This symposium will highlight the impact of exercise on cartilage health. Each speaker is an expert in their respective area and approaches the topic from unique perspectives (basic science, applied science, and implementation science) using models ranging from rats to humans.

Tissue-level Changes in Response to Animal Arthritis Models and the Impact of Exercise (Aerobic and Resistance): Our first speaker, Dr. Walter Herzog has conducted extensive work with a rat model of osteoarthritis and exercise. He will present on the tissue-level changes to cartilage resulting from exercise and lifestyle factors in rats. His work has been recognized by honors such as induction to the Royal Society of Canada, the Muybridge Career Award from the International Society of Biomechanics, and is the namesake of the Dr. Walter Herzog Award in Excellence in Undergraduate Research from the Brazilian Society for Biomechanics.

Joint Management: Osteoarthritis and Exercise Rx: Our second speaker, Dr. Kristen Barton, is an orthopedic surgeon-scientist and a CSEP-Clinical Exercise Physiologist that specializes on joint replacement and knee injuries. She will present on clinical presentation of arthritis, connect changes in cartilage to changes in overall physical function of patients, and will present on her work on exercise-based treatment for both osteoarthritis and total joint arthroplasty patients. Kristen is a 4-time alumnus of the University of Calgary, was the 2020 recipient of the CSEP Seed Grant, was named top 40 under 40 by the Association of Women Surgeons, and was a recipient of the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation’s Carroll A. Laurin Award for Excellence in Clinical Research.

Sticking to Exercise with Arthritis: A Journey in Trial and Error: Our final speaker, Dr. Jasmin Ma, focuses her research on implementation of exercise programming for individuals of all abilities, including those with arthritis. She will present on behaviour change strategies and modifications tailored to those with arthritis to promote adoption and participation in exercise training programs.