THE NEUROHEALTH AND REHABILITATION RESEARCH CENTRE
The NeuroHealth and Rehabilitation Research Centre (NHR2C) is a comprehensive facility for studying the role of physical activity and exercise in neurological conditions. This centre includes equipment for the assessment of mobility and balance, physical fitness, body composition, cognitive performance, optical imaging, and muscle- and blood-based biomarkers. There is extensive space for the delivery of physical activity and exercise training interventions. The equipment and facilities are accessible for people of all ability levels. The NHR2C was established through funding from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Research Fund. Explore some of this unique equipment below.
FACILITIES
Parvo Medics TrueOne 2400 is a compact integrated metabolic measurement system that collects and analyses the atmospheric gases produced and consumed by the human body. When used during a incremental exercise test this system is capable of determining the maximal amount of oxygen that can be used, and provides an indication of overall cardiorespiratory fitness.
Recumbent stepper A recumbent stepper is an accessible piece of aerobic exercise equipment. The recumbent stepper allows people to exercise in a seated position using their arms and legs simultaneously and provides a great whole body workout.
Total body cycle ergometer. The total body cycle ergometer is an adaptive exercise modality that provides flexibility in exercise use. It allows participants to cycle using the upper and/or lower body with various adapted features. This piece of equipment permits stronger extremities to assist the weaker ones making it ideal for people who experience extremity weakness.
Functional electrical stimulation (FES) cycling is a specialized piece of exercise and rehabilitation equipment. The FES cycle delivers a small amount of superficial stimulation to the leg muscles to enhance muscle contraction during cycling exercise. The stimulation pattern mimics that of natural cycling. Support can also be provided by the cycle motor to maintain cycling movement.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive eye imaging test. OCT uses light waves to take cross-sectional pictures of the retina to measure its thickness. During an OCT examination, the participant sits in front of the equipment and rests their head on a support to keep it from moving. The scans take place without touching the participant's eye, and take approximately 10-15 minutes. No special preparations are needed before having an OCT scan.
Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), is used to measure body composition (bone and soft tissues within the body). During a DXA scan, participants lay on the open x-ray table and remain still while an x-ray arm passes overhead. This scan lasts about 15 minutes. No special preparations are needed before having a DXA scan; however, clothing with metal fasteners (zips, hooks, buckles, etc.) and jewelry should be avoided.