The 2022 CIHR Institute of Aging Fellowship Prize of Excellence in Research on Aging

Each year, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research - Institute of Aging (CIHR-IA) recognizes the highest ranked postdoctoral trainee in the field of aging from the CIHR open postdoctoral competition as the CIHR-IA Fellowship Prize of Excellence in Research on Aging recipient.

Recipient

Dr. Myles O’Brien, Dalhousie University

Dr. Myles O’Brien is a CSEP – Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Post-Doctoral Fellow working within the Geriatric Medicine Unit under the Division of Geriatric Medicine (Faculty of Medicine) and School of Physiotherapy (Faculty of Health) at Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada. Dr. O’Brien’s Doctoral training was in physical activity and cardiovascular aging, and he is expanding this research to clinical trials involving frail populations with his advisor Dr. Olga Theou. For his overarching research program, he is very interested in physical activity and frailty, improving mobility in acute geriatric care, the measurement of physical behaviors, the impact of aging on the cardiovascular system, and any topic related to sedentary physiology.

Research Summary

The Canadian population is shifting, with a growing proportion of people over the age of 65. As people age, they are more likely to develop health problems. One way to determine a person’s overall health is to measure their frailty level. We know that exposure to lifelong physical inactivity causes people to rapidly accumulate health problems, increasing their frailty level. Increasing physical activity may lead to the greatest benefit for the prevention and management of frailty; however, most older Canadians are inactive. My research aims to understand factors that contribute to the activity level of older adults, and the possibility of physical activity programs on reversing frailty. My primary post-doctoral study investigates whether a clinical trial involving physician referrals to a qualified exercise professional will improve patients’ physical activity levels and, in-turn, their frailty levels. After referral by a primary care healthcare professional, participants will consult with an exercise specialist for education about their frailty level and how they can mitigate their frailty trajectory through physical activity. Personal goals and a tailored prescription for physical activity will be discussed, including referral to an exercise program (if appropriate). Regular follow up will be scheduled to discuss progress and address barriers to participation. Physical activity and frailty levels of the participants will be reassessed, and a progress report will be provided to participants and their healthcare professional to track progress towards achieving their goals. This exciting initiative will empower people to improve their overall health as they age through tailored physical activity and coaching.

Date modified:

2023-01-09