Let’s talk about pain: Exploring patient-centred ways to talk about the science of pain

young business woman neck and shoulder pain injury with red highlights on pain area, healthcare and medical concept.

Pain hurts!  It’s real. You can’t see it, but you know when you feel it. One in five Canadians experience persistent pain.  Unfortunately, many are recommended sub-optimal, second-line, or even non-recommended treatments. When it comes to treating pain, large gaps exist between evidence and practice. Most people, including health care professionals, view pain through an … Read more

Lesser supports postpartum women returning to exercise

Watch the CBC News video here This post was originally published here. Dr. Iris Lesser was surprised to find a dearth of resources and information about postpartum physical activity when her first child was born. Nine years later, Iris, an associate professor of kinesiology at UFV, is meeting that need with inclusive, accessible exercise content … Read more

KIN 360 Students Showcased Creative Community Mental Wellness Lessons

In the final two weeks of classes, students enrolled in KIN 360 presented their Community Mental Wellness lessons in small groups, demonstrating creativity, collaboration, and thoughtful engagement with curriculum-based learning. The lessons were developed using the Physical and Health Education (PHE) BC Curriculum, ensuring alignment with provincial educational standards. Each group presented their lesson in … Read more

KIN 435 Students Gained Hands-On Experience in Ergonomics and Biomechanics Lab

Students enrolled in KIN 435 (Ergonomics and Biomechanics) recently completed the third lab of the course, which focused on hands-on data collection in collaboration with the Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies. This lab provided students with an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts from the classroom to practical, real-world settings. Through this experience, students engaged … Read more

School of Kinesiology Students Led Inclusive After-School Dance & Movement Program at GW Graham

The School of Kinesiology hosted a Dance and Movement after-school program at G.W. Graham Secondary School, with support from the Chilliwack School Board. The program was designed to encourage physical activity, creativity, and social connection through inclusive movement experiences. The program was led by a fourth-year Kinesiology student and supported by six KIN student volunteers … Read more

Behind the scenes at the Canada Games with Carl Nienhuis, Team BC’s mental performance coach

UFV’s Dr. Carl Nienhuis (left) is tasked with protecting, managing, and enhancing the psychological and emotional environment of Team BC before and during the Canada Games.

  By the time the Canada Games torch was lit last month in St. John’s, N.L., Dr. Carl Nienhuis knew who needed a pep talk, who thrived under pressure, and who just needed a listening ear. Part counsellor, part drum-beating superfan, he was the steady force behind Team BC’s psychological and emotional game plan. Long … Read more

September is Pain Awareness Month: What Everyone Should Know

Cynthia Thomson, PhD, Pain Researcher September is Pain Awareness Month: What Everyone Should Know Did you know that 1 in 5 Canadians live with persistent pain? Pain is the top reason why people seek medical care, and it accounts for approximately one-third of the patient load for family physicians. The effects of pain go beyond … Read more

Moving Mothers Forward without Adding to the Motherload

Iris A. Lesser, PhD. CSEP-CEP, Pre and Postnatal Exercise Specialist Recently Davenport et al. released postpartum physical activity guidelines recommending that women engage in at least 120 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week. While the notion of returning to physical activity postpartum (previous recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical … Read more

Kinesiology Students Run Fitness Testing for Chilliwack Fire Department

Firefighting requires above average physical strength and endurance. In early October, UFV faculty, students, and alumni delivered a series of fitness and occupational readiness tests as part of the pre-employment hiring process for the Chilliwack Fire Department. These standardized assessments evaluate the skills and characteristics to perform as a successful firefighter. The battery of challenging … Read more