Faculty of Health Sciences
Health Sciences faculty are actively involved in research in a variety of areas and research topics. Below is a summary of some research currently being conducted by health sciences faculty. Students enrolled in health sciences programs may have the opportunity to participate in research. Opportunities within kinesiology and nursing will be updated frequently and listed below.
We are conducting a study to explore patients’ preferred ways to be introduced to the biopsychosocial model of pain, and to explore barriers to discussing the psychological and social factors associated with chronic pain. The biopsychosocial model of pain describes pain as a complex phenomenon that is influenced by your body (biology), thoughts and emotions (psychology), and relationships (social). The study will involve a baseline survey that includes demographics, pain history, quality of life, and knowledge about pain neuroscience. You will then be assigned to a focus group that will include 5 to 8 individuals similarly living with persistent pain and the group will be led by a trained facilitator. Focus groups are often aimed to gain insight on a topic of interest. In our case, we want to hear from you about how to communicate knowledge about the latest in pain science in a sensitive manner.
This is patient-oriented research project, and our team includes researchers, a student, and community partners with lived experience. The study is led by Dr. Cynthia Thomson (Kinesiology at the University of the Fraser Valley) working with Dr. Luisa Giles (Kinesiology, UFV) and Dr. Leanne Cianfrini (Registered Psychologist) from Actum Health. Our student research assistant is Katherine Holden. We are grateful for our community partner, Renee Pain, who is supporting and guiding the study.
Please contact Dr. Cynthia Thomson if you have questions about the research at cynthia.thomson@ufv.ca. If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact our study team email at talkaboutpain.ufv@gmail.com
HREB Protocol No: 101389
This study explores the benefits of a movement intervention on heart rate variability and self-compassion among women who are less than six months postpartum. Participants may be placed in an in-person movement class, or given access to an online movement class.
*Currently recruiting research participants!*
For more information please contact Dr. Iris Lesser (Iris.Lesser@ufv.ca)
Research Team: University of the Fraser Valley - Dr. Iris Lesser, Dr. Gillian Hatfield, Dr. Amanda Wurz | Brock University - Dr. Corliss Bean
In this study, we want to determine which core exercises produce patterns of muscle activity that are most similar to patterns we see during walking and running. The core exercises that produce muscle activity most similar to walking and running might be the best exercises for improving running performance.
This study will involve one visit to the Human Performance Lab in the School of Kinesiology at the University of the Fraser Valley (Chilliwack campus). This visit will last approximately two hours. You will be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire, walk and run on a treadmill while we measure muscle activity of your shoulder, abdominal, low back, and hip muscles using non-invasive sensors that stick to the skin above the muscles, do various core exercises, and then do some strength testing.
*Currently recruiting research participants!*
For more information please contact Gillian.Hatfield@ufv.ca
Researcher: Dr. Gillian Hatfield
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In this study, we want to find out if there are relationships between muscle activation patterns that are shown to predict knee osteoarthritis progression and balance, perceived instability, and a decreased ability to know what position your knee joint is in.
This study will involve one visit to the Human Performance Lab in the School of Kinesiology at the University of the Fraser Valley (Chilliwack campus). This visit will last approximately two hours. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires, complete a balance test, walk on a treadmill while we measure muscle activity of your thigh muscles using non-invasive sensors that stick to the skin above the muscles, and do some strength testing.
*Currently recruiting research participants!*
For more information please contact Gillian.Hatfield@ufv.ca
Researcher: Dr. Gillian Hatfield
We are looking for participants of all fitness levels to engage in a research study looking at the role of cardiorespiratory fitness on relative hiking intensity. Since the COVID-19 pandemic outdoor physical activity such as hiking has skyrocketed with many benefits to mental and physical health. One of the ways that individuals often choose hiking locations is based on their ratings of easy, intermediate or difficult as found in hiking guidebooks online. These ratings are based on the elevation change of the hike over time but don’t account for individual fitness levels of those using the trails. We therefore are aiming to learn more about how physical fitness levels impact the perception and physical challenges of hikes classified as easy or intermediate.
For more information please contact ufv.hikingstudy@gmail.com
Research Team: Dr. Iris Lesser and Dr. Cynthia Thomson