Research in focus: Sioban Tatara

Name:

Sioban Tatara

My pronouns:

she/her

Title:

Research Intervention Coordinator

Faculty/Department/Unit:

Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy

Location:

Vancouver

Year I started working at UBC:

2022

Provide an overview of your research in 75 words or less:

I work under the direction of Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Healthy Aging. Dr. Liu-Ambrose’ research has shaped international practice guidelines and recommendations in the areas of falls prevention and healthy cognitive aging. Our hospital-based lab acts as a community hub for older adults experiencing changes in their physical and cognitive abilities. We strive to sustain accessible exercise-based programs and research, engaging and empowering every older adult we can reach.

What first motivated you (or motivates you) to conduct your research?

My clinical background as a Kinesiologist has helped me to understand the profound life-changing effects of chronic disease on health and aging. When I was initially called to lead as an exercise class coordinator for exercise interventions, I knew I was being asked to serve something bigger than me. As the population continues to age and become increasingly isolated, there is a greater need than ever to build systems that protect our older adults.

What do you hope will change as a result of this research?

Many patient participants I have worked with insist that exercise has been life-changing for them. Some anecdotes that have been shared with me include: discontinued use of blood pressure medications or sleeping medications, increased participation and enthusiasm in other areas of their lives such as more time spent with family and friends. A great reward is witnessing an individual's trust being restored in the healthcare system, and I want to see that more often.

Are there any research collaborators you'd like to acknowledge and why?

Jennifer Davis (Tier 2, Applied Health Economics) has helped spearhead the economic evaluation of running our various clinical trials. This work has been fundamental in rationalizing the need for system-level support in exercise-based medicine to offset the cost of falls-related hospital admissions. I look forward to learning more from working alongside her and understanding how to design and critically assess economic evaluations for health care decisions.

What have you learned during your research that has surprised you the most?

Our lab is a live organism that relies on several different types of skills and personalities. I love everything from the mundane daily checklists and spreadsheets, to the exciting new testing equipment that we get to pilot. We work with volunteers as young as high school age and some of our participants are well into their 90s. With infinite opportunity for growth and connection, I don't want to miss a single moment.

Learn more:

https://cogmob.rehab.med.ubc.ca/ 
https://management.ok.ubc.ca/about/contact/jennifer-davis/