Our Facility

The Mental Health and Physical Activity Research Center (MPARC )is a unique research facility integrating the study of physical activity and mental health. The researchers involved with MPARC are dedicated to developing and evaluating interventions to promote physical activity and mental health among people at risk of inactivity and mental health problems. Examples of populations that MPARC researchers work with include: mental health service users, cancer survivors, youth sport participants and people with spinal cord injuries.

  • Fitness Testing:

    Research-grade treadmill

    Research-grade bicycle

    Metabolic carts

    Biodex

    ECG

  • Fitness Training:

    Treadmills

    Training bicycles

    Free weights (ranging from 1lb to >90lbs)

    Keiser resistance training systems

    Resistance training machines for large upper and lower body muscles

    TRX body weight resistance training bands

    Resistance bands, balls, mats

    Heart rate monitors

  • Psychosocial Testing and Training:

    Muse headbands

    iMotions system

    (EEG, heart rate, galvanic skin response, facial recognition, emotions)

  • Social Observation:

    Noldus system

  • Biological Samples Collection and Storage:

    Blood donation chair

    Freezer

  • Ambulatory Testing and Training:

    Inclinometer devices (Actipal)

    Accelerometers (Actigraph)

    Pedometers (StepCount)

    Wearable fitness tracker (Jawbone)

MPARC features accessible cardiovascular and strength training, psychological assessment and data collection tools (on-site and field-based), and advanced software for mixed methods analysis