Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba

Supplements are everywhere and used for a variety of reasons, but how effective are they really? Dr. Stephen Cornish says omega-3s, a common supplement used for muscle recovery, might not be having the impact we think they are.

“The research on [omega-3s impact on muscle recovery] is actually quite equivocal,” says Cornish, an exercise physiologist.

He says in certain instances under certain conditions, omega-3s can help muscle recovery. But in other conditions with different exercises, they can be less effective.

“Lots of the research recently has shown that the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is more important than just having one or the other,” says Cornish.

One thing that does stand out is our feeling of muscle soreness after taking omega-3s. He says the research indicates patients feel a “subjective” delay of muscle soreness when taking the supplement after an extended session of exercise.

“How much you're feeling sore after an exercise bout has been shown to be decreased. So subjectively, you might feel better.”

In the “Ask A” series, you’ll hear from experts across the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management as they answer your questions about sports, recreation, kinesiology, community development and more!

Do you have a burning question for one of our researchers, send us a message!

Meet Julian Chuckry, a third year student in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management and an Undergraduate Research Award recipient.

Julian’s research focuses on looking at how different types of focus influence balance performance, combining his interest in movement control with his experience as an athlete, coach and teacher.

“I feel way more comfortable now than I was before the award searching academic databases and looking for articles that are interesting and relevant,” says Julian.

Through his research experience, Julian has developed valuable academic literacy skills while gaining hands on experience in the research process.

For Julian, this award has opened the door to unexpected opportunities such as gaining a broader perspective on research and potential career paths.

“Receiving this Undergraduate Research Award has provided me with enough financial support and protected time to dive headfirst into the world of research,” Julian says.

His advice to others thinking about a career in research?

“I would encourage any students who are interested in the field of academia or research to pursue an undergraduate research award, as it is a very valuable introduction to this world, especially if you're interested in pursuing graduate studies. It provides you with the connections, the mentors and the facilities necessary to further your own academic career.”

Sophia Alexander is a fourth-year student and Bison track and field athlete studying Recreation Management and Psychology. She shares her experience receiving an Undergraduate Research Award.

“The URA program has helped me develop skills in communication, collaboration and qualitative research methods. Most importantly, it has taught me to approach people's stories with curiosity and empathy.”

Sophia’s URA research project focuses on focuses on what meaningful participation in sport and exercise looks like for people with disabilities.

As a Bison track and field athlete, receiving this award has given Sophia the opportunity to combine her interest in sports, recreation and psychology while growing her confidence as a researcher.

“Receiving this award has really meant a lot to me. I never thought in my undergrad that I would be able to pursue research, without the URA program I don't think that would be possible.”

The Undergraduate Research Award program has inspired Sophia to continue research beyond her undergraduate degree.

Meet Anthony Campbell, an Undergraduate Research Award recipient working in the movement control and chiropractic lab under Dr. Steven Passmore.

“I’ve had the privilege to meet a lot of great people and have a lot of great experiences through the URA... The experience has been really special, and it's given me a lot of skills that I don't think I would have acquired anywhere else,” says Anthony.

Anthony has worked on a variety of research projects within this lab where they are now developing a teaching and learning model to facilitate movement in somebody’s spine.

To be part of an environment where you can explore your passions, tackle research problems that various people face and help make the world a better place is what fuels Anthony to continue his path in research.

“Being able to see the problem in these different dimensions is great because it kind of opens your mind up a bit and allows you to look at things through a different lens.”

Anthony’s advice to other students interested in the undergraduate research awards?

“I'd say to any students who are thinking about URA or thinking about research in general, try it. At the end of the day, the only one who decides where you stop is you. So go as far as you can and definitely enjoy the ride as well.”

Did you know there are more than 50 campgrounds spread throughout Manitoba's provincial parks? More than just a way to get out of the city for a weekend, camping can provide you with some real health benefits.

Dr. Laurene Rehman, FKRM’s new Dean and recreation and leisure expert, says there is evidence that being outside has tangible health benefits for people of all ages and abilities.

“There's a lot of research showing that your blood pressure actually goes down once you get outside and your mood increases,” says Rehman. “It's an amazing opportunity to engage and to be one with nature.”

Camping can be an opportunity to disconnect from our typical routines and embrace something outside our comfort zone, which can help improve our physical and mental health. Rehman says campgrounds are working to break down barriers of access and create more opportunities for anyone to engage with nature.

“My favourite campsite has an incredible accessible washroom with wheel-in space. Constantly there's more and more accessible opportunities emerging for camping,” says Rehman.
In the “Ask A” series, you’ll hear from experts across the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management as they answer your questions about sports, recreation, kinesiology, community development and more!

Do you have a burning question for one of our researchers, send us a message!

Meet Om Upadhyay, an Undergraduate Research Award recipient and a recent graduate of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management.

"Receiving this award gave me exposure to the actual research process," says Om.

Om is currently working on two undergraduate research projects. The first project focuses on looking at long-term covid patients; the second focuses on prefrail and frail older adults.

Om is currently working on two undergraduate research projects. The first project focuses on looking at long-term COVID patients; the second focuses on prefrail and frail older adults.

Om’s biggest takeaway?

"Honestly, this experience has strengthened my interest in exercise physiology... and how exercise can change an individual's life."

What is our new Dean’s favourite way to travel?
What’s the best meal she’s ever had?
What about her go-to breakfast order?

These are a few of the questions Dr. Laurene Rehman answered during her first week on campus. Check out the video to learn a bit more about our new Dean.

Meet Ethan Temmerman. He’s going into this third year in the faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management this fall. This is his second summer as an Undergraduate Research Award recipient.

We talked to him about his experience researching trust in ParaSport with disability athletes under the supervision of Dr. Janet Lawson.

Ethan first became interested in research in the second semester of his first year.

He says receiving an Undergraduate Research Award opened the doors for him to explore his interest in research.

Now in his second summer as an undergrad research award recipient, Ethan continues to develop his skills in a familiar environment. Ethan is currently working on a scoping review which focuses on identifying key concepts and potential research gaps to plan future studies.

Undergraduate Research Awards provide unique learning opportunities for undergraduate students in all fields and ranges of research.