Research to Action Conference (R2A)

Friday, June 6, 2025 (Pre-conference)

Saturday, June 7, 2025

7 learning hours = 4 SFIC CECs

SFIC Master Fitness Class (10:00 - 11:30 a.m.)

Advanced Circuit Training

Presenter: Debbie DeVries
Location: Gymnasium, Rm. 1300, Elborn College, 1201 Western Road, London, Ontario

Elevate your teaching with this high-intensity 90-minute workout/workshop for experienced seniors' fitness instructors. Learn to lead advanced cardio and strength circuits using compound movements, progressive programming, and next-level coaching strategies. Perfect for seniors' fitness instructors working with fit, high-performing participants.

 Registration Fee: $25.00 + HST
1.5 learning hours = 1 SFIC CEC
40 participants max

Seniors' Fitness Instructor Course (SFIC) Refresher (12:30-4:00 p.m.)

Senior fitness strategies for arthritis & osteoporosis

Presenters: Steve Di Ciacca, Debbie DeVries
NEW LOCATION: Mercato at Clare Hall, West Campus (formerly Brescia) 1285 Western Road, London, Ontario

This interactive workshop is designed for seniors' fitness instructors working with older adults who have arthritis and/or osteoporosis. In this session you will learn strategies to adapt SFIC classes to be more osteoporosis and arthritis-friendly through exercise modifications, joint-friendly movement strategies and fall prevention. The hands-on active session will highlight a variety of safe, practical exercises that promote strength, mobility, and bone health. Participants will come away from this session feeling confident that they have an improved understanding of the special considerations needed to create safe, effective, and engaging exercise programs for individuals with common musculoskeletal conditions. 

Registration Fee: $80.00 + HST
3.5 learning hours = 3 SFIC CECs
50 participants max

Rechnitzer Lecture (5:00-6:00 p.m.)

Exercise for osteoporosis and fall prevention: evidence to action

Presenter: Lora Giangregorio
Location: Rm. 1576 Elborn College, 1201 Western Road, London, Ontario

Fall-related injuries, including fractures, are the number one cause of hospitalization in older adults. Osteoporosis is a bone disease that results in low bone strength, and an increased risk of fractures. Balance, muscle strength, and bone strength decline with age, leading to an increased risk of falls and fall-related injuries, including fractures. Balance and functional training, with or without resistance training, can prevent falls. During this presentation you will learn about what osteoporosis is, and what clinical practice guidelines and other research says about the benefits and harms of balance and functional training, resistance training, and other types of exercise when it comes to fall and fracture prevention. The presentation will also include practical tips on participating in strength and balance training, including ideas for progressing your exercise program, or how to modify it for certain bone or joint concerns. Learn more or register for Zoom or In-Person.

1 learning hour = 1 SFIC CEC
100 in-person participants max

Morning

SuperAging: Secrets to Exceptional Brain Health | Angela Roberts

Maintaining brain health is crucial for independence and quality of life as we age. Recent research into SuperAging indicates that some individuals maintain exceptional memory and cognitive function well into their 80s and beyond. This talk will delve into the science behind SuperAging, explore the factors contributing to cognitive resilience, and discuss lifestyle strategies to promote brain health and reduce the risk of dementia. Whether optimizing your brain health or supporting loved ones, you will acquire evidence-based strategies for enhancing health span.

Heart Wise Exercise: Safe Fitness for Heart Health | Anita Findlay

The Heart Wise Exercise program, developed by the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, helps individuals with heart conditions or chronic health concerns stay active safely. This workshop will explore the six core principles of Heart Wise Exercise, how heart-friendly community fitness programs are identified, and the latest research on exercise and cardiovascular health. A 2015 evaluation confirmed that Heart Wise Exercise meets its core criteria, effectively reaches individuals with chronic conditions or heart disease risk factors, and is highly rated by participants and confident, knowledgeable fitness leaders. This session will provide fitness professionals with valuable insights to support safe, effective, and heart-healthy exercise for all.

Importance of Proper Footwear and Footcare with Age | Colin Dumbroski

As we get older, the right footwear and foot health become critical for mobility, balance, and overall well-being. Learn how to choose supportive shoes, prevent common foot issues, and maintain foot strength for an active lifestyle. Colin will share expert insights on foot mechanics, injury prevention, and practical tips to keep you moving comfortably. Step into better health and stay active with confidence!

Roundtable Discussion with Morning Speakers | Angie, Anita, Brian, Steve

Join our engaging roundtable discussion featuring Angela Roberts, Anita Findlay, and Colin Dumbroski, as they dive deeper into key topics from their presentations. This interactive session offers a unique opportunity to explore brain health, heart health, and the importance of foot care in aging. Ask questions, share insights, and engage in meaningful conversations with our expert panel. Whether you're looking to optimize cognitive function, improve mobility, or enhance overall well-being, this discussion will provide practical takeaways to support a healthier, more active lifestyle as we age.

Tai Chi practice | Terry Clarkin

Terry Lynn will introduce Dr. Paul Lam’s Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention (TCAFP) program, approved by the CDC for fall prevention and endorsed by arthritis societies in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA. She will teach basic Qigong (breath/energy work) warm-ups and demonstrate the TCAFP set. This program enhances healing, mobility, and energy through gentle, dynamic movements that loosen joints, improve flexibility, and strengthen muscles. With an emphasis on weight transfer, it helps prevent falls while boosting balance, posture, stamina, relaxation, and overall well-being.

Afternoon

Physical Activity and Hearing | Susan Scollie

TBA

Getting the Most Out of One Move | Sarah Langford

In this creative and insightful workshop you will explore the versatility of a single movement in senior fitness classes. Learn how one carefully chosen exercise can be adapted, progressed, and integrated to target strength, balance, mobility, and coordination. Through hands-on demonstrations and expert guidance, discover modifications, variations, and sequencing techniques that keep workouts engaging and effective. This workshop will help you maximize impact with minimal complexity. Unlock the power of one move for better senior fitness classes!

Strength Training Strategies for Seniors | Steve Di Ciacca

This dynamic workshop is designed to help fitness professionals safely and effectively incorporate strength training into senior fitness classes. Learn practical techniques to improve muscle strength, bone density, and overall mobility while reducing the risk of injury. The expert-led session covers exercise modifications, proper form, and equipment selection to ensure safe and engaging workouts for older adults. This workshop will provide seniors' fitness instructors valuable insights to enhance strength and confidence at any fitness level.

Keynote Speakers

Angela Roberts

Dr. Angela Roberts holds the Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Data Analytics and Digital Health at Western University, where she has a joint appointment in Communication Disorders and Computer Science. An expert in aging, dementia, speech-language pathology, and wearable sensors, she is committed to studying cognitive resilience and neurodegenerative diseases. As the lead investigator of the Canadian SuperAging Research Initiative, her research investigates the impact of language, social engagement, and physical activity on cognitive longevity, aiming to translate findings into practical interventions that improve outcomes for individuals living with dementia.

Learn more about Dr. Roberts.

Susan Scollie

Dr. Susan Scollie is a Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Director the National Centre for Audiology, University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, Canada. With colleagues, she developed version 5.0 of the DSL Method for hearing aid fitting, now a worldwide standard for pediatric hearing aid prescription. Her current research focuses on the efficacy of hearing aid signal processing, outcomes for infants, children, and adults who use hearing aids, hearing aid verification strategies, and simulation in education.

Learn more about Dr. Scollie

Knowledge Experts

Steve Di Ciacca  
Steve holds a BSc and thesis-based Masters in Physiotherapy from Western. He has also completed his Advanced Diploma in Manipulative Therapy (FCAMPT) and obtained his Sports Diploma with Sport Physiotherapy Canada. Steve brings over 14 years of experience working as an Integrated Support Team (IST) Lead, Lead Therapist and Strength and Conditioning Coach with Rowing Canada and is currently a lecturer in the Department of Physical Therapy at Western University, instructing in musculoskeletal assessment and treatment, as well as sports physiotherapy.

Anita Findlay
Anita Findlay is a YMCA Group Fitness Instructor, CCAA-SFIC certified, and has taught several different fitness leadership courses, including CCAA courses, in the Ottawa area. She is also certified in Pilates, Yoga, Drums Alive, and The GROOVE Method. With over 20 years of experience, Anita specializes in older adult fitness, as well as preparation and rehabilitation for knee/hip replacements and heart and stroke patients. A University of Ottawa graduate, mother of three, and passionate advocate for active living, she is the Fitness Program Coordinator at the Churchill Seniors Recreation Center in Ottawa.

Colin Dunbroski
Dr. Colin Donbroski, PhD, C.Ped(C), is a certified pedorthist and expert in foot health, mobility, and rehabilitation. As the founder of SoleScience, he leads a team specializing in custom foot orthoses and pedorthic care across southern Ontario. With a PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Science, he focuses on improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life through research-backed solutions. An adjunct professor at Western University, international lecturer, and researcher, Colin is passionate about applying scientific advancements to real-world foot health, helping both professionals and patients move better with evidence-based care.

Activity Experts

Terry Clarkin
Terry Lynn was a special education teacher until Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia forced her to stop working in 1990. In 1995, she found a Tai Chi class for people with CFS, and her Tai Chi family supported her through years of medical struggles. With no improvement from treatments, she began teaching in 2013 to push herself to practice more. In 2014, she quit sugar and studied Tai Chi for Arthritis. Within a year, she had weaned off 15 medications and was teaching four classes weekly. Today, she teaches multiple specialized Tai Chi programs, including those for chronic conditions and Indigenous communities.

Sarah Langford
Sarah has been involved in the fitness and health industry for over 30 years, teaching at Western University and Fanshawe College in Kinesiology and Fitness programs. She has 25+ years of experience working with older adults, including roles at the Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging, VON, and Hutton House. A long-time GoodLife Fitness instructor, she teaches HIIT, cycling, BodyPump, and strength classes. Sarah also works as a Rehabilitation Therapist and Exercise Specialist, helping clients regain strength and mobility. Passionate about movement, she strives to motivate, connect, and inspire active living!