Researcher Profile Detail
Dr. Lora Giangregorio
PhD (McMaster University)
Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo
BIOGRAPHY
The research conducted in our laboratory has an applied clinical focus with the aim of improving the capacity of health care providers to assess and treat osteoporosis, with a particular focus on the importance of physical activity for a healthy skeleton. New paradigms of osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment have recently been introduced and are still evolving, reflecting a dynamic area of potential for innovative research (1;2). Exciting current and future directions for fracture prevention include novel imaging technologies and non-pharmacological interventions (e.g. vitamin D, fall prevention) - key components of our research. To determine the bearing that the absence of physical activity has on bone quality, we study the extreme bone loss that occurs after spinal cord injury (SCI). We integrate knowledge translation into our research activities by conducting systematic reviews, liaising with government and non-profit organizations and linking with community-based programs. The specific objectives of our research are: 1) to prospectively characterize bone loss and fractures in individuals with neurological impairment due to spinal cord injury (SCI) to inform fracture prediction; 2) to expand the capacity of current and new medical imaging techniques for assessment of bone quality; 3) to evaluate interventions (e.g. exercise, whole body vibration) aimed at reducing the burden of fractures due to osteoporosis; and 4) to facilitate the implementation of research into practice via integrated knowledge translation.
KEY PUBLICATIONS
Giangregorio LM, Thabane L, Debeer J, Farrauto L, McCartney N, Adachi JD, Papaioannou A. Body weight-supported treadmill training for patients with hip fracture: a feasibility study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009 Dec;90(12):2125-30. PMID: 19969179 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Giangregorio L, Thabane L, Cranney A, Adili A, dBeer J, Dolovich L, Adachi JD, Papaioannou A. Osteoporosis knowledge among individuals with recent fragility fracture. Orthop Nurs. 2010 Mar-Apr;29(2):99-107. PMID: 20335769 [PubMed - in process]
Giangregorio LM, Leslie WD; Manitoba Bone Density Program. Time since prior fracture is a risk modifier for 10-year osteoporotic fracture. J Bone Miner Res. 2010 Jun;25(6):1400-5. PMID: 20200950 [PubMed - in process]
Giangregorio LM, Jantzi M, Papaioannou A, Hirdes J, Maxwell CJ, Poss JW. Osteoporosis management among residents living in long-term care. Osteoporos Int. 2009 Sep;20(9):1471-8. Epub 2009 Feb 10. PMID: 19209376 [PubMed - in process]
Giangregorio L, Dolovich L, Cranney A, Adili A, Debeer J, Papaioannou A, Thabane L, Adachi JD. Osteoporosis risk perceptions among patients who have sustained a fragility fracture. Patient Educ Couns. 2009 Feb;74(2):213-20. Epub 2008 Nov 1. PMID: 18977628 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Totosy de Zepetnek JO, Giangregorio LM, Craven BC. Whole-body vibration as potential intervention for people with low bone mineral density and osteoporosis: a review. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2009;46(4):529-42. Review. PMID: 19882487 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Free Article
PRESENTATIONS
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"Walking Competency in Ambulatory Individuals Living in Long-term Care" Presented at: "Translating Research in to Practice" - April 13, 2007: Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging Annual Research Day |
 Play the video |
CONTACT INFORMATION
| Email: | lora.giangregorio@uwaterloo.ca |
| Phone: | 519.888.4567 ext. 36357 |
| Address: |
Department of Kinesiology Burt Matthews Hall, Room 1109 University of Waterloo 200 University Ave. West Waterloo, ON CANADA N2L 3G1 |