca/campusmaps/
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Conference Day 1: June 23rd 2016
9:00am – 9:30am
Registration and refreshments
First round of presenters, please upload your presentations at this time.
9:30am – 9:45am
Welcoming Remarks
Exercise is Medicine on Campus at Western, Conference Committee
Dr. Lorraine Davies, PhD. Vice Provost School of Graduate and
Postdoctoral Studies
Introduction to Keynote Speaker
9:45am – 10:20am
Keynote
Dr. Robert Petrella, MD, PhD
Exercise is Medicine from the perspective of a physician
10:20am – 10:30am
Active Break
10:30am – 12:00pm First Round of Presentations
1. Alexis Lajambe, Lakehead University – An investigation of the
“PLAY” tool as a universally applicable fundamental movement
assessment protocol.
2. Priynka Patil, Western University – Promoting benefits of physical
activity through persuasive communication.
3. Samer Hassan, Wilfrid Laurier University – Neuromuscular adaptations
to sprint interval training (SIT): A thesis proposal.
4. Laura Castellani, Guelph University – Acute exercise protects against
olanzapine-induced hyperglycemia in male C57BLL6J mice.
5. Nigel Kurgan, Brock University – The effect of training for a year on
inflammation and bone metabolism in the Canadian female national
rowing team.
6. Alexandra Harriss, Western University - We know that soccer has a
high rate of concussions, but how large and numerous are the head
impacts?
12:00pm – 12:20pm Campus Walk
Guided walk through Western University to our BBQ lunch location
12:20pm – 1:20pm
Exercise is Medicine Presentation and BBQ Lunch
BBQ Lunch at the Western University Graduate Club
Presentation during lunch – Susan Yungblut, EIM Canada Director
Second round of presenters, will exit just before lunch ends to upload presentations.
1:20pm – 1:30pm
Guided Walk to Return to Conference Building
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1:30pm – 3:00pm
Second Round of Presentations
1. Steven Guirguis, Western University – The acute effects of exercise and
nicotine on working memory.
2. Rheanna Bulten, The University of Toronto – Body under attack: The
Untold stories of autoimmune inflammatory disease in sport.
3. Tiffany vanLieshout, McMaster University – The impact of exercise on
protein arginine methyltransferase expression in skeletal muscle.
4. Jean-Christian Gagnon, University of Ottawa – In depth analysis of
physical activity counselling sessions: Investigating the techniques applied
in a motivational interviewing-based behaviour change intervention
promoting physical activity.
5. Taniya Nagpal, Western University – Exercise as a vital sign on
campus: Evaluation of exercise is medicine from the perspective of fitness
professionals.
6. Céline Girard, Queens University – Investigating the progression of
knee function during ACL rehabilitation.
3:00pm – 3:50pm
Poling Activity
Learn how to Pol across the Western University campus
Facilitated by Urban Poling
Third round of presenters will leave activity earlier to upload presentations.
4:00pm – 5:30pm
Third Round of Presentations
1. Karishma Hosein, Western University – Behaviour change intervention
strategies to prevent excessive gestational weight gain using a nutrition
and exercise lifestyle intervention program (NELIP) in obese pregnant
women.
2. Angelica Blais, University of Ottawa – Looking at the physical and
psychosocial outcomes of an after-school physical activity intervention for
children with congenital heart disease.
3. Kate Nelson, Brock University – The effect of high impact exercise on
serum levels of sclerostin in pre and postmenopausal women.
4. Lauren Crutchlow, Western University – Acute effects of watching TV
during submaximal aerobic exercise on affect.
5. Ryan Reid, McGill University – Cadence patterns in bariatric patients
long-term post-surgery.
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6. Robert Talaric, Queens University – Unravelling the compositional
effects of time spent in sleep, sedentary behaviour and physical activity on
cardiovascular risk factors among children.
7. Yingyi Lin, Queens University - Temporal and bi-directional
relationships between active outdoor play and nocturnal sleep patterns
among 10 to 13-year-old children
5:30pm – 5:35pm
End of Day Remarks
Join us for the conference evening social at The Ceeps at 8:30pm in
Downtown London
Conference Day 2: June 24th 2016
8:30am – 9:00am
Breakfast
Breakfast will be served promptly at 8:30am before the first session begins
First round of presenters, please upload your presentations at this time
9:00am – 9:25am
Guest Speaker
Dr. Lindsey Forbes, C.Psych
Incorporating exercise in her practice as a psychologist
9:25am – 9:30am
5 Minutes Active Break
9:30am – 11:30am
First Round of Presentations
1. Stephanie Saunders, University of Ottawa – Claiming ownership of
one’s health: Group-based exercise to live well after breast cancer.
2. Kylie Dempster, Brock University – Cardiovascular and cognitive
responses to isometric handgrip exercise training in hypertensive adults.
3. Oksana Wankiewicz, University of Toronto – Effects of stroke
characteristics in 3-min all-out rowing test.
4. Brittany McEachern, Queen’s University – Exercise is Medicine
Canada on campus casebook: Investigating the development, composition
and experiences of Exercise Medicine Canada on campus groups.
2 Minutes Active Break
5. Siobhan Smith, Western University – The effects of dynamic sitting and
standing desks on classroom performance on university students.
6. Gillian Williams, Queens University – Children’s active transportation
to school and other destinations.
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7. Andrew Hanna, Western University – Prescribing exercise as medicine
in Ontario medical schools
11:30am – 1:00pm
Exercise is Medicine Workshop and Lunch
All conference attendees will engage in an interactive workshop. The goal
of the workshop will be to potentially develop a provincial Exercise is
Medicine project to move forward with after the conference.
Lunch will be provided during the workshop.
Second round of presenters will be asked to upload their presentation during the
workshop.
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Guest Speaker
Dr. Michelle Mottola, PhD FACSM
Director of the Exercise and Pregnancy Lab, she will be discussing
prescribing exercise to special population groups with a focus on
prescribing exercise during pregnancy,
1:30pm - 2:45pm
Second Round of Presentations
1. Joëlle Hajj, University of Ottawa – Can a rapid goal-directed movement
increase the proportion of correct responses in an inspection time
paradigm?
2. Caroline Dutil, University of Ottawa – Master’s thesis proposal:
Influence of the relative age effect on scores obtained in the Canadian
assessment of physical literacy in children.
3. Mackenzie McLaughlin, University of Toronto – The effects of aerobic
exercise on the pharmokinetics of sertraline, on inje cocktail as indirect
markers of intrinsic clearance of CYP450 drug metabolizing enzymes.
4. Sebastian Diebel, Lakehead University – Changes in heart rate and
blood lactate below, at, and above the anaerobic threshold in trained
endurance athletes.
5. Scott Rollo, Western University – The Use of a Health Action Process
Approach Intervention to Reduce Sedentary Behaviour in Adults
6. AJ Stephen, Western University – Biomechanical implications of
abdominal tendon length: Muscle length ratios in human and rat
specimens.
2:45pm – 3:00pm
Active Break
Third round of presentations, please upload you presentations at this time.
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3:00pm – 4:30pm
Third Round of Presentations
1. Joshua Macedo, Guelph University – Postural stability and cycling in
Parkinson’s Disease.
2. Swapna Mylabathula, University of Toronto – The female concussion
experience: A mixed-methods exploration of concussion in female hockey
players in the Ontario Women’s Hockey Association
3. Yoah Sui, Western University – Standing up for student health
4. Narlon Silva, Western University - The MIND-FUN Research Study:
Mind-motor exercise to improve cognition and functional fitness
5. Aysha Thomas, Brock University – Identifying changes in physical
activity behaviour that may lead to weight gain in first year university
students.
6. David Di Fonzo, University of Toronto – A proposed study of physical
activity, inflammation and the meditation of body image and depression in
youth.
4:15pm – 4:30pm
Closing Remarks
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Welcome!
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Final Conference Abstracts
(Submitted July 15th 2016)
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Title: The acute effects of a temptation bundle: watching subsequent episodes of a television
show during continuous, aerobic exercise on affect and enjoyment
Authors: Crutchlow, L.
Abstract: Research linking positive affect with exercise adherence encourages individuals to
exercise at intensities that elicit positive affect, and to use dissociative techniques (e.g. music)
that will improve affect at higher intensities (Hutchinson, Karageorghis & Jones, 2014; Jones,
Karageorghis & Ekkekakis, 2014; Williams, 2008.) However, few studies have examined
individuals’ affective responses to continuous, aerobic exercise lasting longer than 15 minutes,
and no studies have investigated the efficacy of television as a dissociative technique for
exercise. The proposed randomized control study will address these literature gaps by examining
the acute effects of watching subsequent episodes of a television show during continuous,
aerobic exercise on affect and enjoyment. 26 physically inactive undergraduate students that are
able and intend to exercise will be randomized into experimental and control groups based on
their age and gender. Participants in both groups will complete demographic questionnaires to
assess their characteristics, a treadmill exercise stress test with gas analysis to determine their
ventilatory threshold, and two exercise tests below and proximal to their ventilatory threshold to
assess their affective responses to and enjoyment of exercise. Participants in the experimental
group will watch the first episode of an assigned television show two days before the third
exercise test, and subsequent episodes during warm-up, exercise and cool-down portions of
exercise tests. Affective valence, perceived activation, enjoyment of exercise and attentional
focus will be assessed before, during and after exercise tests using Feeling, Felt Arousal,
Physical Activity Enjoyment, and Attention Scales. Repeated univariate and multivariate
analyses of variance will establish whether bundling television with exercise can improve
affective responses to and enjoyment of exercise, regardless of intensity, by directing attention to
external stimuli. Results will supplement existing literature on the topic and inform the conduct
of studies comparing the effects of dissociative techniques on exercise adherence.
Title: The impact of exercise on protein arginine methyltransferase expression in skeletal muscle
Authors: vanLieshout, T., Stouth, D., Saleem, A., Tarnopolsky, M., Ljubicic, V.
Abstract: Introduction Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1), PRMT4, and PRMT5
catalyze the methylation of arginine residues on target proteins. Through this process a variety of
biological functions are regulated including signal transduction, as well as transcriptional
activation and repression. PRMTs may regulate the remodelling of skeletal muscle phenotype
through their impact on molecules that are critical to these cellular processes. Our study will test
the hypothesis that the intracellular signals required for muscle adaptation to exercise will be
associated with the induction of PRMT1, PRMT4, and PRMT5 expression and activity.
Methods C57BL/6 mice will be assigned to one of three experimental groups: sedentary (SED),
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acute bout of exercise (AE), or acute exercise followed by 180 minutes of recovery (AER). The
mice in the AE and AER groups will perform a single bout of treadmill running at 15 m/min for
90 minutes. Muscles will be obtained from animals according to their assigned group parameters.
RT-qPCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence will be carried out for mRNA and protein
analyses. Results and Discussion We anticipate that PRMT mRNA and protein levels will be
expressed to a greater degree in slow, oxidative muscle compared to faster, more glycolytic
muscle. In the AER group, we expect to observe an increase in PRMT transcripts relative to SED
and AE animals. Furthermore, we predict that PRMT1 and PRMT4 will localize in the nuclei
under SED conditions while PRMT5 will be present in the cytoplasm. Following exercise, we
believe that PRMT1 will move to the cytoplasm while PRMT5 will move into the nuclei
coincident with the activation of canonical exercise sensitive pathways. Conclusion Our research
aims to expand knowledge about the molecular mechanisms controlling muscle plasticity and
shed light on the role of PRMTs in the maintenance and remodelling of skeletal muscle
phenotype.
Title: Prescribing exercise as medicine in Ontario medical schools.
Authors: Hanna,A.
Abstract: Prescribing exercise can be an effective alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals for
conditions that are known to respond to exercise. While it is often thought that increasing
physical activity will only improve health markers associated with obesity (hypertension,
diabetes, heart disease, etc.), in 2015, the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in
Sports highlighted the use of exercise as medicine to treat 26 chronic conditions and showed
using evidence based research that the use of physical activity is effective in treating these
conditions. However, despite the strong evidence for exercise, helping patients change their
physical activity behaviors continues to be a challenge for healthcare providers. Primary care
physicians have the opportunity to provide patients with preventative information and patients
often report the desire for such resources in clinical settings, yet researchers have shown that the
majority of physicians do not address patient physical activity behaviors. This study will
examine Ontario medical school curriculums to determine the total time allocated for prescribing
exercise. The results will be used to create a curriculum reform proposal and/or audit of
curriculum that will be submitted to the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), as well as the
respected schools that participated in the study.
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Title: Body under attack: the untold stories of autoimmune inflammatory disease and physical
activity
Authors: Bulten, R., Atkinson, M
Abstracts: Introduction Autoimmune inflammatory disease describes a family of chronic, and
often devastating, illnesses that develop when underlying immunological defects cause the body
to attack its own organs, tissues and cells (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases,
2005). Existing literature on autoimmune inflammatory disease focuses primarily on the
physiological effects of exercise for specific cohorts; however, a substantial lack of sociocultural
understanding exists, particularly in the areas of athletic identity and exercise prescription.
Therefore, the main focus of this study was to better understand how individuals suffering from
chronic autoimmune inflammatory illness understand their disease, and how sport and physical
activity influence the chronic illness experience. Methods Seven participants with chronic
inflammatory conditions were recruited and interviewed for this study. The participants’
diagnoses included rheumatoid arthritis (n=3), ankylosing spondylitis (n=2), Crohn’s disease
(n=1), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (n=1). Interview data was coded and thematically
organized using analytic induction. Results Results indicated that physical manifestations,
psychological manifestations, and alternative treatment options played a significant role in the
chronic illness process. Barriers to exercise, biographical disruptions, and feelings of loss were
found to influence how participants understood and accommodated for their diagnosis. Finally,
physical activity was described by participants as a means of alleviating negative physiological
and psychological symptoms related to their disease. Conclusions In addition to promoting
physical literacy, physical activity interventions may provide both physical and psychological
benefits for those diagnosed with autoimmune inflammatory disease. This research may further
inform effective and holistic treatment of autoimmune inflammatory illness and its many facets.
Title: Can a rapid goal-directed movement increase the proportion of correct responses in an
inspection time paradigm?
Authors: Hajj, J., Carlsen, A.
Abstract: Inspection time is a measure of the amount of time required for a visual stimulus to be
presented in order for it to be accurately perceived by a participant. The visual stimulus most
commonly used is a “pi” figure with differing leg lengths which is briefly presented (e.g. 20-200
ms) and then rapidly backward masked to prevent further visual processing. Participants are to
indicate which side (left or right) of the “pi” figure has the longest leg. While inspection time
paradigms have been used to assess differences in speed of perceptual processing between visual
fields, cerebral hemispheres, and individuals with differing IQs, it is unclear how a goal-directed
movement could influence perceptual processing. Thus, subjects will perform a goal-directed
movement as rapidly as possible to a given target while grasping the vertical rod of a two-joint
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robot manipulandum. When their limb reaches peak velocity a pi figure will be presented and
participants will engage in the inspection time paradigm. On some trials, however, subjects will
not be required to perform a rapid goal-directed movement but will instead be required to remain
idle during the inspection time paradigm. Results of both conditions (i.e. movement vs no
movement) will be compared to investigate whether participants could discern rapidly presented
visual stimuli more accurately at limb peak velocity in comparison to the no movement
condition.
Title: Children’s active transportation to school and other destinations
Authors: Williams, G., Janssen, I.
Abstract: Introduction: Active transportation (AT) is defined as “any form of human-powered
transportation” such as walking or cycling and only 24% of Canadian children use AT to and
from school. Research on AT suggests that the built environment can influence this physical
activity behaviour; understanding more about these factors could inform interventions to increase
physical activity. The goal of the proposed research is to describe AT levels in children to school
and other locations and determine whether a child’s neighbourhood is associated with their AT.
Methods: Data collection is currently underway and aims to recruit 450 children aged 10-13 in
Kingston, ON. Data are being obtained from accelerometers and GPS watches worn for seven
consecutive days as well as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) measures of the built
environment within a 1km network buffer of each participant’s home. A summary walkability
index will be created using factor analysis by combining block length, intersections/km2,
percentage of non-residential land and percentage of roads with sidewalks and speed limits
≤50km/h. Logistic regression will be used to model whether walkability predicts whether a child
used AT and generalized linear modelling will examine the relationship between walkability and
AT minutes. Expected outcomes: We hypothesize a large proportion of participants will not
participate in AT and among those who do, AT will be predicted by shorter block length, higher
intersection density, mixed-land use and road safety measures. This study is novel as it relies on
objective measures of AT and considers AT to destinations other than school.
Title: Postural stability and cycling in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Macedo, J., Malcom, R. & Vallis, L.A.
Abstract: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition caused by
damaged neurons within the basal ganglia, which can lead to postural instability. Past research
has shown continuous submaximal and interval based exercise to alleviate symptoms associated
with PD. Purpose: Evaluate postural changes in individuals with PD following participation in
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either a continuous or interval based cycling program. Pre and post exercise intervention status
was compared for biomechanical measures of postural stability, e.g. center of pressure (COP)
and Mini-BEST clinical test. Hypothesis: Overall improvements will result from both programs,
however interval cycling will produce greater effects. Eight subjects (6 male, 2 female) were
recruited although only 6 completed the protocol. Quiet standing trials using a force platform
(AMTI, Inc; 100 Hz) allowed for calculation of COP variables. Exercise occurred 3x/week for
10 weeks. Continuous cycling was completed at 55-65% peak power for 30 minutes (weeks 1-4),
40 minutes (weeks 5-7), and 50 minutes (weeks 8-10). Interval cycling involved ten 1 minute
intervals at 80-99% peak power, separated by 1 minute intervals at 10% peak power. Paired ttests indicated no significant effects of cycling on COP root mean square distance, time outside
the 95% confidence ellipse or Mini-BEST (p>0.05). However, significant exercise related
improvements on COP mean frequency and mean velocity (p<0.05) were observed. Summary:
Exercise improved postural stability, suggesting that cycling can benefit individuals with PD.
Title: Claiming ownership of one’s health: Group-based exercise to live well after breast cancer
Authors: Saunders, S., Wing, EK., Burke, S., Woodard, S & Brunet, J.
Abstract: Introduction: Exercise is a key strategy to help breast cancer survivors (BCS)
manage adverse physical and psychosocial symptoms after cancer treatment. Group-based
exercise programs provide BCS opportunities to engage in exercise within a safe and supportive
environment in order to manage these symptoms. We explored BCS’ experiences associated with
participating in an 8-week group-based program that involved a combination of endurance and
resistance exercises. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 BCS (Mage =
60.6 years) who participated in the program three times, namely once during the program (i.e., 14 weeks after the first session) and twice after the program (i.e., immediately after and 2 months
after the last session). Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and data were analyzed deductively
and inductively using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were identified demonstrating that
BCS experienced post-traumatic growth by participating in the program. These were (1)
appreciating life, (2) relating to others, (3) gaining personal strength, and (4) finding new
opportunities. These identified themes supported characteristics of patient activation such as: (1)
personal health care beliefs, (2) knowledge and confidence to take action, (3) taking action for
one’s health, and (4) implementing strategies to maintain health behaviours. Conclusions: The
finding that women experienced enhanced posttraumatic growth, which empowered them to
become advocates for their health, suggest group-based exercise programs may offer benefits
over and above commonly found physical and psychological improvements (i.e., symptoms
management). Therefore, BCS should be encouraged to participate in group-based exercise
programs.
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Title: Investigating the Motivational Interviewing techniques and behaviour change techniques
in physical activity counselling sessions: Preliminary results.
Authors: Gagnon, J. C., Fortier, M. S.
Abstract: Over the past 20 years, there has been a wealth of research on the implementation and
evaluation of physical activity promoting interventions (Kahn et al., 2002). Among these is
Physical Activity Counselling (PAC), an individual, face-to-face intervention that uses a
Motivational Interviewing (MI) counselling style and other behaviour change techniques for
eliciting physical activity behaviour change (Fortier et al., 2007; Fortier, William, et al., 2011).
Recently, the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy version 1 (BCTTv1) was developed to
provide an agreed and standard method of describing intervention content (Michie et al., 2013).
Given the poor representation of MI in the BCTTv1 and its proven effectiveness for changing
health behaviours (Lundahl et al., 2013), a recent conceptual review was conducted to identify
relational and content techniques specific to MI (Hardcastle, Fortier, Blake, & Hagger, 2016).
The purpose of this study is to identify and quantify the specific BCTs and MI techniques
applied during PAC sessions. Videotaped recordings of six PAC sessions were analyzed. Results
indicated that the most utilized BCTs include 3.1 Social support (unspecified) (k=6), 1.1 Goal
setting (behaviour) (k=4) and 1.2 Problem Solving (k=3). The most utilized relational techniques
of MI include Open-ended questions (k=6), Affirmation (k=6), Reflective statements (k=6),
Summary statements (k=6) and Permission to provide information and advice (k=5), whereas
Consider change options (k=4) and Values exploration (k=3) were the content techniques of MI
most frequently used. These preliminary findings shed light on the techniques applied and the
relational-content interplay during PAC.
Title: Exercise is Medicine® Canada on Campus Casebook: Investigating the development,
composition and experiences of Exercise is Medicine® Canada on Campus groups
Authors: McEachern, B., Tomasone, J., Yungblut, S.
Abstract: Background: Exercise is Medicine® (EIM) is a global health initiative that strives to
bring physical activity (PA) research into practice by promoting PA as a chronic disease
prevention and management strategy. The EIM Canada on Campus (EIMC-OC) program was
established in 2013 to foster relationships between health care professional trainees who support
the EIM philosophy, while providing opportunities for students to implement PA promotion
initiatives in their campus communities. Purpose: The purpose of the current project was to
work closely with representatives from EIMC-OC groups to compile information about the
development, composition and experiences of the groups into a comprehensive casebook.
Methods: Representatives from EIMC-OC groups completed a preliminary survey and
participated in a semi-structured interview that was guided by an evidence-based implementation
research framework. Group profiles were then created and verified by the group representatives.
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Results: The EIMC-OC Knowledge Translation Casebook includes detailed information about
the structure, initiatives, barriers, facilitators, and lessons of twelve EIMC-OC groups. The
casebook facilitates the sharing of ideas and best practices among EIMC-OC leaders. Key
recommendations for groups included involving a multidisciplinary group of students,
implementing a project-based approach where tasks are delegated to smaller working groups,
and devoting sufficient time to developing relationships with individuals, groups and
organizations in the campus community. Conclusions: The casebook provides tangible examples
of community-based efforts to promote PA within university and college communities. The
casebook supports the sustainability of EIMC-OC interventions by providing direction for
current EIMC-OC groups and for students interested in implementing an EIMC-OC group.
Title: Standing up for student health: an application of the health action process approach for
reducing student sedentary behavior.
Authors: Sui, W. & Prapavessis, H.
Abstract: Background: Sedentary behavior (SB) has been strongly associated with a wide array
of chronic diseases, such as Heart Disease, Obesity, Hypertension, and Type II Diabetes; the risk
also appears to greater the longer one engages in SB. Full-time University Students are a highrisk population for excessive SB due to their academic responsibilities (i.e. classes, studying)
which tend to be SBs. Increasing the frequency and length of breaks from sitting has been shown
to be an effective way to attenuate the deleterious effects of SB. The Health Action Process
Approach model for behavior change (HAPA) has proven to be an effective health behavior
change model for behaviors such as nutrition and seatbelt use, but has not yet been shown to be
effective for increasing non-sedentary behaviors. Objective: The purpose of this study is to
determine the effectiveness of the HAPA model in increasing non-sedentary behaviors in a fulltime university student population; specifically, increasing the break frequency and duration of
breaks from occupational (student) sitting time. Methods: Forty-five full-time university
students were recruited via posters across campus and randomized into intervention (sedentary
behavior change) or control (nutrition behavior change) groups. Participants completed a dietary
recall questionnaire and sedentary behavior recall questionnaire. Participants then received a
HAPA based counseling session tailored to their group. Participants received the SB
questionnaire weekly for the next two weeks. After three weeks, participants received a booster
HAPA counseling session and then received the weekly SB questionnaires for the next three
weeks, as well as a follow-up at least two weeks after the week 6 questionnaire. Occupational
(student) Break Frequency and Duration were assessed at eight time points (Baseline, Week 1-6,
Follow-up). Results: Study is still in the data collection phase.
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Title: The use of a health action process approach intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour in
adults
Authors: Rollo, S., Prapavessis, H.
Abstract: Sedentary behaviours (SBs) are characterized by low energy expenditure, prolonged
sitting, and minimal physical movement (Dunstan et al., 2012). Societal changes have resulted in
reduced demands to be active and greater sedentary time. There is research evidence
demonstrating that SB is deleteriously associated with cardiometabolic biomarkers, diabetes,
obesity, bone and vascular health (Proper et al., 2011). Researchers have emphasized the need
for interventions targeting the feasibility and efficacy of reducing sedentary time in adults as a
new health behaviour change objective (Owen et al., 2011). A model that has been used to
explain the adoption and maintenance of health behaviours is the Health Action Process
Approach (HAPA; Schwarzer, 2008). The purpose of my proposed research is to examine the
effectiveness of three HAPA-based interventions to: (1) target motivational HAPA variables and
intentions for reducing SB in middle-aged adults; (2) target both motivational and volitional
HAPA variables, reduce SB, and improve health outcomes in middle-aged adults; and (3) reduce
SB in a separate at risk population, respectively. Studies will employ prospective, randomized
controlled trial designs. This research may: (a) demonstrate the efficacy and feasibility of a
theory-driven intervention grounded in HAPA to reduce SB, (b) contribute to our knowledge of
social-cognitive constructs that influence SB and factors to be manipulated in population-based
efforts to reduce SB, and (c) aid in the development of evidence-based public health strategies
and large-scale interventions to reduce population SB levels.
Title: Evaluation of exercise is medicine from the perspective of fitness professionals
Authors: Nagpal, T., Stathokostas, L., Prapavessis, H., & Mottola, M.F.
Abstract: Exercise is Medicine (EIM) promotes physicians prescribing exercise and referring
patients to fitness professionals for guidance in increasing physical activity levels. Early focus in
research has been on improving the knowledge of physicians on how to prescribe exercise and
encouraging physicians to refer patients to fitness professionals, however the receiving end of the
referral procedure has not been examined. To understand fitness professionals’ current
knowledge on EIM and to learn their perspective on how to improve the exercise prescription
and referral procedure, 12 certified personal trainers employed at a campus recreation facility
with an active EIM on campus group, were recruited to participate in an EIM information session
and focus group. Personal trainers completed a pre-information session questionnaire (EIM
goals, mission, contents of the exercise prescription pad), followed by a 15 minute EIM
information session and then the same questionnaire was completed again. Average score on the
pre-information questionnaire (7 questions) was 30% which significantly improved to 82%
(p<0.05) after the information session. Immediately after the information session personal
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trainers participated in a focus group. Thematic analysis of the focus group identified four
suggestions: increase communication opportunities between physicians and fitness professionals,
increase promotion of EIM specifically as a prevention strategy, add progression and follow-up
details to the EIM prescription pad and increase educational opportunities about EIM for all staff
employed at a recreation facility. Results inform the need to increase opportunities to educate
fitness professionals about the EIM initiative so they are better prepared to receive patients
referred to exercise and can engage with physicians to promote EIM. Furthermore, by
incorporating the suggestions of fitness professionals to improve the exercise prescription and
referral procedure, EIM can improve its effectiveness in increasing physical activity levels of all
populations.
Title: The acute effects of nicotine and exercise on working memory
Authors: Guirguis, S., Sui, Y., Prapavessis, H.
Abstract: Due to addictive nature of nicotine, overcoming a smoking addiction is one of the
toughest battles a smoker encounters (Schelling, 1992). This road is filled with many obstacles,
leaving few successful. Quitters must overcome cravings, withdrawal behaviors, and decrements
in cognitive ability. Fortunately, nicotine reduces cravings and protects smokers from the
cognitive decrements that follow quitting (Heishman, Kleykamp, & Singleton, 2010). Nicotine
also enhances cognitive performances in non-smokers. Similarly, exercise can improve cognitive
performances (Chang, Labban, Gapin, & Etnier, 2012). If exercise improves cognitive
performance similarly to nicotine, then cognitive performance scores should be comparable. A
randomized, counterbalanced procedure compared working memory (N-Back Task) in nonsmokers after administration of 4 mg nicotine gum or 20mins of moderate-intensity exercise.
Paired samples t-test indicated significant improvement in accuracy t(22)=4.357, p=.000 and
reaction time t(22)=3.099, p=.005 after exercise and significant improvement in reaction time
t(22)=3.204, p=.004 but non significant improvement in participant’s accuracy t(22)=.866,
p=.396 after chewing nicotine gum. This study is the first of its kind, demonstrating that exercise
improves working memory better than nicotine in a non-smoker population. Future studies
should explore whether exercise can protect abstinent smokers from the typical cognitive
decrements that follows quitting.
Title: Promoting benefits of physical activity through persuasive communication.
Authors: Patil, P., Salmoni, A.
Abstract: In Canada, between the years of 2007 to 2011 only 18.9% of young adults aged 18 to
39 met the recommended guidelines for physical activity (“Directly measured physical activity
of Canadian adults, 2007 to 2011,” 2013). Sallis (2000) states that inactivity early in life can lead
to inactively later in life, which can result in many negative outcomes to your physical health,
mental health and appearance/social status. The primary purpose of this study is to determine if
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gain- or loss-framed messages about physical activity will change the intentions, attitudes and
behaviours of university students who are in the contemplation or preparation stage. The
secondary purpose is to determine if framing the message in terms of the physical health
benefits, the appearance/social benefits or mental health benefits will change the intentions,
attitude and behaviour of undergraduate students. 120 (60 boys and 60 girls) undergraduate
students will be recruited from the University of Western Ontario. Participants must be between
the ages of 18 and 35 years of age (young adults). Each participant will be given a preintervention questionnaire, physical activity log, 1 of 6 framed messages and a post-intervention
questionnaire. The questions will measure participants’ attitude, intention and behaviour towards
physical activity. After the study is completed the findings will be disseminated to the Canadian
Cancer Society to help enhance their advocacy and prevention campaigns so they can more
effectively create behaviour change in the community.
Title: Behaviour change intervention strategies to prevent excessive gestational weight gain
using a Nutrition and Exercise Lifestyle Intervention Program (NELIP) in obese pregnant
women.
Author: Hosein, K., Nagpal, T., Prapavessis, H., Campbell, C., Mottola, M.F.
Abstract: Maternal obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) is associated with an
increased incidence of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The purpose is to evaluate the
effectiveness of different behaviour change intervention strategies at preventing early and total
EGWG in obese women. It is hypothesized that the introduction of a single behaviour change,
followed by a second, will be more effective at preventing early and total EGWG in obese
women compared to the early simultaneous introduction of both behaviour changes (NELIP;
Mottola, et al., 2010). Thirty-six pregnant women will be block randomized into one of 3
intervention strategy groups (nutrition first, exercise first, or simultaneous) and assessed for
progresses at 24-25 weeks and 36-38 weeks gestation. Birth outcome assessment will also be
performed. Prevention of EGWG is expected to favour the nutrition first group with an overall
decreased incidence of large babies.