Q&A: Guy Faulkner- Physical Activity and Mental Health

Q&A: Guy Faulkner- Physical Activity and Mental Health

Guy Faulkner, professor in the School of Kinesiology and head of the Population Physical Activity (Pop-PA) Lab, shares his research insights on the relationship between physical activity and mental health.

What does the Pop-PA Lab do?

The Pop-PA Lab conducts research incorporating a range of disciplinary perspectives and research designs, theoretical and methodological approaches in addressing three critical questions:

  • What factors cause or prevent physical (in)activity and sedentary behaviour?
  • How does participation in physical activity influence mental health?
  • How are physical activity initiatives best designed, delivered and disseminated for the general population?

From your research, can you comment on how physical activity impacts or influences mental health?

This is an important relationship to examine. People with good mental health are more likely to be active, and being physically active improves mental health. Looking at how to intervene when this cycle is broken is the key challenge of some of my research.

Can you break down the term “physical activity”? Are some types of physical activity better for mental health than others?

Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that result in energy expenditure. Physical activity in daily life can be categorized into different domains like leisure or recreation, occupational, household, or other activities like travelling to work.

Exercise is physical activity that is planned, structured, and repetitive and often with the goal of improving or maintaining fitness. I think it’s likely a case of different strokes for different folks – different types and doses of physical activity work for people differently and at different times.

There is some suggestion that the physical activity we choose to do, is more reliably associated with better mental health than activity you have less control, interest or choice over – like doing housework.

What advice would you offer to readers who would like to integrate physical activity as an approach to improve their mental health and wellbeing?

The best dose of physical activity for mental health is the dose you’re going to do. Find what you enjoy and do that. It’s got to be a pleasurable experience and of course what people find pleasurable will vary widely among individuals.

Looking at the big picture, what are the most effective physical activity interventions for the general population?

Initiatives supporting active travel – to the workplace or to schools for example – show promise at the population level. Initiatives that help people integrate greater physical activity into their day are more likely to have a sustainable impact.

Can you share some updates from your research?

I have been working on the development of the new Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) 2016 Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Adults with Major Depressive Disorder.

In an important change to the guidelines, exercise is now recommended in Canada as first-line mono therapy (a single treatment for a particular disorder or disease) for mild to moderate depression and as second-line adjunctive treatment (a secondary used together with the primary treatment) for moderate to severe depression. This is an exciting opportunity for examining how kinesiologists can be integrated as part of the mental health care team.

About Dr. Guy Faulkner

Guy FaulknerDr. Guy Faulkner is a Professor in the School of Kinesiology, head of the Population Physical Activity Lab and a Canadian Institutes of Health Research-Public Health Agency of Canada (CIHR-PHAC) Chair in Applied Public Health. Dr. Faulkner is currently an investigator with the Ontario Tobacco Research Unit (OTRU) and a Research Affiliate of the Alberta Centre for Active Living. Dr. Faulkner serves on the ParticipACTION research committee and is a member of the Research Work Group for the annual Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth. Dr. Faulkner is the founding editor of the Elsevier journal Mental Health and Physical Activity.

Broadly, his research has focused on two inter-related themes: the development and evaluation of physical activity interventions; and physical activity and mental health. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Faulkner’s research, follow him at @guyfaulkner on Twitter.

 

 

 

Integrating Indigenous knowledges in teaching: When will we be ready?

The following is an excerpt from, “Integrating Indigenous knowledges in teaching: When will we be ready?” by Emi Sasagawa that first appeared on The Centre for Teaching Learning and Technology on May 30th, 2017. Read the full article here.

On May 2 the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology held a panel discussion on integrating Indigenous content and perspectives in the classroom. The event brought together five settler scholars from departments across the university to share their experiences and to discuss, “When will we be ready?”

“My number one anxiety is taking space,” said Moss Norman, Assistant Professor in the School of Kinesiology. “I wonder if by teaching this course I’m taking more space and not making enough space because there are people who are significantly better qualified to teach this course than myself, and I recognize that.”

Norman teaches the only Indigenous focused course currently offered in Kinesiology, which he wanted to use to explore Indigenous movement. Movement is essential to colonization, he says, the restriction of movement, the displacement and dispossession of Indigenous territories, right down to the most personal level, but movement has also been critical to Indigenous continuance, regeneration and resurgence. He employed talking circles to help students learn from their peers and bring in other dimensions of learning to the classroom.

“My class was only 13 students, but the students really appreciate it when you make yourself vulnerable. I would share with students what I had learned and I would always be careful in telling them where those teachings came from.”

BodSquad Application

Barnes, Bev (1951-2016)

Bev Barnes’ teammates and friends speak fondly of her when they refer to her as a “basketball player, coach and lunatic”.

Bev, who passed away in 2016, was a cherished friend and teacher to many. Along the way, she exhibited impressive athletic skills in many sports but particularly in basketball. After excelling as an athlete in high school (at both Comox and Gibsons, BC) she played J.V. basketball at UBC in 1969/70 and then starred for four years with the Varsity Thunderbirds, 1970/71 through 1973/74.

This was an era when UBC dominated women’s basketball both provincially and nationally. In her first year, UBC, who also competed in the strong local Senior ‘A’ league, won the Western Canadian university championship. In 1971/72 Bev and her teammates powered UBC to the Canadian Championship winning the Bronze Baby while also winning the BC Senior ‘A’ title. In this university championship final game (a 74-69 victory over the University of New Brunswick), Bev led UBC scorers with 20 points. In 1972/73 the Blue & Gold again won the Canadian university championship with an impressive 24-1 overall record. Bev was a stalwart on this Hall of Fame team, a team that included several future Olympians.

Next season Bev became one of the very few basketball players to play on three consecutive national university champions as she along with her teammates led the ‘Birds to the 1973/74 title and a third Bronze Baby.

During the summer of 1972, Bev made the Canadian National team coached by Darlene Currie. From 1972 through 1976 Bev played for Canada including the 1974 Pan Am Games and the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. At the same time, she had an extensive Senior ‘A’ basketball career starting with UBC in the league in 1970/71 through to the 1980s. With teams such as Vancouver Buzz Bombs, Horizons and Kirby’s Kutters she represented BC at the Canadian Championships several times, winning the title in ’81. During the 1980s she toured the US with BC’s senior team.

Bev graduated from UBC with a degree in Kinesiology (1973) and a Masters degree in Education. She taught at the Junior and Senior high school levels and was well-loved by all her students. She was considered a fair and compassionate person who inspired school pride and was seen as an all-around role model for young women. She retired as a Vice-Principal in 2009.

Bev acknowledged the positive benefits of playing at a high level such as the Olympics and with Hall of Fame teams but felt it was more important to be able to give back. Bev was inducted into the UBC Sports Hall of fame in 2019.

Written by Fred Hume, UBC 2017

Kinesiology Mentor Application

Stanley Chow, BKin

Graduating year: May 2020
Hometown: Singapore
Stream: Bkin Interdisciplinary Stream
Employed by: Vancouver Summer Program
Position: Program Assistant

Stanley Chow is currently completing a co-op placement with the Vancouver Summer Program (VSP) in Kinesiology, a multifaceted one month project that aims to deliver a comprehensive course for International students around the world.

The VSP offers a wide array of activities which range from conducting skinfold labs to dragon boating along the waters of False Creek. The program seeks to create an enjoyable and enriching experience both academically and culturally for the International students.

As the program assistant, Stanley is part of a team responsible for the coordination of the VSP, ensuring that the logistical aspects of the program are fulfilled.

Stanley explains,”Within the VSP are a multitude of mini-projects that need to be completed prior to the start of the program. For example, I assist in the preparation of course material, scheduling, and the general organization of events for the program. This includes liaising with program administrators, faculty, student ambassadors and external organizations. When the program begins, I will help ensure that the day-to-day activities are running smoothly. Being an international student myself, it feels great to be part of a project that aims to create an enriching experience for other international students. It really creates a sense of giving back, being able to help these students engage in Canadian culture and share the experiences that I went through when I first arrived in Vancouver”.

Stanley is particularly looking forward to witnessing his projects come to fruition, “Though the planning phase of the program is quite enjoyable and exciting, I imagine that watching the program take off after weeks of preparation is going to be even more rewarding. In addition, I cannot wait to meet the students coming in and make some new friends!”

Where can people go to learn more about the VSP and how can they get involved?
The Vancouver Summer Program is a university-wide event that happens every summer! Volunteering with the VSP is a great way to get involved. Alternatively, students can apply to be a Student Ambassador to really engage with the students by taking them around the city. It is always exciting to meet new people, even more exciting when they come from all around the world! Find out more and get involved here.

Advice for future co-op students:

  • Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone for jobs! I find that one of the most valuable experience from working as a program assistant is transferable job skills. Many of us are keen on working within very specific fields such as clinics or hospitals, but I find that the social and administrative skills I picked up from a discipline-driven job are extremely transferable to virtually any work space.
  • Variation in experience is never a negative thing and can always help contribute towards your growth as a student and a professional worker.
  • Embrace the change! Part of being in co-op is learning to manage a quick change of flow and work environments. From taking four to five courses a term to working 40 hours a week can be unsettling at first. As the old saying goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger! Always stay positive and try to make the best out of the situation to create an enjoyable co-op experience.

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Human Physiology: Fatigue, Proprioception, Respiration

UBC School of Kinesiology offered a new Summer Graduate Course this term, led by visiting Professor Dr. Simon Gandevia.

This 3-credit course, which ran as a mini-workshop May 24th – May 27th, focused on the examination of the human physiological processes under three themes; central and peripheral muscular fatigue, proprioception and hand function, and respiratory function. The course featured a daily keynote lecture delivered by Dr. Gandevia.

Dr. Gandevia has published more than a hundred papers in the Journal of Physiology and two Physiological Reviews, one on supraspinal muscle fatigue and the other on proprioception, as well as critical reviews on respiratory control and dypnea. He is currently the Deputy Director and Foundation Scientist with NeuRA, and a Senior Principal Research Fellow with National Health and Medical Research Council in Sydney, Australia.

The daily lectures by Dr. Gandevia were accompanied by lectures from guest speakers:
Dr. Chris McNeil (Assistant Professor, UBC – O, School of Health and Exercise Sciences), Dr. David Collins (Professor, Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, The University of Alberta), Mr. Yannick Molgat-Seon, Ph.D. candidate working with Dr. Bill Sheel at the UBC, School of Kinesiology.

Dr. Tim Inglis, Dr. David Collins, Dr. Simon Gandevia, Dr. Chris McNeil and Mr. Yannick Molgat-Seon

While 8 students were taking the course for credit, the lectures and demonstration laboratories were attended by between 35-50 students. On the first day, the Faculty and students had a two-hour laboratory demonstration on the different types of cortical, corticospinal and peripheral stimulation (Brachial plexus stimulation).

On the last day of the course, the 8 students registered officially in the course had to give a 15-minute public presentation of their chosen research area, based on the nature of the course. They are to required to hand in term papers based around their presentations on June 12th, for final grade completion.

Dr. Simon Gandevia also was a speaker in the Distinguished Speaker Series on May 30th entitled, “Research and reproducibility: messages from Charles Darwin”, and spoke to a full crowd at the Rudy North Theatre in the Centre for Brain Health.

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KIN 481 to be offered online in 2017

For the first time, the popular KIN 481 Sport Marketing and Communication will be offered online in 2017, Term 2.

The online format gives you more flexibility in scheduling and managing your time. The course content will be delivered in the video format which means you can review the material as often as you need. Plus, there will be in-depth online discussions in small groups and other online activities.

Interested in learning more? Contact our advising office. 

Allen Agco, Bkin

Graduating year: May 2017
Hometown: Richmond, BC
Employed by: UBC Athletics and Recreation and FC Vancouver Whitecaps
Stream: Kinesiology

Allen initially joined co-op with a physio career in mind. However, along the way, his aspirations began to shift towards a career in digital/social media and marketing with a sports element. It was this change, he says, “that led me to two unforgettable co-op placements”.

Allen’s first co-op placement was with UBC Athletics and Recreation as the Sports Marketing, Promotions and Sponsorship Assistant to the Manager of Marketing & Communications and the Senior Manager of Business Development for an 8-month term.

This was his first experience working in an office setting, and he reports thoroughly enjoying it. From event planning for major events like Homecoming, to being in charge of running booths at various events including KitsFest, Imagine Day, and BC Lions tailgates, Allen reports this work as rewarding. He credits it with provided him with a new and valuable perspective in planning for major events.

Allen’s second placement was with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC for a 4-month summer term. Working as the Marketing Intern for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Allen describes this as “the best work experience I have had the pleasure of being a part of. The fast-paced environment, coupled with the passionate staff, has inspired me to pursue a career working for a professional sports team”.

Highlights from working with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC include being in charge of running their social media channels, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook Live on game days; the overall team-oriented atmosphere with supportive management; and finally to having the creative freedom to put out any ideas – no matter how wild they may be – it was an overall amazing experience.

 

Two Kinesiology Students Receive Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute Awards

Alison Williams, UBC School of Kinesiology PhD Student and Freda Warner, School of Kinesiology PhD Student, both received Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) Rising Star Awards.

The Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute Rising Star Awards are designed to support tomorrow’s research leaders; these awards recognize outstanding contributions by VCHRI research trainees to research excellence, service as role models, and other contributions to the VCH research community.

 

Alison Williams
Award: Rising Star
Supervisor: Dr. Tania Lam
Area of Research: Kinesiology

Alison has been recognized for her support to trainees in their graduate training and education and for taking initiative to independently improve her own skillset, enhancing the overall productivity of the research programs she’s involved in. Her peers note her enthusiasm is infectious and that she brings strong technical, analytical, and organizational skills to her research in rehabilitation after spinal cord injury.“It’s been an absolute joy to work within the spinal cord injury research community,” says Alison. “I’m excited and hopeful that my research examining pelvic floor muscle function after spinal cord injury will have meaningful impact on the way clinicians approach bladder dysfunction after neurological injury.”

 

Freda Warner
Award: Rising Star
Supervisor: Dr. John Kramer
Area of Research: Kinesiology

Freda has a combination of both academic and leadership skills that have set her apart as a trainee. She has achieved notable academic success while also working on several research projects, and has an outstanding publication record for a second-year PhD student. Her colleagues say she brightens the lab at ICORD and is refreshingly positive. With a unique background in both statistics and biology, Freda has already been able to develop a niche during her PhD and her research examines spinal cord injury at the intersection of other health issues, including pain.

Freda’s advice to aspiring trainees is to invest time into relationships as well as their research. “I find my topic extremely interesting but I also really enjoy working alongside my lab mates and appreciate the support I receive from my supervisor. These are important factors as you’ll be spending a lot of time in that environment with them!”

 

Read the full story, as posted on vchri.ca here.