Since the sedentary nature of life in space is in many ways akin to accelerated aging, including muscle loss and diminished bone density, Hughson believes astronauts may provide answers about the elderly.
Andrew Laing, an assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology, has spent the last 10 years pioneering ways to minimize fall-related injuries among older adults.
Kinesiology professor Richard Hughson and his team are enroute to Houston's Johnson Space Center to greet their latest research subject, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, following his 5 month mission on the International Space Station.
For the last ten years Marina Mourtzakis, an expert in nutrition and physiology in the Department of Kinesiology, has been studying why cancer patients lose muscle and gain fat during chemotherapy and radiation.
For years they have been treating the public under the supervision of other health care professionals, but as of April 1, 2013, new legislation in Ontario recognizes kinesiologists as regulated health care providers in their own right.
Two experiments based at the University of Waterloo soared into space with astronaut Chris Hadfield, who became the first Canadian commander of the International Space Station during his five-month mission in 2013.
Throughout a successful career in both academia and business, Schlegel upheld his philanthropic beliefs to support innovative developments including the Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging.
It seems astronauts hovering in weightless environments and earthlings reclining in front of the TV share a surprising trait: both avoid the effects of gravity — and both age rapidly as a result.
Leading-edge research with the potential to improve human health has earned national recognition for four Waterloo professors--including Kinesiology faculty members Jack Callaghan and Ken Stark, whose Canada Research Chair grants were announced on Friday, Oct. 12.
Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield will have many responsibilities as commander of the International Space Station this winter.