McMaster’s Physical Activity Centre of Excellence provides unique services for older adults and people with chronic disease and disability

McMaster students aren’t the only ones heading to the gyms on campus. Members of the MacWheelers Exercise Program for adults with spinal cord injury regularly participate in specialized exercise sessions offered by the McMaster Physical Activity Centre of Excellence (PACE).

“PACE is unique in the type of equipment we have and the specialized staff and volunteers available to help members stay as physically active as possible,” said Stuart Philips, the Centre’s Director and Professor in the Department of Kinesiology. “Body-Weight-Supported Treadmills, ZeroG over-ground gait and balance training, Lokomat functional robotic walking therapy, along with other accessible equipment provide a combination of options that can’t be found elsewhere.”

The MacWheelers Program was founded in 2001 and provides services to about 80 clients each year. The program, which is part of PACE, also creates learning and research opportunities for professors and students.

According to Stuart, “We want to keep the program as accessible as possible, but we do need to cover the costs of equipment, maintenance, and the highly trained staff and volunteers required to support people when they use the gym.” Fees hadn’t been increased in three years. Depending on the type of equipment, frequency of exercise, and staffing support that is needed, current membership fees range from $55 to $75 per month, with additional sessions available through modality packages.

McMaster is one of only a few universities offering a program like MacWheelers as part of its outreach to the community.