This article contains the current 2021 CONSENSUS PANEL APPROVED AND OFFICIAL version of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+). The new PAR-Q+ and ePARmed-X+ were introduced officially at the 3rd International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (May 5-8, 2010) by Drs. Darren Warburton, Norman Gledhill, Veronica Jamnik, and Shannon Bredin. The first peer reviewed article containing the PAR-Q+ was published in the Health & Fitness Journal of Canada and subsequent updates have been made through this journal. Owing to the evidence-based nature of the PAR-Q+ and ePARmed-X+ both forms require routine update as the evidence expands. These ongoing revisions are made by the PAR-Q+ Collaboration and evaluated by an international consensus committee. This article contains the 2021 PAR-Q+ that includes significant changes from our original version. This version replaces all previous versions. This is the current evidence-based and consensus panel approved version of the PAR-Q+. We are indebted to the support provided by international partners in the ongoing evaluation of the 2021 PAR-Q+.
Background: The International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH) Congress strives to advance knowledge of the benefits of physical activity for optimal health and well-being across the lifespan. The integration of Indigenous perspectives along with western worldviews promotes inclusive and culturally relevant information that empowers communities across the globe. Purpose: This project focused on increasing Indigenous participation for ISPAH 2021 and investigates the methods used and the outcomes of promoting Indigenous participation at the ISPAH Congress. Methods: Indigenous community leaders in health and physical activity were sent letters of invitation to participate and share their knowledge at ISPAH 2021. Six video vignettes were created to further enhance the promotion and knowledge of ISPAH 2021 in Indigenous communities. Results: The creation of promotional video vignettes, knowledge exchange between western and Indigenous experts, and the promotion of health and wellness initiatives can elicit interest and participation from Indigenous community members. Events that promote the development of health and wellness initiatives can enable greater opportunities for sharing and practicing Indigenous knowledge. Conclusion: The inclusion of Indigenous leaders can increase awareness and understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, facilitating knowledge exchange between Western and Indigenous perspectives in health and physical activity.
Background: At the University of British Columbia (UBC), there is a decreasing rate of female participation in Intramurals sports. Purpose: To identify key barriers influencing the decline in women’s participation in UBC Intramurals and develop recommendations for UBC Athletics and Recreation to reduce barriers and facilitate female Intramural participation. Methods: A 23-question online survey was created with Qualtrics to collect responses from female UBC students regarding their perceived barriers to participation and feedback for UBC Intramurals. Participants were recruited through survey links posted on Facebook. Qualtrics and Microsoft Excel were used to conduct descriptive and content analyses, respectively. Results: Common barriers identified by female UBC students included self-esteem and the convenience and accessibility of UBC Intramurals. Three main themes for improvement were identified for UBC Athletics and Recreation and included better access to information regarding UBC Intramurals leagues, consistent league schedules and game times, and the creation of additional leagues, such as gender-specific and just for fun leagues. Conclusion: Five recommendations were made for UBC Athletics and Recreation to implement into their current Intramurals program: improve the awareness and access to information regarding UBC Intramurals leagues, create a female hat league to allow small group sign-up, implement consistent schedules for intramurals leagues and games, increase the types of sports and tiers offered within the program, and to use a mixed-methods study on a larger sample size in future research for this topic.
Background: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by poor motor competence that affects negatively adolescents’ activities of daily living and also pose an increased risk to their health and psychosocial development. Core stability improves posture, balance and proprioception, skills in which adolescents with DCD are deficient. A weak core is a fundamental problem in the inefficient production of motion, which can lead to incorrect motor patterns. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a core-stability functional exercise program on motor competence, health-related physical fitness, weekly physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adolescents with motor difficulties. Methods: 24 adolescents (12.75±.74y) participated in a 12 weeks (3 sessions/week) core-stability functional exercise program. Two groups were formed: experimental (DCDexp N=8) and control group (DCDcontrol N=16). Motor performance, balance, abdominal muscles strength/endurance, flexibility of lower back and hamstrings muscles, BMI, weekly physical activity and HRQoL were assessed pre and post intervention. Results: There were significant increases on motor performance, on balance, on abdominal muscles strength/endurance and on lower back and hamstrings muscles flexibility. Also, HRQoL and functional status were increased. There was no impact on physical activity and BMI. Conclusion: A core-stability functional exercise program seems to improve motor performance, health-related physical fitness, and HRQoL in adolescents with motor difficulties. This study provides evidence to the findings of the process-oriented approaches combined with effects in various parameters that guarantee success for these adolescents with poor motor competence.
Background: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a common neurological disorder with debilitating motor and non-motor symptoms. Purpose: To explore and understand PD, establish exercise as a treatment option, and determine the optimal evidence-based prescription of exercise based on current evidence. Methods: A narrative review of PD literature was conducted and four categories of findings were established. Results: Based on the review of literature, established risk factors for PD include personal, genetic, and environmental factors. Clinical tests for postural sway and instability are used for diagnosis. PD is associated with fatigue and falls, leading to further adversities. Treatment options such as medication and surgical procedures can mitigate symptoms but have side effects and do not improve postural stability. Exercise as a co-treatment has been indicated as a potential solution to some limitations. Guidelines include a variety of exercises and a progressive increase in frequency. Optimal benefits arise from aerobic components, amplitude-specific training, and vigorous intensity. Conclusion: Exercise is a valid component of PD treatment. Prescription should be individualized and include a variety of exercises, including balance, flexibility, resistance, aerobic, and amplitude-specific exercises performed at a vigorous intensity whenever possible.
Jack Taunton is one of the foremost Sport Medicine Practitioners in Canada. His years of service to the profession influenced Sport Medicine training programs, Sport Medicine research, and Elite athlete treatment in Canada and arguably around the world.
Rick Hansen, Founder of the Rick Hansen Foundation, on the incredible impact that Dr. Jack Taunton has made on his life’s journey. His tribute spans four decades of friendship.
Background: Osteoporosis is a major public health issue that has been a large topic of discussion for the last 20 years. It is largely prevalent in an aging population and primarily in post-menopausal women. Sufferers of osteoporosis experience enhanced bone fragility, contributing to an increased risk of fractures and falls. Purpose: This student driven narrative review provides a brief overview of osteoporosis and examines the modifiable factors that contribute to the effects of osteoporosis in an aging population. Methods: Information was gathered through databases including PubMed, UBC Library, and Google Scholar. Results: Adequate consumption of calcium and vitamin D as well as regular exercise are factors that are recommended to increase bone mineral density and reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures. Additionally, engaging in alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle should be avoided to optimize bone health. Conclusion: Lifestyle factors and the consumption of relevant nutrients required for bone health can be modified in order to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis in an aging population. Further research should aim to investigate the effects of a variety of different levels of physical activity and alcohol consumption, as well as the effects of calcium supplementation on cardiovascular health.
This article highlights the significant impact that Dr. Jack Taunton had on the life of an aspiring medical student.
Jack and Cheryl Taunton make a good team showing patience and wisdom in everything they do. Together with their incredible passion for Canada and the health and fitness industry, they have done more for Canada than most people I know or will ever know.
This article outlines the important contribution that Dr. Jack Taunton has made to the mentorship of trainees working in the high performance setting with developmental and Olympic athletes.
In a world where so many appointed leaders role model divisiveness and greed, Dr. Jack Taunton has been the driving force for selfless collaboration and collectivism that has seen success achieved against all odds, time and time again.
Dr. Jack Taunton's contributions to sports medicine, recreational running, philanthropy, the NBA, research, and running shoe design are truly remarkable. His hard work and dedication in these disciplines have made the lives of Canadians better.
My whole life has been shaped by my involvement in competitive athletics. Without the opportunities given to me by my teachers, coaches & family, and the support of friends, I would not have had the success I had. Giving back to others to help them achieve their dreams, and to motivate them to “be the best they can be” has driven me in my coaching and teaching. I am a true believer in 'Athletics for Life'.
Objective. The objective of this three-part narrative review has been to examine empirical data on the optimal type of diet to recommend when individuals with established obesity are being treated by a programme of moderate exercise coupled with some reduction of daily energy intake. The final section of this review considers the potentially beneficial influence of an increased water and fibre intake, along with other possibly helpful nutritional options. Methods. Information obtained from Ovid/Medline, PubMed and Google Scholar through to September 2019 as been supplemented by a search of the author's extensive personal files. Results. Drinking additional water or adding water to a food product may reduce immediate hunger and thus the overall intake of food, replace the previous consumption of sugar-containing drinks, and possibly increase thermogenesis by an osmotic mechanism. Longitudinal studies give tentative evidence that increased water ingestion has some beneficial effect upon body mass, greater in the obese than in individuals of normal weight. A high fibre content also increases satiety, but randomized controlled trials show that such a diet has little advantage in terms of eventual weight loss. Other potentially beneficial options include an increased consumption of nuts, yogurt and calcium. In cross-sectional analyses, nut consumption is inversely associated with body weight, but short-term experimental increases of nut consumption have had little influence upon body mass. Yogurt has also been suggested as helping the process of weight loss, but again there are as yet few randomized controlled trials supporting such an idea. Cross-sectional and cohort studies, almost without exception, have shown better weight regulation in groups receiving calcium supplements or an increased intake of dairy products, but in contrast there is either no effect or at most a quite small benefit to be seen in randomized trials. Conclusions. Available randomized studies suggest that the fat loss achieved by a combination of moderate physical exercise and some restriction of energy intake is similar for those following a variety of diets and nutritional tactics. Challenges to health professionals are to maintain a blood glucose level that avoids a deterioration of mood and a reduction of voluntary exercise, to maintain lean tissue mass and thus resting metabolic rate, and to sustain satiety and thus the enthusiasm needed to persist with the prescribed regimen.
Dr. Jack Taunton is an internationally recognized pioneer of Sport and Exercise Medicine in Canada. Despite his legendary status, Jack is a kind, genuine person with a heart of gold. This brief memory illustrates the sincere humanity that he brings to all that he does.
The sport of running in Vancouver has a long and storied history. Thanks to the passion and vision of six running enthusiasts, including Jack Taunton, amateur distance runners had new opportunities to compete in their sport with the formation of Lions Gate Road Runners. Club members established numerous road races of varying distances in the 1970’s and 1980’s, contributing to Vancouver’s reputation as a world-renowned destination for runners of all talents.
This commentary outlines the evolution of sports and exercise medicine in British Columbia and the unique collaborations with my close friends and colleagues, Dr. Jack and Cheryl Taunton. This article outlines the important legacy of the work of the Jack and Cheryl and the trainees that came through the Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Centre. Included in this article is an anthology of works that outline the impact of the Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Clinic over the years including highlighting key graduates from our programming.
Jack Taunton's dedication to sports medicine has not gone unnoticed. His accolades and achievements speak volumes and his unwavering dedication to teaching and mentorship has had a profound effect on many individuals that have crossed his path. I, for one, am honored to call him my mentor, colleague, and friend!
This commentary outlines the remarkable contributions of Cheryl and Jack Taunton to the exercise sciences, kinesiology, high performance sport, and sports and exercise medicine. We also highlight the role that the Tauntons have played in our lives. We outline our more than 20 year relationship with the Tauntons beginning as colleagues progressing to trusting friends. We emphasize how many of our achievements and that of our trainees and children can be attributed directly to the mentorship, guidance, and friendship provided by Cheryl and Jack. We discuss our experiences working together with Cheryl and Jack during important international events (such as the 2010 Winter and Paralympic Games and the Masters Games), working with various professional teams and Olympic athletes, and various other initiatives that they have spearheaded over the years. Through these experiences, we have seen first-hand the influence that this dynamic duo has had on the lives of others and elite sport, clinical physiology, and sports and exercise medicine (to name just a few areas). We are honoured to call them friends and mentors.
