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Trent University Researcher Provides New Insight into Exercise, Aging and Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Nursing and Biology Professor Dr. Ingrid Brenner Explores Role of Exercise in Treatment and Prevention of Chronic Disease

Wednesday, May 12, 2010, Peterborough

Exercise is good for you – and Dr. Ingrid Brenner, a professor of Nursing and Biology at Trent University, can prove it.

Dr. Brenner’s innovative research, undertaken within the state-of-the-art DNA Building at Trent, examines the role of physical activity and participation in regular exercise in the treatment and prevention of chronic disease.  

“I have studied obstetric patients, patients with cardiovascular disease, hemodialysis patients, as well as the elderly patient living in long-term care,” Dr. Brenner explains. “The results obtained from these studies have demonstrated that regular exercise can enhance birth outcome, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease improve the ability to perform activities of daily living and enhance quality of life.”

In addition, statistical studies on human populations have demonstrated that participation in regular physical activity can reduce the incidence of breast and colon cancers. In order to understand why this occurs, Dr. Brenner has developed a biological model to investigate the effects of exercise training on the intestine and mammary gland. These studies have demonstrated that cellular function in both the intestine and mammary gland is improved by regular exercise, thus decreasing the likelihood of cancer development. 

Dr. Brenner joined the faculty at Trent University in 2001 when the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing first opened. She is also cross-appointed with the Biology Department. Currently, Dr. Brenner is working in collaboration with researchers at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario to study the effects of a low-intensity walking exercise program on patients with peripheral artery disease. She has presented the results of her research at several conferences around the world, including Japan, Hungary, Germany, Monaco and the United States.
Much of Dr. Brenner’s research has been made possible through a grant provided by the Canada Foundation of Innovation (CFI) which also helped build the DNA building at Trent and allowed the University to purchase specialized equipment that Dr. Brenner uses for her research.

In describing the importance of Trent’s research facilities on her research, as well as the impact of the local community, Dr. Brenner says: “It is a great privilege to work at Trent University. I have wonderful colleagues in the School of Nursing and the Department of Biology and access to current, state-of-the-art research facilities. Since Peterborough is a small town with a large retirement population, Trent University and the School of Nursing provide an ideal location for my research.”

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For more information, please contact:
Dr. Ingrid Brenner, Trent/Fleming School of Nursing, (705) 748-1011 x7253 or ibrenner@trentu.ca