Specialized research centre dedicated to studying and improving health and well-being among older adults and individuals with chronic disease or disability through exercise, nutrients, and nutraceuticals.
Internationally-renowned researchers at the Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE) work together to study and enhance the physiological and psychological benefits of exercise for older adults and individuals living with chronic disease or disability, including multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, cancer, dementia, and spinal cord injury. Areas of study include physiology, neurology, behavioural sciences, and physical function/mobility.
Areas of research expertise include: human skeletal muscle health and aging, clinical nutrition, exercise physiology, geriatrics and gerontology, nutritional physiology, brain health and aging, behavioral neuroscience of learning and memory, cognitive sciences, mental health, neurological disorders, animal physiology, metabolism, skeletal muscle biology and physiology, sports nutrition, neuromuscular plasticity in health and disease, animal cell and molecular biology, cardiology and circulatory sciences, sensorimotor control, health and community services, health promotion and disease prevention, physical therapy, and rehabilitation sciences.
Affiliated kinesiology research laboratories include the Vascular Dynamics Lab, Molecular Exercise Physiology and Muscle Aging Lab, Protein Metabolism Research Lab, Integrative Neuromuscular Biology Lab, Human Performance Lab, Biomechanics and Motor Control Lab, and the NeuroFit Lab.
- Consultation and professional services of health care professionals (physiotherapists and kinesiologists) and exercise specialists (exercise physiologists, cancer exercise trainers) including physical assessments, exercise training and instruction, and fitness evaluation (strength, aerobic, flexibility, agility, balance)
- Facility usage (7,500+ sq ft) including access to state-of-the-art strength training equipment, aerobic conditioning equipment, and specialized gait training technology
- Body composition analysis
- Blood draws
- Muscle biopsies
- Accessible on-campus parking
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
Specialized labs and equipment
| Specialized lab | Equipment | Function |
|---|---|---|
| PACE Neuro Gym | Aretech ZeroG Gait and Balance System | Overground gait and balance training system with dynamic body-weight support and fall protection mechanism. |
| PACE Neuro Gym | Hocoma Lokomat Robotic Assist Walking Device | Robot-assisted physiological gait rehabilitation for patients with severe neurological impairments. |
| PACE Neuro Gym | Andago Body Weight Support Woodway Treadmill (2) | Treadmill-based gait training with body-weight support system. |
| PACE Main Gym | Technogym Selection Strength Training Machines (17) | Strength training machines for each major muscle group. Dual adjustable pulley systems for accessible resistance exercise. |
| PACE Main Gym | Life Fitness Total Body Arc Trainers with C Console (model INATTSC-ALLXX) (4) | Upper/lower extremity cardiovascular exercise trainer. |
| PACE Main Gym | NuStep Recumbent Steppers (4) | Upper/lower extremity cardiovascular exercise trainer. |
| PACE Main Gym | Life Fitness Discover SI 95T Elevation Treadmill with 10" console (model 95T1-DOMXX) (9) | Treadmills suitable for walking, jogging, and running with multiple program options. |
| PACE Neuro Gym | SciFit PRO2 Total Body Exerciser - Standard Seat (model PRO232-INT) | Cardiovascular trainer with upper/lower extremity motion and removable seat for wheelchair access. |
| PACE Main Gym | Stair climbers (2) | Cardiovascular fitness machine that simulates stair climbing. |
| PACE Main Gym/Neuro Gym | Monark Arm Ergometers (16) | Upper extremity cycles for cardiovascular training. |
| PACE Main Gym | Upright (10) and recumbent (16) leg cycles | Stationary lower extremity cycles for cardiovascular training. |
| PACE Neuro Gym | Equalizer Strength Training Stations (2) | Wheelchair-accessible upper extremity strength training stations. |
| PACE Neuro Gym | NeuroGym Sit-to-Stand Trainers (2) | Actively assists the sit-to-stand motion using a counter-weight mechanism for effective strengthening of weight-bearing muscles. |
| Protein Metabolism Research Lab | BOD POD, InBody Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Unit | Used to measure body composition. |
| Protein Metabolism Research Lab | Hand Dynamometer | Used to measure hand grip strength. |
| Protein Metabolism Research Lab | Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) equipment | Used to measure bone mineral density and body composition. |
| Protein Metabolism Research Lab | Biodex isokinetic dynamometer | Used to measure force and power of muscle contractions. |
| Vascular Dynamics Lab | Cardiovascular ultrasound technology | Used to measure structure and function of the heart and associated vessels. |
| NeuroFit Lab | Electroencephalography (EEG) equipment | Used to measure electrical activity in the brain. |
| PACE Treatment Room | Therapeutic ultrasound machine | Offers dual frequency ultrasound therapy for muscles, joint, and ligaments. |
Private and public sector research partners
- ForaHealthyMe Inc.
- Tonal Strength Institute
- Arthritis Society Canada
- Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D Canada)
Additional information