Faculty of medicine researchers will be able to test the ability of blueberries, exercise and protein to reduce frailty and improve cardiovascular health, and develop a remote pregnancy monitoring system to reduce preterm birth, thanks to a $2.5-million gift from the River Philip Foundation.
The gift established two grant programs, the Transformational Medical Research Grants, and Sustaining Excellence Grants. The Transformational grants are designed to fuel groundbreaking research on the cusp of making a significant impact for the people of this region and beyond.
The Sustaining Excellence Grants are intended to support earlier stage researchers and new research projects as they scale up to qualify for major national research grants.
In 2024 this generous investment will support two Transformational Grants and six Sustaining Excellence Grants.
“Traditionally, River Philip has supported hospitals and universities,” says Deborah Shaffner, a trustee with the family Foundation. “This is a way to direct money more significantly to things that are important to the Foundation that could really transform medicine, rather than going to a hospital or a piece of equipment. It was an idea for us to see if we could really make a difference.”
The Bragg family established the River Philip Foundation in 2005, to support and improve the quality of life in rural communities, primarily in Atlantic Canada, and to make transformative change.
Dr. Ken Rockwood, Dr. Susan Howlett, Dr. Leah Cahill and Dr. Scott Grandy received one of the two transformational research grants of $1 million to launch their STRONG study. The year-long, randomized controlled trial will test the effects of protein, blueberries and strength training on reducing frailty and improving heart health in adults aged 65-85.
One group of trial participants will receive protein supplementation, blueberries, and strength training with a personal trainer for a year, while the second group will receive standard treatment and educational materials.
The researchers will monitor all participants for changes in blood pressure, lipid profile, glucose levels, and inflammatory marker, as well as their degree of frailty, using the Canadian Frailty Index that Dr. Rockwood developed. The team will also monitor changes in physical fitness, dietary habits, hand grip strength, and quality of life.