Research Participants Needed

UMASS Activity Study

 

The Exercise Physiology Lab is conducting a research study to develop more effective methods for estimating energy expenditure during the day using accelerometers.  The study involves 2-3 laboratory visits to assess your resting metabolic rate, body composition and energy expenditure while performing a variety of physical activities.  Older subjects (men over 40 years of age; women over 50 years of age) will also have a medically supervised stress test to screen for heart disease prior to their participation in the study.  Subjects will receive compensation for their active participation as well as valuable information about their current health status.  

Eligible participants must be free from and not be taking medication for:

• Heart disease

• Asthma and breathing disorders

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes and other metabolic diseases

• Chronic joint pain, arthritis, or osteoporosis

• Other chronic illness or disorders

 

Please call 545-1583 or e-mail activitystudy@gmail.com for more information about enrolling in the study.

Dietary Antioxidant Supplements

Men and women aged 18-30 needed for a study of dietary antioxidant supplements.  Compensation up to $100.  Participants must not be taking high doses of any dietary supplement or training for competition in team or individual sports.  The study includes 17 total visits, 16 visits to the laboratory over 4 days, take supplement twice a day for 3 days, blood samples for 4 days.  Call 413-545-6072 or e-mail umass_muscle@yahoo.com

 

Topical Gel Study

We are looking for men and women age 46-65 to participate in a study to examine muscle soreness and the effects of a topical analgesic after a typical gym exercise regimen.

Subjects must be:
Age 46-65
Healthy
In the Umass-Amherst area

Subjects must not:
Be participating in strenuous sports activities or occupations.
Have lifted weights within the last 6 months.

Subjects will visit for:
-Interview (30 minutes)
-Two exercise sessions (3+ weeks apart, appointments are evenings from 6pm-8pm)
-A gel application and hourly soreness evaluation (takes 5 min.) (36 hours post exercise) *surf the net, watch movies, and free lunch for 5 hours!*
-Three follow up 5 min. soreness evaluations (following each exercise session, appointments between 7am-9am)

A total of 11-12 visits, and you will receive $175 for completing the whole study!

If interested, please call! (413)577-4703
Or e-mail: umass.muscle@gmail.com

 

Electrical Activity in Human Muscle

Research participants are needed for a study on electrical activity in human muscle. For more information, contact Anita Christie.

Health Disparities Study

The Umass Energy Metabolism Laboratory is studying the relationship between exercise and risk for developing diabetes. Specifically, we are interested in understanding the physiological and behavioral responses to acute exercise in non-Hispanic blacks and non-Hispanic whites. We are looking for interested persons who are:

African-American/Black or white

Non-exercising college students ages 18-40

Not diagnosed with diabetes

Non-smokers

Participation will involve 6 visits of 3-5 hours each which will include blood draws during 2 of the 6 visits. For your participation you will receive:

Bone density scan

Body fat analysis

Blood sugar profile

An exercise prescription

For more information contact Rebecca in the UMass Kinesiology department @ 413- 545-0331 or rhasson@kin.umass.edu

Muscle Physiology Lab

In the Muscle Physiology Lab, we strive to understand the effects of age, gender, and physical activity on human skeletal muscle function.  We use a combination of techniques to study various aspects of muscle physiology and energetics.  We are currently seeking volunteers for several research projects.  You may be eligible if you:

?     are 21-35 or 65-80 years old

?     do not smoke

?     do not participate in a structured exercise program

Information about the way your muscle functions, as well as some monetary compensation are provided to volunteers who complete the study!

If you are interested or would like more information, please visit our website at www.people.umass.edu/muscle or contact us at 413-545-5305. 

 

Plantar Fasciitis Study

Two million Americans are affected by plantar fasciitis (a.k.a. heel pain syndrome/heel spurs) every year. The cause for these debilitating foot disorders remains unclear. The Biomechanics Laboratory is researching the causes and underlying mechanisms that prolong plantar fasciitis symptoms.

Criteria: Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis Between ages of 30 – 55 years

Compensation: One pair of custom foot orthotics (valued at ~ $350). Information regarding your joint mechanics, muscle atrophy and muscle activity.

Contact: If interested, please contact Ryan Chang (ryanc@kin.umass.edu)