Spring/summer preview of PERFORM programs
For many, the arrival of warm weather means slowing down the pace. Not so at the PERFORM Centre. After busy fall and winter terms, the centre will continue to expand its research mandate and build on community programs throughout the spring and summer.
“We’ve had a very busy year,” says Kevin Little, PERFORM’s chief administrative officer. “Research has really taken off and we’ve had good success with lifestyle management programs such as Healthy Weight, Healthy Cooking and athletic therapy. We’re going to continue to ride this momentum.”
Expanding multidisciplinary research
Numerous research projects are either in full swing or in the developmental phase. “What we’re seeing at PERFORM is the emergence of research that is multidisciplinary and cross-institutional in nature,” says Louis Bherer, PERFORM’s scientific director. “This is good news as this falls squarely within Concordia’s greater research goals.”
Here’s a peek at what’s happening at PERFORM:
* Dr. Kaberi Dasgupta of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) will continue her research on eating behaviours and physical activity habits in women with a history of gestational diabetes. Participants in this project learn how to prepare diet-specific meals in PERFORM’s teaching kitchen.
* Louis Bherer will act as the principle investigator on a research project funded by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux (MSSS) with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, which will research the effects of dance and movement therapy on elderly populations.
* Karen Li from the Department of Psychology recently received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to support her work on the impact of hearing impairment on mobility in older adults.
* Onur Bodur, director of the Centre for Multidisciplinary Behavioural Business Research at the John Molson School of Business, will also pursue his research on the promotion of exercise behaviours with simple messages. Moreover, seed-funded projects from Concordia researchers in exercise science, psychology and chemistry continue to be developed.
Community programs supported by research and best practices
The 2013-14 academic year saw increased participation in PERFORM’s numerous community programs. Programs will be offered throughout the spring and summer as PERFORM hopes to attract a growing number of participants.
“What makes our programs unique is that we ensure that they are supported by the latest research and best practice,” says Marion Lowe, clinical exercise manager. “Whether it’s our numerous fitness programs, athletic therapy services or cooking sessions, the idea is to equip people with the tools they need to make meaningful, long-term lifestyle changes.”
Healthy Weight and small-group training classes will have flexible hours to better meet the needs of participants and a noon-hour walk-and-talk has been added to the centre’s program offerings. Healthy Cooking classes will also be offered in May and June.
PERFORM’s athletic therapy clinic will host 12 interns and expand on its optimal performance program designed to maximize mobility, stability and strength in clients who engage in such sports as tennis and golf.
“We are starting to hit our stride as a research centre based in the community that integrates education,” says Little. “We welcome the Concordia community to discover how these elements are coming together to create a unique model that addresses preventative health and lifestyle management.”
For details regarding research at PERFORM as well as community programs open to students, staff and faculty, visit the PERFORM Centre page.
Related links:
• PERFORM Centre
• “Pas de deux” –NOW, April 23, 2013 (More on the collaboration with Les Grands Ballets)