This page will be periodically updated with calls for ethics-approved research studies in the VORTEX Lab.
The impact of lower body negative pressure on central wave reflection (ORE#48576)
Description: When we stand up, blood drains to our legs due to gravity. To study the impact of standing, it is possible to simulate blood shifting around the body with the use of lower body negative pressure chambers, which use a vacuum to trap blood in the legs in a very controlled environment. The purpose of this study is to explore how the heart responds to this challenge. Participants will lay down in a negative pressure chamber at two suction levels (-20 and -40 mmHg) while we use ultrasound and pressure-sensitive devices to measure heart function. During this time, we will be using ultrasound to image your heart, electrodes with adhesives to measure your heart rate, and a pen-like probe to measure the pressure in your arteries.
What will be asked of you: Review the information form that will be sent via email for eligibility and interest. One visit to B.C. Matthews Hall (BMH) 2421 and will take approximately 1 hour of your time.
Eligibility: Healthy males and females aged 18-35, less than 185 cm or 6’1” in height and who: 1) do not have documented history of cardiovascular disease; 2) are non-smokers; 3) are not pregnant; 4) do not have amenorrhea (absence of menstruation); 5) no history of light headedness or dizziness or fainting. There are additional eligibility criteria that will be confirmed during the visit.
Contact: mayub@uwaterloo.ca
This study has been reviewed by and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board.
Development of a method to assess endothelial function of human bifurcations (ORE#48582)
Description: Blood vessels are not all the same throughout the body. Areas where arteries branch are especially important because they are more likely to develop early signs of cardiovascular disease. However, these regions are difficult to assess with current methods. The purpose of this study is to develop a new, non-invasive way to measure blood vessel function at these branch points. Participants will lie comfortably while we use ultrasound imaging to view a blood vessel in the upper leg. A blood pressure cuff will be inflated on the thigh for 5 minutes and then released to observe how the artery responds. This will be repeated after 30-minutes of heating your leg with a warm water tubing, similar to an electric heating blanket. During this time, we will be using ultrasound to image your vessels, electrodes with adhesives to measure your heart rate, and a skin probe to measure your body temperature.
What will be asked of you: Review the information form that will be sent via email for eligibility and interest. One visit to B.C. Matthews Hall (BMH) 2421 and will take approximately 1.5 hours of your time.
Eligibility: Healthy males and females aged 18-35 who: 1) do not have documented history of cardiovascular disease; 2) are non-smokers; 3) are not pregnant; 4) do not have amenorrhea (absence of menstruation); 5) no history of light headedness or dizziness or fainting. There are additional eligibility criteria that will be confirmed during the visit.
Contact: l5zou@uwaterloo.ca
This study has been reviewed by and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board.
The effects of flow limitation during blood flow restriction leg press exercise (ORE#48619)
Description: Blood flow restriction training is an emerging exercise trend where individuals purposefully restrict blood flow to working muscles to enhance the effect of exercise training. While this approach is generally considered safe, there are many questions as to how this effect works and why. This study will help us better understand how blood flow restriction works in the body. Participants will perform a leg press exercise while a specialized blood flow restriction cuff is placed around the upper leg. While participants exercise, we will measure blood flow using ultrasound imaging, heart rate using electrocardiogram, as well as breathing and oxygen intake using a face mask.
What will be asked of you: Review the information form that will be sent via email for eligibility and interest. One visit to B.C. Matthews Hall (BMH) 2421 and will take approximately 2 hours of your time.
Eligibility: Healthy males and females aged 18-35 who currently perform resistance-exercise type activities at least 2 days per week for the last year, and who: 1) do not have documented history of cardiovascular disease; 2) are non-smokers; 3) are not pregnant; 4) do not have amenorrhea (absence of menstruation); 5) no history of light headedness or dizziness or fainting. Additional eligibility criteria will be evaluated prior to enrollment in the study.
Contact: dhirani@uwaterloo.ca
This study has been reviewed by and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board.
Cardiorespiratory responses to disc golf (ORE#45365)
Description: Disc golf is an emerging low-cost, low-barrier to entry sport that has been purported to be an alternative activity to stay active and meet physical activity guidelines. However, the typical cardiorespiratory responses to disc golf have not been studied. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how the body responds to a single 18-hole round of disc golf. Participants will be outfitted with ‘smart shirts’ that monitor heart rate, breathing, and activity with sensors integrated into a spandex-style shirt.
What will be asked of you: 15-min call to complete eligibility and health questionnaires, plus one 2-hour round of disc golf at Columbia Lake, located on the University of Waterloo campus.
Eligibility: Healthy adults aged 18-60 who: 1) do not have documented history of cardiovascular disease; 2) are non-smokers; 3) are not pregnant; 4) do not have amenorrhea (absence of menstruation); 5) have at least 1 year of experience playing disc golf.
Contact: Jason Au, jason.au@uwaterloo.ca
This study has been reviewed by and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board.