Research Projects and Processes
Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities (CHC) is committed to healthy growth! CHC upholds a culture of learning that continually seeks and utilizes research evidence to improve CHC programs, policies, practices, resources, and initiatives. Feedback from CHC program participants, parents/guardians, volunteers, coaches, and community partners helps us to positively impact the health and well-being of our communities.
Current Research Projects
BrainWorx Body Breaks: Camp participants’ and staff perceptions and experiences of Fitness Frenzy Videos (REB#8862)
​
​The purpose of this study is to better understand children’s and staff perceptions and experiences of CHC’s Fitness Frenzy videos that will be used between sessions at Laurier’s BrainWorx day camp to get kids moving. It is expected that the research findings will improve the development of future Fitness Frenzy videos and offer evidence that can be used to promote greater use of the videos within classroom settings to increase children’s physical activity levels during the school day.
Previously Funded Research
Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities (CHC) is committed to holistic, integrated research to inform the development of wellness programs, resources, and initiatives related to healthy, active living communities. The CHC team is pleased to support researchers conducting projects that align with the Centre’s mission, values, strategic goals, and research objectives.
Physical activity, Social Support, and the Effects of Providing Informal Care for Individuals with Dementia: A Scoping Review
Investigators: Hailey O’Neil
This project involves conducting a scoping review to explore the relationship between physical activity (PA), social support, and the effects of dementia caregivers. The results of this scoping review will provide insight into the relationships between PA and social support on the effects of caregiving experienced by dementia caregivers.
Given the importance of a physically active lifestyle to overall well-being, it is imperative that steps are taken to encourage earlier involvement in physical activity among newcomers to Canada. Physical activity interventions may be particularly beneficial to new immigrant women and children. The proposed study will involve a qualitative examination of recent female immigrants’ views of physical activity after arriving in Canada to gain insight into their personal experiences, challenges, and preferences for physical activity, and to better understand their perspectives of physical activity among children in their family and community.
​
CHC Community Outreach:
Cost-free physical activity programming and childcare provided to new Canadian women. https://activeintegration.ca
​
Conference Presentations:
Eys, M., Gayman, A., Coleman, T., Smith-Ackerl, M., & Bhandari, R. (2021, June). Understanding the physical activity challenges and preferences of New Canadian women. Lecture presented to the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHKPPaZEM5w&t=1s
​
Gayman, A., Coleman, T., & Eys, M. (2022, October). Social integration through physical activity: A multi-method assessment of a program for new Canadian women. Poster presented to the Canadian Society for Psychomotor Learning & Sport Psychology
https://activeintegration.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Screen-Shot-2023-01-20-at-1.13.29-PM.png
Awards and Recognition:
Provided information as a pilot project that was critical in securing a larger grant through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (2018-2023).
Understanding the Physical Activity Challenges and Preferences of New Canadian Women and Children (2018-2019)
Investigators: Amy Gayman and Mark Eys
​
Information for Parents/Guardians about Research Conducted at CHC
Research Focused on Youth
CHC is interested in what our participants think! We know that youth have important insights to share that will help us deliver innovative and effective wellness programs and healthy living initiatives. This is why our team regularly engages in research to better understand youth experiences with CHC.
Your child may have an opportunity to take part in a program evaluation survey or group interview. CHC always obtains the consent of parents/guardians before inviting their child/children to participate in a research project. We also seek child assent to participate. Participation is voluntary and kids can stop participating at any time or refuse to answer questions without penalty. If your child chooses to participate in a Scoreboard survey, they will earn points that can be banked and redeemed to obtain free items in the Scoreboard ‘store’.
Evidence-based Programming
Our mission is to leverage evidence-based sport for development programming to cultivate wellness resources and initiatives - fostering self-sustaining, vibrant, and healthy communities. CHC programs are based on the latest research findings. We believe evidence-based programming leads to effective practice and positive outcomes for our participants!
Information for Researchers
The Centre is committed to holistic, integrated research to inform the development of wellness programs, resources, and initiatives related to healthy, active living communities. The CHC team is pleased to support researchers conducting projects that align with the Centre’s mission, values, strategic goals, and research objectives.
Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion in CHC Research
CHC is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in programming and in research. The Centre aims to engage in EDI research practices that better understand, identify, prevent, and remove barriers to inclusion and full participation in physical activity of equity deserving groups. Furthermore, CHC promotes increasing representation of underrepresented groups including (but not limited to), women and gender minorities, Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in the design and process of research.
Conducting Research with CHC
1
CHC Research Policies & Procedures Guidebook
CHC has developed a guidebook to provide information and direction to individuals applying for CHC research funding, interested in obtaining CHC administrative data, seeking approval to undertake research related to the Centre, and/or currently conducting research associated with the Centre. Please consult for more detailed information about conducting research with CHC.
2
Use of Northdale Science Research Centre
The Northdale Science Research Centre contains gym (NC102), studio (NC115), and interview room (NC115B) space. Laurier full-time faculty members and contract teaching faculty (currently on an active teaching contract) must submit a written application to request the use of spaces in NSRC. Students wishing to book shared CHC spaces must have their supervisor submit a request on their behalf.
​
A Gym Booking Form can be accessed online. In addition to completing the online Gym Booking Form, anyone requesting gym access must also complete the Faculty Member Application Check List to confirm they understand the booking procedure. A new application must be submitted for each program or project for which they are requesting space within NSRC. Individuals who submit more than one application will be asked to prioritize their projects and preferred time slots. Applications to book space(s) are due by 4:30 pm on the first business day in December (Winter Semester), August (Fall Semester) and May (Spring/Summer Semester).
3
Research Equipment
CHC equipment may be requested and used free of charge for research purposes that support the strategic research objectives of the Centre. The Centre possesses a BOD POD®. pedometers, and Fitbits. Requests to use CHC equipment can be directed to the CHC Manager. All CHC equipment must be properly used and returned in good condition. Researchers are required to complete a written agreement prior to use of CHC equipment that outlines the policy for lost or damaged equipment.
Support for CHC Related Research
Research Support
Each fiscal year, CHC will allot a total of $15,000 to support various research projects directly related to CHC activities, resources, programs, and/or initiatives that align with the Centre’s mission, vision, pillars, and research objectives. Researchers may apply for a CHC Research Support Grant by completing a Research Support Grant Application. Funds requested may range from $3,000 to $9,000 per project. Depending on the number of applications and funds requested, the number of funded projects may vary each year. CHC aims to fund as many applications as possible.
CHC Research Funding Opportunities
Exploring Indigenous Perspectives: A call for Literature Review Submissions on Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity, Recreation, Sport for Development, and Wellness
Funding Application Process
Researchers are required to complete the CHC Research Support Grant application form. Applications will be accepted by the first business day in October and February to be reviewed by the CHC Research Advisory Committee. For more information, including evaluation criterion, please consult the CHC Research Policies and Procedures Guidebook.
CHC Annual Conference
CHC may hold a conference highlighting the research conducted by the membership. Faculty conducting research with CHC are asked to present their work. Student researchers are also invited to share their findings at the conference.
Links for Researchers
QUICK LINKS
