Research stories

Low-tech footrest can help prevent lower-back pain

Study assesses potential interventions for those who stand at work

Virtual reality games could recalibrate neurological disorders

Could be a key tool in treating disorders such as autism, schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease

Anxiety-reducing meditation in university classrooms

Study explores whether mindfulness meditation can ease the anxiety around written assignments

How to make the pushup work for you

Study finds ways to adapt the exercise to help individuals with specific needs

Virtual reality motion sickness may be predicted and counteracted

Waterloo researchers advance knowledge of sensorimotor components of cybersickness.

"Smart clothing" aims to predict failing health

Researchers combine wearable technology and AI to predict the onset of health problems.

Standing desks may lead to lower back pain

Person typing at a standing desk. Waterloo study finds people have different levels of standing tolerance.

Aging slows perception of falls

Older person's hand gripping a walker. Seniors need twice as long as young adults to realize they are falling.

Raise, lower, lift, load

Student in lab lifting powered stretcher. Waterloo study finds powered stretchers could reduce injuries, keep paramedics on the job.

Mealtime Audit Tool (MAT)

Hospital food tray. Survey will reduce rates of malnutrition in hospitals.

Science Centre

Biomechanics: The Machine Inside exhibit gives visitors a hands-on look at the marvels of natural engineering that drive human and animal movement.

What if a simple supplement could prevent childhood asthma?

Findings offer insight into new preventative measures.

Researcher wins prestigious prize for work on osteoporosis

Professor Lora Giangregorio wins Bloomberg Manulife Prize for Promotion of Active Health.

What's the secret behind Jordan Kilganon's epic slam dunks?

Jordan Kilganon making dunk shot. Kinesiology researcher examines Kilganon in a Waterloo lab to understand how the world’s best slam dunker gets outstanding air.

Can science keep MLB pitchers off the disabled list?

Biomechanical assessments and strength training more effective than restricting innings.

How long should you stand - rather than sit - at your work station?

Research suggests that you have to stand for at least 30 minutes every hour to get health benefits.

Craving high-calorie snacks? Blame your brain

Research shows that we rely on a specific part of the brain to curb our craving for snacks.

Low back pain? Waterloo research reveals best sex positions

Stuart McGill Pioneering spine study shows spooning is not always the best sex position for men who want to avoid triggering low back pain.

Nutrition and aging: Why aren't older adults eating well?

Heather Keller Researcher leads study to find out why residents of long-term care homes aren’t getting proper nutrition.

GPS technology may help detect Alzheimer’s disease earlier

Eric Roy GPS tracking shows older adults with mild dementia stay much closer to home than healthy adults, Waterloo study finds.

Osteoporosis: How can you prevent falls and fractures?

Lora Giangregorio Older adults should combine aerobics with strength and balance training to prevent bone loss, says Waterloo researcher who helped draft new guidelines.

Women's health: The link between estrogen and fat

Kristin Marks Award-winning researcher examines the upside of fat in our diets from pregnancy to post-menopause.

Finding your way after a stroke

Bill Mcillroy Stroke patients use innovative exercise bikes hooked up to Google Earth’s virtual world to rehabilitate body and mind in Waterloo lab.

Biomechanics professor striking the perfect balance

Andrew Laing doesn’t mind being a fall guy. For the biomechanics professor, the reputation simply comes with the territory.

Nutrition and exercise linked to cancer treatment success

What if something as simple as a tailored nutrition and exercise program could influence the outcome of cancer treatment? According to professor Marina Mourtzakis, it’s possible.

Canadian astronaut takes research into orbit

Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield with professor Richard Hughson From the International Space Station, astronaut Chris Hadfield will help Waterloo researcher Richard Hughson understand some of the mysteries of aging.

Keeping back pain at bay

Jack Callaghan. Fill a room with 100 people and you can bet your bottom dollar 80 will have a tale to tell about back pain. Jack Callaghan is trying to answer why that is, and to find ways to change it.

Building better bones with exercise

woman demonstrating posture exercise At least one in three women and one in five men will suffer from an osteoporotic fracture during their lifetime. Lora Giangregorio is investigating the benefits of prescribed exercise guidelines for those most at risk.

Keep on moving

elderly female The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia is expected to double over the next thirty years. Laura Middleton is investigating the impact of exercise and physical activity on slowing cognitive decline.

A neighbourhood of good intentions

Couple walking down sidewalk towards a row of houses Even the best intentions to get physically fit often go unrealised when challenged by the pressures of daily life. Peter Hall is investigating how a neighbourhood’s built environment may influence physical activity patterns.