The bacteria living in our gastrointestinal system, the gut microbiome, play a key role in human health and disease. Multiple studies demonstrated altered gut microbiome in patients with constipation or abdominal pain but knowledge of a clear cause-effect relationship or underlying mechanism are lacking. We found previously that microbiota from patients with irritable bowel syndrome induces altered gut function, low-grade inflammation and abdominal pain.

MLSE LaunchPad is a sport for development (SFD) organization in Moss Park, Toronto that uses sport and physical activity to build healthy communities. A trauma- and violence- informed approach is a treatment practice used to provide safe and inclusive spaces for traumatized youth, however, it is rarely incorporated in SFD programs. In collaboration with MLSE Launchpad, this research will explore how trauma- and violence- informed approaches are used in SFD to prevent gender-based violence and intersecting health inequities.

Many Canadians currently do not meet government guidelines for weekly physical activity, particularly among people who identify as women. Media health (mHealth) such as fitness apps and tracking devices can help people to be more physically active. One such resource that has been developed for individuals living in Canada is the ParticipACTION mobile app. However, there has been little research that has examined how effective the ParticipACTION app is for increasing physical activity among individuals who identify as women.

There are thousands of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Canada. Many are isolated socially, and
their health is compromised because they are not physically active. New innovative approaches are being investigated that can lead to more effective strategies to enhance the quality of life for people with ASD and their families.

In Canada, approximately 1 in 4 adults are living with obesity. Obesity is cause by a complex interplay of genetic, behavioural, and environmental factors that can increase the risk of developing non-communicable diseases such as Type 2 diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, asthma, several cancers, and disability in adulthood. Restricting caloric consumption and increasing physical activity levels are used in efforts to induce weight loss. However, using these methods alone may not be sufficient in sustaining long-term weight loss.

While the partner organization for this project is the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society (HSBRIS), the intent of this project is to concurrently benefit Forestry companies working in the Howe Sound and Canadians as a whole as we strive in our commitment to the UNSDGs.
Bioshpere regions are mandated to promote SDGs, educate, and foster collaboration to make the region more sustainable.

Injuries and concussions are common in soccer and can result in time loss from sport. To prevent injuries and concussions we must first understand the burden and risk factors for injury. Therefore the purpose of this four year study is to: 1) understand the burden of injury and concussion; 2) risk factors for injury and concussion; 3) identify and develop of targeted prevention strategies; 4) evaluate the effect of these prevention strategies on risk of injury and concussion and 5) team performance in the Canadian Premier League (CPL).

Menopause is the natural cessation of a woman’s menstrual cycle. During this transition, low levels of estrogen and associated pro-inflammatory state stimulates a rapid decline in bone tissue which may ultimately increase the risk of fragility fractures. Prevention strategies are warranted to maintain bone mineral density and a strong skeleton after menopause and use of probiotics may serve as a promising approach. Probiotics may modulate bone via regulation of the gut microbiome and subsequent anti-inflammatory pathways in a bacterial strain-specific manner.

Despite the numerous benefits of participating in child and youth sport, they not guaranteed. Purposeful efforts must be made to ensure that sport offerings are age appropriate, promote engagement and enjoyment, and involve quality social relationships. This project represents a partnership with the objective of finalizing and delivering a story-based positive youth development (PYD) program—The 1616 Program—for young hockey players (10 years of age) in North America.

The goal of this proposed project is to increase the safety of vulnerable road users (pedestrians & cyclists) by examining factors that help or hinder the process of making changes to the built environment (BE) for this purpose. By examining data collected from municipal, transportation, police services, public health, NGOs, and schoolboard sectors in the Cities of Calgary and Toronto the deliverables of this project aim to inform policy and decision-makers so that more resources and tools are allocated to BE changes that increase vulnerable road user safety.