Participate in a Study
PREPARED for Heat
Why? In emergency situations, the military can be tasked with missions that go against the Army’s recommended work/rest guidance for hot environments. These periods of increased work and/or reduced rest cause greater risk of heat illnesses and reduce performance, both of which could put the missions in jeopardy. Yet, the impact of work/rest cycles of marching in a hot environment on how hot someone becomes, and muscle fatigue is unknown. The overall goal of this project is to identify a work/rest cycle that allows for faster performance needed in emergency situations than current Army heat guidance, while limiting how hot and fatigued someone becomes. Completion of this project will allow military leaders to make informed decisions by understanding the impact of their choices on performance and expected heat illnesses, setting up hot weather missions for success.
Who? You may be eligible to participate in this study if you are a healthy, active, non-smoking, male or female between the ages of 18 and 39.
What? We expect that you will be in this research study for 28 hours, spread out over 6 visits.
The first visit (2.5 hours) will be for explaining the study, screening your ability to participate, familiarization with the procedures that will occur during the next visits, and an exercise test. The second visit (1 hour) will familiarize you with study procedures. You would then complete 4 additional study visits (6 - 6.5 hours each), during which you will walk on a treadmill with a weighted backpack at different intensities for 120 minutes with randomized work/rest cycles. You will also complete tasks before and after the walking to measure your strength and walking patterns. By participating in the study, you will be compensated up to $460 ($15/h + $40 finishing bonus).
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
What happens during the study?
Before participating in a study a researcher will fully explain the purpose of the study and all the procedures, methods, and equipment we use to answer the research question. You can ask all questions you have. Once all of your questions are answered you can choose whether or not you would like to participate. The methods of each study are different, with most starting with a screening visit during which you complete questionnaires and have your heart rate, blood pressure, and other basic information gathered. If you qualify to continue with the study, you commonly return to the lab on different days to complete study visits. All visits are located on the University at Buffalo South Campus in Farber Hall, Sherman Hall, or Sherman Annex. You can always ask questions as you have them and decide to stop participating in the study at any time if you wish.
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.