Living with digestive disease can be tough. EMPOWER is here to help.
Our clinically-proven 12-week program will teach you how to harness the power of your mind, energize your body, and improve your quality of life.
Minimal tech skills are required. This is part of a research study.
“Physically, I feel stronger, I have more energy and stamina, and I’m also reconnecting to my lost flexibility.”
-Amelia M.
Accessible on any device, including computers, tablets, & smartphones
Guided mindful movement routines to fit different abilities
Guidance from leading experts in digestive disease.
Accessible on any device, including computers, tablets, & smartphones
Guided mindful movement routines to fit different abilities
Guidance from leading chronic conditions experts
Accessible on any device, including computers, tablets, & smartphones
Guided mindful movement routines to fit different abilities
Guidance from leading chronic conditions experts
Take a Step Towards Wellness.
Join the 12-Week Program and Learn:
Take a Step Towards Wellness. Join the 12-Week Program and Learn:
- Tips from leading clinical experts
- Why behaviour change is so hard
- How to identify your values
- The importance of goal setting
- Techniques for self-compassion
- The value of sleep
- Strategies for managing thoughts and feelings
Clinically Proven to Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Depression.
In development since 2018, our program has shown positive results with more than 188 people living with chronic conditions.[1].
It’s no secret that living with digestive diseases can be challenging, and there are often not enough supports to help individuals cope.
This program has been evaluated in people living with inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune liver disease, and we saw improvements in their quality of life and ability to manage their condition.
Now we are ready to offer this program to a wider audience, and we hope you’ll join us. There are minimal tech skills required, and it takes just 2 minutes to sign up. We’ll be ready to help you every step of the way.
Funders
Who can sign up?
At this time, we’re testing this program in adults 18+ living with chronic (life-long) digestive disease(s) (e.g., Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Celiac Disease, Gastroparesis, Diverticular Disease)
Is there a cost to this program?
No, because this program is being tested as part of a research study from the University of Alberta, there is no cost to be in the program.
How do I sign up?
If you’re interested in joining the program, you can Click Here. You’ll be taken to a form where you’ll be asked to fill out your name and email address. Then, you’ll be redirected to an informed consent and a few surveys.
What is the commitment?
- The time commitment varies depending on which arm of the program you are randomly assigned to. Because this is part of a research study, you will be randomly assigned to start the program right away, or in 12 weeks time. In order to register in the study, you must be available to start within a week from the day you are interested, or in 12 weeks time.
- The EMPOWER program is 12 weeks long. You’ll be asked to complete the program for 90-120 minutes each week. In addition to the program activities, you’ll also be asked to complete some surveys which will take about 45 minutes at the beginning and end of the program.
What will I be asked to do?
As part of the EMPOWER program, you’ll be asked to participate in an evidence-based mind-body wellness intervention for at least 90-120 minutes per week. This program has resulted in significant improvements in anxiety, depression, stress and fatigue in individuals with chronic conditions. Through the program, you’ll get access to expert led physical movement, breathwork and meditation programming. You’ll also get access to weekly tips from doctors and other health care professionals about living with chronic digestive disease, and a psychology program about topics that help you to identify your values, learn about pacing and improve your sleep. You will also be asked to complete some surveys about your health and your experience in the program at the beginning and end of the program.
How do I access the program?
The EMPOWER program is available online via our website. After you sign up for the program and have been assigned a program group, you will be assigned a start date. This will be the day you signed up, or in 12 weeks time. Before the first day of your program, you will receive a link to login to the program website . You can access the program from any internet-connected device like a desktop computer, laptop, phone or tablet.
What is included in the program?
The EMPOWER program has several components. You’ll get access to expert led physical movement, breathwork and meditation programming. You’ll also get access to weekly tips from doctors and other health care professionals about living with chronic digestive disease, and a psychology program about topics that help you to identify your values, learn about pacing and improve your sleep. You will be able to attend weekly group sessions to do the program alongside other participants and you may receive 1-1 check-ins lasting about 15 minutes each week.
Who is the research team behind this program?
- The research team behind the EMPOWER program is led by Dr. Puneeta Tandon, who is a medical doctor and researcher specializing in liver disease and mind-body wellness interventions at the University of Alberta.
- A large team of professionals have contributed to the program including Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley a Registered Clinical Psychologist, clinicians across North America who have contributed to the weekly healthcare professional tips, and a large team of professionals in tai chi, yoga, meditation, and breathwork have created the weekly guided mindful movement routines.
- This research study has been funded by CIHR and approved by the University of Alberta Human Research Ethics Board. REB #Pro00122568