The University of Toronto Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE) recently hosted the annual Bertha Rosenstadt National Undergraduate Research Conference, now in its 23rd year. The multidisciplinary conference gives undergraduate kinesiology students from universities across Canada the opportunity to present literature reviews, critiques, term papers, findings from research projects or works in progress on a range of topics – from exercise physiology and biomechanics to sport psychology and sociology of sport.
Gerome Manson, an assistant professor at Queen’s University School of Kinesiology and Health - and a KPE alum - drove up to U of T with five students in tow, four from his sensory motor exploration lab at Queen’s and a guest student studying sport psychology.
“U of T always feels like home to me, especially the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education,” said Manson, who completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees at KPE. “My first academic presentation was at this conference in 2008 and it’s really cool to see my students now going to it.
“I didn’t know then that this would be the start of an academic career for me, I was just nervous (laugh) … It’s nice to be back to help my students work through some of the nervousness of their first presentations.”
During the conference, Manson met up with Associate Professor Luc Tremblay, who supervised his doctoral thesis at KPE. The two posed for pictures with students from their respective labs, prompting this tweet from Professor Tim Welsh, interim associate dean of research at KPE, applauding the conference for bringing together multiple generations of scientists.
I LOVE the @UofTKPE Undergraduate Research Conference. Great science mixed with great presentations and great people. It is even more amazing when you get generations of scientists together - here is @tremblay_luc with former PhD student Dr. Gerome Manson and their current labs! pic.twitter.com/QyiG8EfDiJ
— Tim Welsh (@DrTimWelsh) March 31, 2023
In total, 86 presentations were heard from students representing U of T, Concordia University, Lakehead University, Laurentian University, McGill University, McMaster University, Queen's University, Trent University, University of Ottawa, University of Waterloo, University of Western Ontario and York University.
Natalie Schwarz, an undergraduate student from the McGill University Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, presented her research on the biomechanics of figure skaters’ arm techniques during a jump, comparing the traditional crossed arms jump to the jump with both arms extended over the head.
“The purpose of my study was to find the most proficient jump technique,” she said. “If you’re able to rotate easier without having to exert as much effort, that’s really important for reducing some of the fatigue.
“During a competition when figure skaters have to do up to 12 or 13 jumps, it can really make a big difference.”
While her study was inconclusive, Schwarz is interested to see if expanding the research from double jumps to higher revolution jumps, like a triple or a quad would give different results.
Students enjoying the presentations at the Bertha Rosenstadt national undergraduate research conference
McMaster’s Anjali Bedi presented on whether a prior session of high intensity interval training (HIIT) could be used to improve mood and inflammation levels after a night of sleep deprivation, and Hassan Mahmood from KPE presented his literature review on the effects of surgical and non-surgical adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) interventions on overall posture, kinetics and kinematics.
“Understanding the unique biomechanics that those with AIS engage in before and after treatment interventions can help tailor physical activity and rehabilitation interventions in a way that promotes health, wellness and inclusion for an otherwise alienated population,” said Mahmood.
“It was amazing to share my work with other students and to learn about their work,” he said. “It made me feel like we’re part of a broader, national community.”
McMaster's student Anjali Bedi was presented with an award of recognition by Associate Professor Catherine Amara, director of undergraduate studies.
Spotted in the audience were many faculty members, including KPE Associate Professor Doug Richards, who didn’t have any students presenting at the conference, but knew many from having taught them in his courses.
“I came out today because I’m very interested in the questions these students are researching and I wanted to show them my support,” he said.
Gerome Manson was equally enthused.
“I told my students to go listen to other students’ presentations and enjoy the full breadth of kinesiology,” he said. “This is a rare opportunity where you get to see something not only outside of our lab, but outside of our field within kinesiology.”
Kaleigh Pennock, a postdoctoral researcher at Western University, who completed her PhD at KPE, closed off the conference with a keynote address on risk and responsibility in sport, and embracing interconnected perspectives in kinesiology. Pennock, who is lab coordinator for KPE’s Indigeneity, Diaspora, Equity and Anti-Racism in Sport (IDEAS) research lab, also works with Fast and Female, to help advance opportunities for girls in sport and physical activity.
The following students walked away with awards of recognition:
- Anjali M. Bedi, McMaster University, for her presentation: Investigating the impact of high-intensity interval training on deficits in mood and changes in inflammation after acute sleep restriction.
- Sara Perfetto, Laurentian University, for her presentation: Gamified hand rehabilitation using a novel passive device: An analysis of user engagement, motor outcome and functional performance in chronic stroke
- Mohamed Elsayed Elghobashy, York University, for his presentation: The effects of interstitial glucose on neuromuscular fatigue.