Faculty Directory

BSc: University of British Columbia (Zoology)
MSc: University of Guelph (Zoology – physiology)
PhD: University of Guelph (Zoology – physiology/nutrition/toxicology)
Post-doctoral fellowship: University of British Columbia (Zoology – biochemistry/physiology)
Post-doctoral fellowship: University of British Columbia (Anatomy – toxicology/physiology)

Nutrition
Research Methods and Statistics

My research interests have been focused mainly in the area of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).  My initial research examined the effects of maternal alcohol consumption on maternal and fetal calcium regulation, bone metabolism and bone development using a rat model.  In 2006, I began collaborating with Alison Pritchard Orr and Chris Bertram to develop and evaluate intervention programs for children with FASD.

Neuropsychological deficits, resulting from damage to the developing brain, are the most devastating effects of prenatal alcohol exposure for individuals with FASD.  Intervention programs have the potential to improve the neuropsychological deficits and thus reduce the burden on affected individuals, families and society.  One intervention strategy that appears promising for improving multiple areas of the lives of individuals with FASD is exercise or physical activity.  Physical activity improves both physical and mental health, and studies using animal models indicate that it can improve some of the neuropsychological deficits induced by prenatal alcohol exposure.  We developed a physical activity program, FAST Club, for children with FASD and have been examining its effects on motor skills, executive function, adaptive and maladaptive behaviours, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function, and, in collaboration with researchers from Sunnyhill Health Centre for Children, sleep disturbances. 

More recently, Alison Pritchard Orr and I have been collaborating with researchers from the University of Victoria to investigate if exercise (FAST Club) can enhance the effects of a cognitive training intervention for children with FASD.  We are also collaborating with researchers from Queen’s University to investigate the effects of exergames on neuropsychological function and fitness.  Exergames integrates video game play with exercise via the pedaling of recumbent, stationary bikes. The child moves their avatar in the video games by pedal power.  In collaboration with Central Elementary Community School and the Chilliwack School District we are also determining the feasibility of embedding FAST Club into the public school curriculum to increase accessibility for affected children. 

Neuro-Exergaming For All: Bringing Fun, Social Engagement and Physical Activity to Children with CP and Children with FASD.  J. Reynolds and N. Graham, Principal Investigators.  Co-investigators K. Keiver and A. Pritchard-Orr.  Total grant is $410,361 over 3 yrs.  Our portion is $43,470 over 2 yrs (2016-2018).  Awarded 2015 from NeuroDevNet/Kid’s Brain Health Network.

Priming cognitive training with exercise – a pilot study. K. Keiver and A. Pritchard Orr.  $1000 for 1 yr (2016).  Awarded 2016 from the Faculty of Health Sciences Internal Research Grant, UFV.  

Priming cognitive training with exercise – a pilot study. K. Keiver and A. Pritchard Orr.  $1000  for 1 yr (2016).  Awarded 2016 from the Chilliwack School District #33.

FAST Club: a physical activity program for children with FASD. K. Keiver and A. Pritchard Orr. $5,000. Awarded 2015 from Ministry of Education, Province of BC. Chilliwack School District #33.

FAST Club: a physical activity program for children with FASD. K. Keiver and A. Pritchard Orr. $23,753 for 2 yrs (2014-2016). Awarded 2014 from NeuroDevNet, Networks of Centres of Excellence.

Strength-Based Interventions for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. C. Bertram, K. Keiver, A. Pritchard-Orr, J. Reynolds, S. Clarren, R. Mandryk, B. Gooch and S. Dunne.  $150,000 over 2 yrs (2010 – 2012).  Awarded 2010 from the Opportunities Initiative, NeuroDevNet and GRAND, Networks of Centres of Excellence.

Toward Exercise Intervention for Children with FASD: a Strength-based Approach. C. Bertram, A. Pritchard-Orr, K. Keiver and S. Clarren. Awarded by the Victoria Foundation. 2007 – 2010.

Presentations

Keiver, K. and A. Pritchard Orr.  (2017). FAST means awesome!  What we’ve learned from FAST Club.  Oral presentation in symposium “Motor skills and FASD: translating knowledge into clinical practice” at the 7^th International FASD conference, March 1-4, 2017, Vancouver, BC.

Pritchard Orr, A., and Keiver, K. 2014. FAST Club: Working the brain with the body while having fun; a school-based intervention for children with FASD. Presented at: NEUROGAME 2 Workshop. Oct 18, 2014, Toronto, ON.

Conference poster presentations/published abstracts

Keiver, K., J. Walesch*, and A. Pritchard Orr. (2017) Effect of a physical activity program (FAST Club) on fitness measures in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.   Alcoholism: Clin. Exp. Res. 41 (Suppl S1): 221A.

Keiver, K., A. Pritchard Orr, L. Waddington, and J. Friesen. (2016) An exercise intervention for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder as a public-school program: a feasibility perspective.   Alcoholism: Clin. Exp. Res. 40 (Suppl S1): 99A.

Keiver, K., Gaetz, M., Bertram, C., Pritchard Orr, A., Mandryk, R., Khaleel, B. and Clarren, S. (2014) Preliminary effects of a neurofeedback program on executive function measures in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.  Alcoholism: Clin. Exp. Res. 38 (Suppl): 180A.

Keiver, K., Pritchard Orr, A., Bertram, C., Gill, K. and Clarren, S. (2014) Effects of a motor skill program on neurocognitive function (NEPSY-II) in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.  Alcoholism: Clin. Exp. Res. 38 (Suppl): 180A.

Keiver, K., Bertram, C.P., Pritchard Orr, A., Ipsiroglu, O., Khaleel, B., Gaetz, M., Reynolds, J.N. and Clarren, S.  (2013)  Sleep disturbances in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).  Alcoholism: Clin. Exp. Res. 37 (Suppl S2): 104A.

Bertram, C.P., Pritchard Orr, A., Keiver, K., Konarski, R., Khaleel, B., and Clarren. S.K. (2012) Motor development characteristics in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). J. Sport Exercise Psych. 34 (Suppl.): S153.

Bertram, C.P., Mandryk, R., Keiver, K., Pritchard Orr, A., Khaleel, B. Dunne, S., Reynolds, J.N., and Gaetz, M. (2012) Video games as therapy: the impact of a novel neurofeedback intervention for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) J. Sport Exercise Psych. 34 (Suppl): S152.

Keiver, K., Bertram, C.P., Pritchard Orr, P., Konarski, R.M., Thomas, M., and Clarren, S.  (2012). Salivary cortisol levels are elevated in the afternoon and at bedtime in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.  Alcoholism: Clin. Exp. Res. 36 (6, Suppl): 277A.

Reynolds, J., Bertram, C., Keiver, K., Pritchard-Orr, A., and Titman, R. 2011.  A motor skills intervention program for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: impact on cognitive function.  Presented at the 2011 Brain Development Conference.  NeuroDevNet.  June 19-21, 2011.  Vancouver, B.C.

Keiver, K., Bertram, C., Pritchard Orr, A., Konarski, R., Thomas, M.*, Atkinson, B., and Clarren, S. 2011.  Preliminary effects of a motor skill development program on a test of executive function in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.  Alcoholism: Clin. Exp. Res. 35 (Suppl): 112A.

Bertram, C.P., Konarski, R., Keiver, K., Pritchard Orr, A., Khaleel, B., Towers, J. and Clarren, S.K.  2011.  Improved motor abilities following a strength-based intervention program for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).  J. Sport Exercise Psych. 33 (Suppl): S25.

Bertram, C.P., Konarski, R., Keiver, K., Pritchard Orr, A., Khaleel, B., Berkiw, B. and Clarren, S.K.  2011.  Adaptive functioning before and after a strength-based intervention program for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD): First year findings.  J. Sport Exercise Psych. 33 (Suppl): S25.

Keiver, K., Bertram, C., Pritchard-Orr, A., Konarski, R., Thomas, M.*, Atkinson, B., and Clarren, S. 2010. Preliminary evaluation of a strength-based intervention program on neuropsychological function in children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Alcoholism: Clin. Exp. Res. 34(6): 99A.

Bertram, C., Konarski, R., Keiver, K., Pritchard-Orr, A., Khaleel, B., and Clarren, S.K. 2010.  Motor abilities following a strength-based intervention program for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): 1^st and 2^nd year data. J. Sport Exercise Psych. 32: S36.

Bertram, C.P., Pritchard-Orr, A., Keiver, K., Konarski, R., and Clarren, S.K. Finding strengths, building hope: a strength-based intervention for children with FASD. Presented at the 26^th Annual Pacific Rim International Conference on Disabilities. April 2010. Honolulu, Hawaii.

Glasgow, K., Brar, R., Konarski, R., Pritchard Orr, A., Van Dyke, T., Woods, B., Keiver, K., Clarren, S.K., and Bertram, C.P.  2009. Toward Exercise Intervention for Children with FASD: A Strength-Based Approach. Presented at Paediatric Symposium ’09: “Getting to Participation”, Burnaby, BC.

Bertram, C.P., Konarski, R., Keiver, K., Pritchard Orr, A., and Clarren, S.K.  2009. Changes in motor abilities following a strength-based intervention program for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): preliminary findings. J. Sport Exercise Psych. 31 (Suppl): S27.

Keiver, K., Bertram, C.P., Pritchard-Orr, A., Konarski, R., Thomas, M.*, & Clarren., S.  2009. Effect of a strength-based motor skill development program on salivary cortisol levels in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.  Alcoholism: Clin. Exp. Res. 33: 40A.

Mina Thomas*, Kathy Keiver, Alison Pritchard Orr, Chris Bertram, Ryan Konarski, Sterling Clarren and Brian Atkinson.  Effects of a strength-based motor skill development program on tests of behaviour and adaptive functioning in children with FASD.  3^rd International Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.  Victoria, B.C. March 2009.

Pritchard Orr, A., Keiver, K., Bertram, C.P. and Clarren, S.  In press.  FAST Club: The impact of a physical activity intervention on executive function in children with FASD.  Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly.

Keiver, K., C.P. Bertram, A. Pritchard Orr and S. Clarren.  2015.  Salivary cortisol levels are elevated in the afternoon and at bedtime in children with prenatal alcohol exposure.  Alcohol 49(1): 79-87.

Snow, M.E. and K. Keiver. 2007. Prenatal alcohol exposure disrupts the histological stages of fetal bone development. Bone 41: 181-187.

Duggal, S., M.E. Simpson and K. Keiver. 2007. Effect of chronic ethanol consumption on the response of parathyroid hormone to hypocalcemia in the pregnant rat. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 31:104-112.

Keiver, K., M.E. Simpson and S. Duggal. 2005. Ethanol administration results in a prolonged decrease in blood ionized calcium levels in the rat . Alcohol 37: 173-178.

Sran, M.M., Khan, K.M., Keiver, K., Chew, J., McKay, H.A. and T.R. Oxland. 2005.Accuracy of DXA scanning of the thoracic spine: cadaveric studies comparing BMC, areal BMD, and geometric estimates of volumetric BMD against ash weight and CT measures of bone volume. European Spine Journal 14: 971-976.

Simpson, M.E., S. Duggal and K. Keiver. 2005. Prenatal ethanol exposure has differential effects on fetal growth and skeletal ossification. Bone 36: 521-532.

Keiver, K. and J. Weinberg. 2004. Effect of duration of alcohol consumption on calcium metabolism and bone in the fetal rat. Alcohol Clin. Exp. Res. 28: 456-467.

Keiver, K. 2004. Ethanol interferes with the measurement of extracellular ionized calcium. Alcohol Clin. Exp. Res. 28: 153-159.

Keiver, K. and J. Weinberg. 2003. Effect of duration of alcohol consumption on calcium and bone metabolism during pregnancy in the rat. Alcohol Clin. Exp. Res. 27: 1507-1519.

Keiver, K., L. Ellis, A. Anzarut and J. Weinberg. 1997. The effect of prenatal ethanol exposure on fetal calcium metabolism. Alcohol Clin. Exp. Res. 21: 1612-1618.

Keiver, K.M., L. Herbert and J. Weinberg. 1996.The effect of maternal ethanol consumption on maternal and fetal calcium metabolism. Alcohol Clin. Exp. Res. 20: 1305-1312.

Keiver, K.M., J. Weinberg and P.W. Hochachka. 1992. Roles of catecholamines and corticosterone during anoxia and recovery at 5°C in turtles. Am. J. Physiol. 263: R770-R775.

Keiver, K.M., J. Weinberg and P.W. Hochachka. 1992. The effect of anoxic submergence and recovery on circulating levels of catecholamines and corticosterone in the turtle, Chrysemys picta. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 85: 308-315.

Keiver, K.M. and P.W. Hochachka. 1991. Catecholamine stimulation of hepatic glycogenolysis during anoxia in the turtle, Chrysemys picta. Am. J. Physiol. 261: R1341-R1345.

Keiver, K.M., H.H. Draper and K. Ronald. 1988. Vitamin D metabolism in the hooded seal (Cystophora cristata). J. Nutr. 118: 332-341.

Keiver, K.M., K. Ronald and H.H. Draper. 1988. Plasma levels of vitamin D and some metabolites in marine mammals. Can. J. Zool. 66: 1297-1300.

Keiver, K.M., M. Chandler, R. Frank and K. Ronald. 1987. Plasma and blood volumes of the hooded seal (Cystophora cristata). Can. J. Zool. 65: 1866-1867.

Ronald, K., K.M. Keiver, F.W.H. Beamish and R. Frank. 1984. Energy requirements for maintenance and faecal and urinary losses of the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus). Can. J. Zool. 62: 1101-1105.

Keiver, K.M., H.H. Draper, M. Hadley and K. Ronald. 1984. Calcium and phosphorus balance in juvenile harp seals (Phoca groenlandica). Can. J. Zool. 62: 777-782.

Keiver, K.M., K. Ronald and F.W.H. Beamish. 1984. Metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance and faecal and urinary losses of juvenile harp seals (Phoca groenlandica). Can. J. Zool. 62: 769-776.