Researcher Profile Detail
Dr. Lora Giangregorio
PhD (McMaster University)
Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo
BIOGRAPHY
My overall research focus is the promotion of health in chronic conditions and disabilities. I am particularly interested in optimizing function and preventing fracture in individuals who experience bone loss. I am also interested in research aimed at optimizing the evaluation of skeletal health using techniques such as densitometry, bone biochemical markers, computed tomography and ultrasound.
Research in the area of spinal cord injury and exercise is limited, and few studies have investigated the impact of exercise on secondary complications associated with SCI, such as muscle atrophy, decubitus ulcers or osteoporosis. I am currently investigating the impact of functional electrical stimulation-assisted walking on mobility and other health outcomes in individuals with SCI. I also aim to further delineate the changes in muscle, bone density and bone quality that occur after SCI and in aging using newer techniques, such as peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Another line of research that I am exploring is fracture prevention and rehabilitation for elderly individuals with impaired mobility. Up to 20% of individuals who suffer a hip fracture die, and 50% of those that survive do not recover their pre-fracture mobility. A recent Cochrane review highlighted the need for research in post-hip fracture rehabilitation. Muscle strengthening and mobility training may fill this gap. As well, we have recently conducted a systematic review that revealed that many individuals who experience fragility fracture are not assessed or treated for osteoporosis. A component of my research plan will be aimed at optimizing osteoporosis management in individuals who have osteoporosis and/or experience fragility fracture.
KEY PUBLICATIONS
Giangregorio LM, Webber CE, Phillips SM, Hicks AL, Craven BC, Bugaresti JM, McCartney N. Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training in Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Impact on Muscle and Bone. Spinal Cord 2005; 43(11); 649-57.
Giangregorio LM, Craven BC, Webber CE. Musculoskeletal Changes in Women with Spinal Cord Injury: A twin study. Journal of Clinical Densitometry 2005; 8(3): 347-51.
Giangregorio LM, Papaioannou A, Cranney A, Zytaruk N, Adachi JD. Fragility Fractures and the Osteoporosis Care Gap: an international phenomenon. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism 2006; 35: 293-305.
Giangregorio LM, Webber CE, Phillips SM, Hicks AL, Craven BC, Bugaresti JM, McCartney N. Can body weight supported treadmill training increase bone mass and reverse muscle atrophy in individuals with chronic incomplete SCI? Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2006; 31(3):283-291.
Giangregorio LM and McCartney N. Spinal cord injury at birth results in "slender" bones: a case study. Osteoporosis International; 2007 18(1); 117-20.
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: | lmgiangr@healthy.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 |