NEWS RELEASE – March 28, 2008
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2007 SIRC Research Award - Winners Announced
The SIRC Research Award recognizes outstanding sport research in Canada. Acknowledging how sport research benefits the Canadian sporting community is the primary purpose of this award. Congratulations to all who participated.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all of our judges and to the following sponsors for their tremendous support: CIHR – Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis, EBSCO Host and Wellness Options.
“We are proud to honour all of those individuals and organizations who continue to dedicate themselves to the world of sport research.”
Debra Gassewitz,
President and CEO SIRC
And the award goes to…
The Impact of Applied Research on Athletic Excellence – High Performance Category: "Electromyography and Kinematics of the Trunk during the Rowing Stroke in
Elite Female Rowers"– Courtney Pollock, University of Western Ontario
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore electromyography (EMG) of eight trunk muscles together with kinematics of the pelvis and spine of elite female rowers during the rowing stroke. Nine female Rowing Canada Aviron national team candidates participated in this study performing a 2000 m race simulation on a rowing ergometer. EMG activity of spinal and pelvic extensor and flexor muscles and kinematic data of the pelvis and spine were collected and reported during the previously described period of peak force production. During this period, pelvic and spinal extensor muscles demonstrated similarities in timing of muscle activity with minimal coactivation of flexors and extensors; minimal excursion of spinal segments at this time suggests a stabilizing effect of the trunk. Minimal coactivation was noted towards late drive as trunk extension is slowed by increasing activity of the flexor muscles. This study provides baseline data of spinal and pelvic rowing kinematics and muscle recruitment strategies of the associated trunk muscles which may assist analysis of technique and rehabilitation of the injured rower.
Bio: Courtney Pollock is a physiotherapist who undertook this research as a component of the Master of Science program in physical therapy at the University of Western Ontario. Courtney holds her sport physiotherapy certification and continues to work with athletes who are able-bodied and athletes with a physical disability in sports including rowing, figure skating, track and field and wheelchair rugby. While at the University of Western Ontario she has also been a member of the varsity rowing team.
The Impact of Sport on the Community – Community Category: “Sport Gave Me Something to Wake Up For: Aboriginal Adults with Disabilities Speak about Sport” – Melanie Elliott – University of Regina
Abstract: This exploratory and descriptive study described the experiences of disability from the perspective of Aboriginal adults and the meaning they give to the importance of sport in their communities. The experiences of 3 Aboriginal adults with physical disabilities were captured using the phenomenological methods of one-on-one interviews, artifact collection, and field notes. The co-participants were provided the opportunity for collaboration at each research stage, from clarifying the purpose to finalizing and interpreting the emerging themes, in an effort to demonstrate sensitivity and respect for their Aboriginal culture, beliefs, and community. The thematic analysis and interpretation of the findings facilitated by the co-participants revealed 4 themes: (a) we have to get out first, (b) not being a priority, (c) pride through accomplishments, and (d) the gift to grab others. The co-participants reflected the need to educate and build awareness of sport opportunities for other Aboriginal people with disabilities. The co-participants also expressed the need to encourage and support people with disabilities to get out of their homes and become active, visible members of society.
Bio: Melanie Elliott has a Masters of Science in Kinesiology from the College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan. Currently she is a Program Manager with the Children’s Services Branch for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education and an Adapted Physical Activity Sessional Lecturer for the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies at the University of Regina. Ms Elliot has volunteered throughout Saskatchewan to promote and develop inclusive physical education and was an invited speaker at the Canadian Society on Disability Studies Annual Conference in 2007.
To read the winning research papers click on the titles above.
Invitation to submit papers for the 2008 SIRC Research will be announced in September 2008
Contact : |
Kim Cook
SIRC
Tel : +1 (613) 231-7472, Ext 243
Toll Free: +1 (800) 665-6413 North America
Fax: +1 (613) 231-3739
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2007 SIRC Canadian Research Award is sponsored in part by:
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