Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE)

McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
What the facility does

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.

Areas of expertise

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.

Research services
  • 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
Sectors of application
  • Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
Specialized labEquipmentFunction
PACE Neuro GymAretech ZeroG Gait and Balance SystemOverground gait and balance training system with dynamic body-weight support and fall protection mechanism.
PACE Neuro GymHocoma Lokomat Robotic Assist Walking DeviceRobot-assisted physiological gait rehabilitation for patients with severe neurological impairments.
PACE Neuro GymAndago Body Weight Support Woodway Treadmill (2)Treadmill-based gait training with body-weight support system.
PACE Main GymTechnogym Selection Strength Training Machines (17)Strength training machines for each major muscle group. Dual adjustable pulley systems for accessible resistance exercise.
PACE Main GymLife Fitness Total Body Arc Trainers with C Console (model INATTSC-ALLXX) (4)Upper/lower extremity cardiovascular exercise trainer.
PACE Main GymNuStep Recumbent Steppers (4)Upper/lower extremity cardiovascular exercise trainer.
PACE Main GymLife 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 GymSciFit PRO2 Total Body Exerciser - Standard Seat (model PRO232-INT)Cardiovascular trainer with upper/lower extremity motion and removable seat for wheelchair access.
PACE Main GymStair 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 GymUpright (10) and recumbent (16) leg cyclesStationary lower extremity cycles for cardiovascular training.
PACE Neuro GymEqualizer Strength Training Stations (2)Wheelchair-accessible upper extremity strength training stations.
PACE Neuro GymNeuroGym 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 LabBOD POD, InBody Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis UnitUsed to measure body composition.
Protein Metabolism Research LabHand DynamometerUsed to measure hand grip strength.
Protein Metabolism Research LabDual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) equipmentUsed to measure bone mineral density and body composition.
Protein Metabolism Research LabBiodex isokinetic dynamometerUsed to measure force and power of muscle contractions.
Vascular Dynamics LabCardiovascular ultrasound technologyUsed to measure structure and function of the heart and associated vessels.
NeuroFit LabElectroencephalography (EEG) equipmentUsed to measure electrical activity in the brain.
PACE Treatment RoomTherapeutic ultrasound machineOffers dual frequency ultrasound therapy for muscles, joint, and ligaments.

 

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