Across the Lifespan
While some researchers at the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy conduct research focused primarily on childhood or aging, many researchers focus on topics that cover a broad range of life stages. For instance, they may have projects that focus on pregnancy, children, adults, or the elderly, but their overall research programs can encompass all three. Lifespan research seeks to understand how biological processes, clinical problems, response to therapy, or other health-relevant phenomena change or evolve during the human lifespan, from the prenatal period through senescence. Research may also study transitions made during the lifetime, such as between childhood and adulthood, parenthood, school and work, and work and retirement. This domain of research also includes studies that seek to identify biological and environmental risk factors in early childhood can cause health problems during adulthood. Lifespan research can integrate multiple academic perspectives to understanding the health of populations in developing and developed countries, including the demographic, human development, lifespan, family, and community contexts.
Researchers: Mariane Bertagnolli, Stefanie Blain-Moraes, Marie-Hélène Boudrias, Zachary Boychuck, André Bussières, Shaun Cleaver, Marie-Lyne Grenier, Eva Kehayia, Heather Lambert, Anouk Lamontagne, Raphael Lencucha, Mindy Levin, Susanne Mak, Barbara Mazer, Bernadette Nedelec, Melissa Park, Judith Soicher, Tim Wideman, Hiba Zafran
Aging
Aging covers research into normal and abnormal development and senescence, from early adulthood through late life and death with a particular emphasis on functional abilities and participation in daily life activities. The research on aging conducted by the researchers at the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy covers a wide variety of topics from basic science to clinically based projects. These include the understanding of mechanisms underlying age-related changes or leading to functional limitations, the development and testing of novel therapeutic approaches or technology, the promotion of healthy aging or knowledge translation strategies to promote best practices amongst students and health care professionals. The focus of these projects is not limited to individuals who have a health condition such as stroke, or cognitive impairments but also encompass healthy seniors. Most projects involve collaborations with researchers from different disciplines and geographical areas and in partnership with stakeholders (client & family, clinicians, decision makers). Varied and novel research methodologies are employed to answer the research questions and to ensure the uptake of the research findings by stakeholders.
Researchers: Sara Ahmed, Philippe Archambault, Patricia Belchior, Stefanie Blain-Moraes, Marie-Hélène Boudrias, Joyce Fung, Isabelle Gélinas, Tania Janaudis-Ferreira, Eva Kehayia, Elizabeth Anne Kinsella, Nancy Mayo, Cynthia Perlman, Shawn Robbins, Marc Roig, Aliki Thomas
Childhood
Childhood research focuses on all issues of relevance to infants, children, and youth, with or without developmental challenges. In many of the projects in this domain, a wide range of stakeholders are involved in these projects to include children and families, clinicians, community organizations, policymakers, and of course, researchers across disciplines. Using mixed methods approaches, researchers at the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy are engaged in studies evaluating novel therapeutic interventions, understanding underlying mechanisms, as well as descriptive studies characterizing outcomes and participation as well as their determinants. Many researchers within this domain are carrying out knowledge translation research projects aimed at bridging the gap between scientific discoveries in this field and frontline practices and family awareness.
Researchers: Dana Anaby, Philippe Archambaul, Stefanie Blain-Moraes, Marie-Eve Bolduc, Zachary Boychuck, Marie Brossard-Racine, André Bussières, Noémi Dahan-Oliel, Joyce Fung, Isabelle Gagnon, Matthew Hunt, Annette Majnemer, Keiko Shikako-Thomas, Laurie Snider
