Email

kennedy@ualberta.ca

Phone

(780) 492-2830

Address

4-230 Van Vliet Complex - East

8810 - 114TH St NW

Edmonton AB

T6G 2H9

Degrees
PhD (Rehabilitation Science), University of Alberta, 2006
MSc (Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation), University of Alberta, 1997 
BPE (Physical Education), University of Alberta, 1995

Background

 

•    Dr. Michael Kennedy is a Certified Exercise Physiologist (CSEP-CEP).
•    Achieved a BPE in Sport Science focusing on pace strategy and performance. MSc was focused on developing critical velocity models in rowers. PhD work was in integrative physiology focusing on oxygen      delivery during exercise in elite athletes. Obtained Certified Exercise Physiologist designation in 2007 and is a member of the Exercise is Medicine Network (Canadian Association of Exercise Physiology).
•    Joined the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation in 2007 as an Assistant Professor in Athlete Health.
•    Has served as the lead sport scientist for men’s basketball, women’s field hockey and women’s soccer at the University of Alberta as well as the Edmonton Triathlon Academy. Currently is the lead sport scientist for the varsity swim team (men and women).

 

The Athlete Health Lab aims to understand factors which influence athlete health status and how athlete health status influences performance. 

Current research interests include:

• environmental and training related factors influencing lung function in athletes 
• relationship between training stress, health status and performance

Our approach involves understanding prevalence, improving screening, studying mechanisms and increasing awareness. 

PEDS 101: Introduction of Human Physiology 
PEDS 103: Integrative Human Physiology 
HEED 220: Introduction to Personal Physical Fitness 
PEDS 335: Advanced Conditioning Methodology  

URI Undergraduate Researcher Stipend Award

Nathan Lentz was awarded a URI for the summer. His passion for car racing and physiology are combined in this project which evaluates the "The Metabolic and Energetic Needs of Race Car Driving  Performance". Nathan was the physiology lead for the FSAE U of A race car driving team and that competed in Lincoln Nebraska recently. He will be in the lab and on the track looking at the physiological response to race car driving using a simulator (in the lab) and then in the real world using equipment that is suitable for field testing in a race car. 

EDUCATION SEMINAR: 

Stress management – what, why and how can you improve health outcomes in your clients (June 28, 2017)….

Spent an afternoon talking to the trainers and exercise specialists at Body By Bennett about the evidence around chronic stress. We focussed on their client base that is looking for stress reduction via exercise and physical activity. I discussed the evidence around chronic stress and risk factors for poor health and chronic disease. We explored how and what are the best techniques to improve overall health. We also discussed how they can measure and evaluate progress in their clients. 

Education Abroad Individual Award - University of Alberta International:

Rachelle Davies was awarded an Education Abroad Award to study at the University of Innsbruck in the Winter of 2017. She worked within the Sport Medicine group under the supervision of Martin Burtscher. Congratulations Rachelle. 

European College of Sport Science Annual Congress (July 6-9, 2016)

Our paper entitled: "Effect of graded cold exposure on perceived exertion and heart rate response at different intensities of exercise" was accepted for presentation. This paper examines the question "is exercising in cold weather more challenging to your body and mind?". We found that yes your heart rate is increased in severe cold (-15 and -20 C) and your effort is also increased (Rating of Perceived Effort) in severe temperatures compared to warmer temperatures (0, -5 and -10 C). This paper highlights the idea that severe cold weather exercise is more stressful on the body especially if you are doing intense exercise such as running or nordic skiing.

Cross Country Canada High Performance Coaching Seminar May 7-8, 2016.

I had the honour of presenting to 80 of our top Nordic coaches in Canada this past weekend on respiratory health in Nordic skiers.

A copy of my presentation from that talk is found in scholarly activities.