uofc campus

Adapted Exercise Science Lab

Lab led by Dr. Laura St. John

About Our Lab

At the AES-NDD Lab, led by Dr. Laura St. John at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Kinesiology, we explore the health and wellbeing of people with neurodevelopmental disabilities with a focus on women and girls.

Our Mission

At the AES-NDD Lab, our mission is to advance the understanding and improve overall health and quality of life for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities.  Our research focuses on multiple aspects of health including physical, mental, social and sexual.  Led by Dr. Laura St. John at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Kinesiology, we are committed to fostering inclusivity, promoting well-being, and driving innovation in adapted exercise science.

Our Vision

Our vision at the AES-NDD Lab is to transform the lives of individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities through research which seeks to better understand the unique needs of this population. We believe that all people, regardless of age, sex, gender, and certainly, disability status, should be given the same opportunities to develop, thrive and flourish. Through our work, we hope to provide individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions opportunities to experience optimal physical, mental and reproductive health and well-being.
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Research Themes

Our research program focuses on supporting the quality of life and health of individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly those who experience a menstrual cycle. 

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Neurodevelopmental disabilities

Historically, women and girls with neurodevelopmental disabilities have been excluded from research, leaving significant gaps not only in research, but in services, resources and policy.  We seek to bridge these gaps. 

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Menstrual Health

Menstrual health is a fundamental human right, but can be challenging for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities to navigate.  Our work explores the physical, psychological and social implications of menstrual health on individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities.  Our goal is to ensure that all individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities feel more empowered and better equipped to manage their menstrual health. 

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From childhood to aging adults

Research at the AES spans the entire life cycle, from children to aging adults, to support individuals so that they may experience optimal health and wellbeing throughout their lives. 

Ongoing Research

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Menopause Study

This study aims to develop a menopause symptoms scale for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) and understand the similarities and differences of their experiences.

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Menstrual Health

Menstruation Study

This work is exploring on how the menstrual cycle may be impacting the health, well-being and physical activity of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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PLAYable

This study aims to validate the PLAYable tool for assessing physical literacy (PL) in individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID).

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Our Impact

Research has consistently demonstrated the extensive physical and psychological benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle. At the AES-NDD Lab, we harness the power of exercise as an evidence-based tool to improve the lives of individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. Our website offers an in-depth look at our research into the effects of menopause and menstruation, physical literacy, and support for female athletes within the NDD community. Discover who we are, our core beliefs, and the innovative solutions we are developing to enhance the physical and psychosocial well-being of those we serve.

Land Acknowledgement

Dr. St. John and members of the Adapted Exercise Science Lab respectfully acknowledge that we reside on the historical and current traditional territories of the peoples of the Treat 7 region in Southern Alberta, including land of the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, the Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta Districts 5 and 6. Calgary is situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River, a site traditionally known as Moh’kins’tsis to the Blackfoot, Wîchîspa to the Stoney Nakoda, and Guts’ists’i to the Tsuut’ina. Members of the Adapted Exercise Science Lab are committed to learning about, reflecting on, and supporting Indigenous People’s rights for self-determination.

A 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.