July 04, 2012
Media tips & leads
UVic Researcher Measures The Benefits Of Walking
As part of her PhD program in UVic’s School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education and the Department of Psychology, Kristina Kowalski is researching the cognitive and physiological benefits of walking in seniors. She’s recruiting participants for the study.
In collaboration with UVic’s Centre on Aging and The Behavioural Medicine Laboratory Kowalski is looking to promote cognitive and physical health in seniors. She will be providing inactive older adults with personalized coaching and tools to help them become more active and maintain a healthier lifestyle with age. Participants will take part in a supervised walking program and be interviewed about their lifestyle and health. The impact of engaging in regular moderate aerobic exercise on fitness, gait, and cognitive abilities will also be assessed.
Kowalski is a certified personal trainer with a BSc in kinesiology and psychology and an MSc in clinical neuropsychology. Her study is called “Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds – A Supervised Walking Program for Older Adults.” The four-month walking program will include an information session to educate older adults about the physical and cognitive benefits of staying active, eating a healthy diet, staying socially engaged and keeping the mind active. Participants will walk in groups at great walking locations around town three times a week, building up from 15 minutes a session to 30-45 minutes by the end of the program. Interested participants are asked to call 250-472-5288 or email kkowalsk@uvic.ca.
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Media Contacts:Phil Saunders (UVic Communications) at 250-721-6139 or psaunder@uvic.ca
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