Participate in a Study
Body Composition Study
Why? Currently, the military uses body size to assess the amount of muscle, bone, and fat content of their soldiers. Recent changes have updated body fat standards for females, introducing a new test called multiple frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA). However, an obstacle of MF-BIA is that several factors, such as temperature, water content, and electrolytes in the body can influence this measure. This purpose of this study is to assess the effects of body temperature changes, body water, and electrolytes on MF-BIA results.
Who? You may be eligible to participate if you are 18-45 years old, healthy, and physically active. Some conditions that might exclude you include, high blood pressure, taking medication or supplements with a known side effect of affecting hydration status or responses to exercise, pregnancy, or currently breastfeeding, or have a medical implant device.
What? This study consists of 6 visits totaling 16 hours. During Visit 1 (2.5 hours) we will inform you of all procedures involved in the study, determine your eligibility to participate, collect baseline data (heart rate, blood pressure, height, and weight), as well as determine maximal exercise capacity. Visits 2 and 3 (0.25 hours each) will be to establish baseline measures of your body weight and hydration. In Visit 4 (~5 hours) you will wear a tube suit that has warm and cold water flowing through it to alter your skin and body temperature, and have your body weight, body composition, and hydration measured, and blood drawn at various time points. During Visit 5 (~7 hours), you will drink a solution containing table salt, glycerol (a sweetener), and flavoring, and then have your body weight, body composition, and hydration measured, and blood drawn at various time points. Prior to Visit 6 (~1 hour), you will be given creatine supplements to take four times per day for seven days prior, coming to the lab to have your body weight, body composition, and hydration measured, and blood drawn. By participating in the study, you will be compensated up to $256 ($16/h).
Where? Sherman Annex on UB South Campus (Main St and Bailey Ave)
When? We try to work around your availability, generally scheduling between 7am and 5pm on weekdays.
Email Riana Pryor at RPryor@buffalo.edu
Who can participate?
Each study has its own set of criteria of who can participate, depending on the specific research question. In general, most of our studies are looking for participants who are generally healthy and willing to come to our laboratory and exercise or rest in different environments. Please email Dr. Riana Pryor (rpryor@buffalo.edu) to determine if you are eligible to participate in our studies.
We're happy to answer questions about our participation in our studies, student hands-on research and learning opportunities, and the implementation of health and safety prevention and intervention strategies in physically active populations. Email Riana Pryor at RPryor@buffalo.edu.