Kinesiology and Health Sciences Professor Lora Giangregorio has been awarded a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Bone Health and Exercise Science, with a funding allotment of $1.4 million.
She also received a $75,000 grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) that is associated with this CRC.
Dr. Giangregorio is recognized for her outstanding research in reducing the burdens of osteoporotic (bone tissue) fractures. She leads the University of Waterloo Bone Health and Exercise Science Lab (BonES), working on exercise research to reduce fracture risk.
"It is an honour to hold the designation of Canada Research Chair and enhance the profile of exercise research and bone health research in Canada," said Giangregorio. "I am pleased to lead exciting and fun research via collaboration with researchers across Canada and partnering with knowledge user organizations."
The funding from the CRC designation will support her research aimed at developing and evaluating interventions to reduce fracture risk and improve physical functioning in middle-aged and older adults. Additionally, Giangregorio's research aims to develop and evaluate knowledge mobilization and implement strategies to translate the research into practice. This will include randomized controlled trials at multiple sites in Canada, and the design and evaluation of education and training for health-care providers.
Her research team has worked with Osteoporosis Canada to develop BoneFit, a two-day workshop for physiotherapists and kinesiologists on exercise prescription for those with osteoporosis.
Giangregorio's contributions as a Schlegel Research Chair in Mobility and Aging from 2017 to 2024 include leading clinical trials of exercise and national exercise and physical activity guidelines for older adults and people with osteoporosis.
