Researchers in Dr. Babak Shadgan‘s lab want to examine the feasibility of a wireless technology named NIRS in monitoring leg muscle blood flow and oxygenation and tissue pressure during a protocol of running, and also investigate the ability of non-invasive NIRS in the diagnosis of compartment syndrome-induced leg muscle oxygen insufficiency.
Uninjured adults are being recruited.
If you agree to take part in this study, the procedures you can expect will include the following:
- A small wireless NIRS sensor will be placed on the shin of both legs.
- You will lie on your back for 10 minutes
- Then stand beside the treadmill for 1 minute
- You will then walk at a moderate pace on the treadmill for 10 minutes at a 10% incline
- You will be asked during the procedure if you are experiencing any discomfort in the legs
- You will then lie down for 10 minutes while you recover
- NIRS measurements will be started 10 min before exercise and will be continued during and after exercise.
This test will take 30 minutes in total.
Why should you participate in this study?
There may or may not be direct benefits to you from taking part in this study. We hope that the information learned from this study can be used to better understand compartment syndrome. We also hope the results of this study will help other people with compartment Syndrome to be diagnosed better and easier than current practice.
You may be able to participate in this study if:
- You are a healthy adult (19-75 years old) with no leg pain
- Not diagnosed or are suspected of having chronic exertional compartment syndrome of the lower limb.
- You are able to consent in English. Considering the limited logistics, we cannot hire translators in other languages and therefore we limit this study to only invite those participants who can understand and speak in English.
You will not be eligible to participate in this study if:
- You are unable to ambulate or participate in an exercise test for at least 5 min of running on a treadmill.
- You are at moderate or high risk to exercise.
- You are smoker.
- You have a history of recent leg fracture or leg surgery.
For more information or to sign up to participate, please contact the study coordinator, Jocelyn Begin, by email or call 604-675-8867
