Media releases

• Participants needed for study on COVID-19 and outdoor recreation

  Tuesday, May 12, 2020 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 12 May 2020 – R0084

  A team of Brock University researchers want to know how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted outdoor recreation participation patterns before, during and after the start of physical distancing strategies and the closure of outdoor recreation areas in Canada.

  Recreation and Leisure Studies Professor Tim O’Connell says this is an opportunity for people to reflect on their outdoor recreation practices and its importance in their lives.

  “The study is also exploring how the closure of outdoor recreation areas have impacted individuals’ perceptions of their mental, physical and overall health,” says O’Connell, the study’s principal investigator. “This study is both timely and time-sensitive as all levels of government are reviewing timelines for opening outdoor recreation activities.”

  Findings from this study will be shared with government agencies, land managers and private service providers in the hopes of informing future decisions about the opening (or not opening) of public outdoor recreation areas.

  Currently, there are vast differences in the timelines for opening recreation spaces in the various regions across Canada. For example, Saskatchewan began limited individual activities for which physical distancing can be maintained on Monday, May 4 and Ontario has started reopening Provincial parks and conservation areas. There are also ongoing discussions with municipalities across cottage country regarding the upcoming Victoria Day long weekend.

  The team, which includes co-investigators Recreation and Leisure Studies Associate Professor Garrett Hutson and Adjunct Professor Ryan Howard, hopes the study will provide the added benefit of participants learning more about outdoor recreation opportunities by considering the scope and range of activities available in Canada.

  “Outdoor recreation in Canada is often understood as activities that occur in, and are reliant on, the natural environment,” explains O’Connell. “We are very fortunate as Canadians to have a wide range of geographical green and blue spaces, and social contexts for recreation and leisure activities.”

  As policy makers began to implement safe physical distancing recommendations in mid-March, outdoor recreation was initially seen by many as an acceptable way of engaging in leisure activities with family and friends. Following media reports of overcrowding in public parks and outdoor recreation areas, these resources were closed to ensure public safety.

  “We know that research suggests people are very protective of and emotionally attached to the places in which they engage in outdoor recreation activities,” O’Connell says. “We hope, with reflection, this study will nurture advocacy for natural environments which are used for outdoor recreation purposes to be protected.”

  Those interested in participating must be 18 years of age or older and currently live in Canada.

  The online survey, which takes 15 to 20 minutes, must be completed by Friday, May 15 at 11:59 p.m.

  Recreation and Leisure Studies Professor Tim O’Connell is available for media interviews about the study.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases

• Virtual memberships available as students help Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-Being expand offerings

  Monday, May 11, 2020 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 11 May 2020 – R0083

  The Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-Being continues to adapt under the COVID-19 pandemic challenges to help older adults and others stay active throughout the quarantine.

  When the pandemic first started impacting Niagara, the Brock University-operated Centre closed its doors, but began offering online tools and daily home workouts to keep members engaged and active. As it became clear that local businesses would need to stay closed for a significant period of time, the Centre enhanced its remote operations.

  The Centre has now begun to offer online fitness classes hosted by the Centre’s staff and Brock graduate and undergraduate students who have previously worked or completed courses in the Centre.

  “Initially, only existing members of the Centre were eligible to join; however, with appropriate documentation, online membership is now open to community members,” said Debbie O’Leary, Professor of Health Sciences and Director of the Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-Being. “A virtual membership includes live fitness classes, educational seminars, weekly check-ins and social meetings with the students.”

  The Centre has about 75 online members, but that number is growing. Classes being offered include yoga, circuit workouts, golf, chair-based, osteoporosis, core and Parkinson’s classes, all delivered on the video conferencing platform Lifesize.

  “The virtual fitness classes are extremely important for our members to promote physical and mental health and to maintain their social connections,” said Associate Professor of Kinesiology and Director of the SeniorFit program, Kimberely Gammage.

  Brock Kinesiology, Health Sciences and Therapeutic Recreation students will be teaching virtual classes throughout the Spring and Summer Terms that will count towards the placement aspect of their credits.

  Specifically, Kinesiology students are offering one-on-one sessions to develop personalized home-based workout programs. They will use these sessions to create a library of exercise-related videos, presentations and pamphlets. Health Sciences students are working on social programming designed to enhance mental health and well-being.

  Four master of Professional Kinesiology students doing their placements with the Centre will be offering virtual programming, as well as doing the intake of new members, mentoring undergraduate students and doing online fitness testing with members.

  “These classes are allowing us to continue to offer student-learning opportunities to develop their skills and knowledge about working to promote health and well-being in diverse populations,” said Gammage. “Our students are also developing a whole range of new skills related to communication and the implementation of technology in the workplace.”

  For information on joining the Centre with an online membership, please visit the Brock-Niagara Centre for Health and Well-Being website.

   

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases