Alyssa Fenuta, PhD, CSEP-CPT

Assistant Professor of Human Kinetics

Alyssa has been part of the School of Human Kinetics team since 2020. Her Master’s research (McMaster University, Hamilton, ON) focused on understanding the physiological demands of bodyweight supported training devices (i.e. Lokomat, ZeroG) for adults with spinal cord injuries. During this time, she was also part of a research team responsible for compiling the Canadian physical activity guidelines for adults with Multiple Sclerosis (released by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology in 2013). Her doctorate work (Queen’s University, Kingston, ON) focused on understanding the impact of nitrate supplementation (i.e. beetroot juice) on oxygen delivery and high intensity exercise performance.

Throughout her doctoral studies, Alyssa was part of a team responsible for initiating the design and delivery of the curriculum associated with Queen’s University’s Certificate in Disability and Physical Activity (DIPA). This certificate aims to develop future healthcare leaders in their knowledge and practical implementation of exercise prescription for individuals living with a disability/chronic disease. She has been involved with Exercise is Medicine delivering educational workshops to healthcare professionals about the importance of engaging in physical activity pursuits themselves, and furthermore, equipping them to have conversations with their patients/clients regarding lifestyle interventions.

Presently, Alyssa’s academic and research interests include exercise physiology, the pursuit/promotion of holistic health and wellbeing (i.e. body, mind, spirit), and “exercise is medicine” across the lifespan. She places a high value on the importance of an evidence-based, “bench to bedside” approach, with an emphasis on person-centered care. With an extensive background in varsity athletics, she’s passionate about developing leaders “on and off the field” and further understanding the unique needs of student athletes.

  • PhD Kinesiology (Queen’s University, Kingston, ON; 2024)
  • MSc Kinesiology (McMaster University, Hamilton, ON; 2013)
  • HBSc Kinesiology with minor in Psychology (McMaster University, Hamilton, ON; 2011)

Expertise

Exercise physiology, Adapted physical activity

Recent Publications

  1. Fenuta AM, Drouin PJ, Kohoko ZIN, Lynn MJT, Tschakovsky ME. 2024. Influence of acute dietary nitrate supplementation on oxygen delivery/consumption and critical impulse during maximal effort forearm exercise in males: a randomized crossover trial. Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism. https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/abs/10.1139/apnm-...
  2. Fenuta AM, Drouin PJ, Kohoko ZIN, Lynn MJT, Tschakovsky ME. 2024. Influence of acute dietary nitrate supplementation on oxygen delivery/consumption and limit of tolerance during progressive forearm exercise in men: a randomized crossover trial. Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism. https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/apnm-2023...
  3. Fenuta AM, Drouin PJ, Kohoko ZIN, Lynn MJT, Tschakovsky ME. 2023. Does a single bout maximal effort forearm exercise test for determining critical impulse result in maximal oxygen delivery and consumption in men?: a randomized crossover trial. Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2022-0317.
  4. Rebello LJ, Roberts AW, Fenuta AM, Cote AT, Bodner ME. 2022. Sleep Quality and Sleep Behaviours in Varsity Athletes: A Pilot Study. Frontiers in Sport & Active Living. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2022.906663
  5. Liu KR, Lew LA, McGarity-Shipley EC, Byrne AC, Islam H, Fenuta AM, Pyke KE. 2021. Individual variation of follicular phase changes in endothelial function across two menstrual cycles. Experimental Physiology, 1-12. . https://doi.org/10.1113/EP089482.
  6. Williams JS, Stimpson TV, Tremblay JC, Fenuta AM, Pyke KE. 2020. No impact of acute hyperglycemia on arterial stiffness in the early and late follicular phases of the menstrual cycle in young females. Experimental Physiology. 105(1):174-183.
  7. D’Urzo KA, McEachern BM, Johnson AM, McPhee IAC, Lau RJ, Shirazipour CH, Brennan AM, Fenuta AM, Hefnawi B, Tomasone JR. 2019. Investigating gender differences in physical activity behaviour and social cognitions among first-year medical students. MedEdPublish. https://doi.org/10.15694/mep.2019.000207.1
  8. Fenuta AM, Brennan AM, Lau RJ, Shirazipour CH, Hefnawi B, D’Urzo KA, Johnson AM, McPhee IAC, McEachern BM, Tomasone JR. 2019. Medical Student Physical Activity Education – Staying Active to Actively Help Others. MedEdPublish. https://doi.org/10.15694/mep.2019.000194.1
  9. Drouin PJ, Kohoko ZIN, Mew OK, Lynn MJT, Fenuta AM, Tschakovsky ME. 2019. Fatigue-Independent Alterations in Muscle Activation and Effort Perception During Forearm Exercise: The Role of Local Oxygen Delivery. Journal of Applied Physiology. 127(1):111-121.
  10. Williams JS, Stimpson TV, Tremblay JC, Fenuta AM, Pyke KE. 2019. The influence of acute hyperglycemia on brachial artery flow-mediated dilation in the early and late follicular phases of the menstrual cycle. Experimental Physiology. 104(6):957-966.

Affiliations & Memberships

  • Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Certified Personal Trainer (2011-Present)
  • North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (2020)

currently teaching:
  • BIOL 241 - Anatomy & Physiology I
  • BIOL 242 - Anatomy & Physiology II
  • HKIN 340 - Psychology of Sport
  • HKIN 453 - Adapted Physical Activity
PREVIOUSLY TAUGHT:

  • FNDN 102 - Human Flourishing: How Do I Live Well?

  • HKIN 191 - Introduction to Exercise Physiology: Theory & Practice

  • HKIN 292 - Social Determinants of Health 

  • HKIN 475 - Clinical Exercise Physiology