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Health & Wellness Lab

The Health and Wellness Lab conducts research and develops movement-based programs, including exercise and yoga, to help those with cancer move from surviving to thriving.

Information for Participants

Follow the link below for information on current research projects, past research projects, and patient resources.

Information for Health Care Providers

Follow the link below for information designed for healthcare professionals to support the integration of exercise into your practice in cancer care.

Trio EXCEL

EXCEL Research Project

Exercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well (EXCEL) is a 5-year, Canada-wide research project for those living in rural and remote communities. The EXCEL program offers FREE, 12-week exercise classes designed specifically for individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment.

ACE

Alberta Cancer Exercise Program

Alberta Cancer Exercise Program (ACE) is a FREE, 12-week community-based exercise program designed specifically for individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment, with circuit-style classes twice per week at various locations in Calgary and across Alberta.

Ped Oncology

Pediatric Oncology

We are conducting several projects examining the role of exercise in pediatric oncology patients. These projects range from guideline development to community-based organization engagement to the implementation of in-hospital exercise programs.


EXCEL Participant Advisory Board: What the EXCEL Program & Exercise Oncology Mean to Us

At our 8th Drive for Thrive fundraiser, this video was shown to emphasize the impacts of our exercise oncology programs on individuals living with and beyond cancer, as well as their caregivers.

Members of the EXCEL Participant Advisory Board speak to their experiences within the EXCEL program and why they believe exercise should be a part of standard cancer care.

Kate Fougere

Exercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well (EXCEL): What EXCEL Means to Me

The Exercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well (EXCEL) study provides an exercise program to those living with cancer in rural and remote regions across Canada. In this video you will hear from our EXCEL participants, as they describe their experiences with the program and discuss the positive impacts of adding more movement into their lives.

Exercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well (EXCEL): What EXCEL Means to Me


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Research has consistently shown the numerous physical and psychological benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle. Using exercise as an evidence-based tool, the Health and Wellness Lab's goal is to help those with cancer to move from surviving to thriving.

Our website introduces you to our behaviour change research in exercise oncology. You will learn more about who we are, what we believe in, and what we are building to help those impacted by cancer to move more, enhancing both their physical and psychosocial well-being.


Our Latest Work

Publications

Dr. Nicole Culos-Reed, Dr. Chad Wagoner, and several of the Health and Wellness Lab staff and Students recently published a multiphasic exercise prehabilitation intervention designed for those undergoing surgical resection with free flap reconstruction. This manuscript assesses the benefits, feasibility, implementation, and safety of a multiphasic intervention for patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery. Check out Multiphasic exercise prehabilitation for patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancer: a hybrid effectiveness-implementation study protocol. 

Read the article here

National Award

Kinesiology researcher receives national award for cancer and exercise research.

Read the article

IMPACT In the News!

“We know exercise is really great for so many of the different issues these children might face...This gives them back that opportunity to feel better and be more in control.” says Dr. Nicole Culos-Reed.

Read and Watch here


Donations

If you are interested in supporting our work in exercise oncology research and programs, please click the link below. This donation link, through the University of Calgary, will provide a tax-receipt. Please indicate “Thrive Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology” as the designation. Thank you for your support!

Donate Now

Drive for Thrive 2024

Registration for the 9th annual Drive for Thrive golf tournament is now open! This year’s event will be held on Monday, May 27th (tee time at 1:30 pm) at Silver Springs Golf & Country ClubAs always, this promises to be a day of fun, great food, prizes, and, most importantly, inspiration from those involved with our exercise oncology research and programs – participants, students, and volunteers. Drive for Thrive is an excellent opportunity to network outside the office and showcase your skills on this beautiful private course while supporting a great cause.    

Register here today!


Message to our website visitors

Material on this website has been designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction, and/or treatment. If you have specific questions, please consult your doctor or an appropriate health care professional.