Researchers in Dr. Babak Shadgan’s lab are investigating how oxygen levels vary across different parts of the body in healthy people. Our goal is to find one spot on the body where oxygen levels are similar among multiple individuals.
Participants will engage in a single session lasting 30 minutes, during which non-invasive sensors will be positioned at various points on the body and blood oxygen levels will be measured for 30 seconds at each site (please bring a short- or long-sleeved top and shorts to wear). After the study is finished participants will be provided with a summary of the studies results and access to any publication or presentations on the project.
Why should you participate in this study?
Participating in this study won’t bring direct benefits to you personally. However, your involvement is really important because it helps us figure out the best places on the body to do NIRS research in the future. You’re helping scientists and doctors learn more about how to do these tests in a way that’s consistent and reliable. This means that in the future when doctors use NIRS to check people’s health, they’ll know exactly where to look and how to do it right. So, while there aren’t any immediate perks for you, your contribution is valuable and will make a difference in medical research.
You may be able to participate in this study if you are
- 19-70 years old
- in good general health with no known neurological disorders or musculoskeletal impairments that could affect muscle function.
You may not be able to participate in this study for the following reasons:
A: Medical Conditions:
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- Severe cardiovascular conditions (e.g., unstable angina, heart failure).
- Severe respiratory conditions (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
- Severe neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, uncontrolled seizures).
- Severe skin conditions at the sensor placement sites (e.g., open wounds, burns).
B: Medications: Use of medications that affect vascular tone or blood flow (e.g., vasodilators, vasoconstrictors) if they cannot be safely discontinued during the study.
C: Allergies: Known allergies to the materials used in NIRS sensors or adhesives.
D: Pregnancy: Exclusion of pregnant participants due to potential changes in blood circulation and oxygenation.
E: Cognitive Impairment: Severe cognitive impairment that may affect the participant’s ability to provide informed consent or cooperate during the study.
F: Previous Negative Reactions: Previous adverse reactions to NIRS measurements or discomfort during NIRS experiments.
J: Communication Barriers: Language or communication barriers that may hinder the participant’s ability to understand study instructions.
The study is being conducted at the Blusson Spinal Cord Centre, 818 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver. It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. You will receive a coffee coupon from Bean Around the World as a token of thanks.
For more information or to sign up to participate, please contact the study coordinator, Jocelyn Begin, by email or call 226-203-0444.
