WANTED: male subjects (age 60-85) for research study

Hello,

I am a doctorate student in Exercise Physiology at KU. I'm currently in charge of coordinating a research study in the Applied Physiology Lab and we are looking for trained males age 60-85 who would be willing to participate in a research study that would require 2 visits to our lab. Below is more information on the study. I was hoping you might be able to spread the word to any men who are in this age group, as we are having a hard time finding trained men in this age range. I would greatly appreciate your help.

This study is an examination of differences in skeletal muscle tissue in younger and older adults. Upon completion of the study each individual will be mailed a check for $50 and will also be informed of their body fat percentage and bone mineral density determined via a DEXA scan, the most accurate method currently available.

Completion of the study involves reporting to our lab on two occasions. During the first visit we will give a detailed description of the study and you will be required to fill out basic paper work. At this point we will also take some basic muscular strength measures involving a leg extension weight machine. This first visit will take approximately 30-45 minutes. The second visit to the lab will be longer. Upon entering the lab we will ask you to rest lying down for about 30 minutes. After this we will draw your blood. After this blood draw, the director of our lab will perform a muscle biopsy procedure. For this procedure, a local anesthetic will be injected in your outer thigh and a small (1/4 inch) incision will be made in the skin. A needle will then be inserted for the biopsy, which takes just a few seconds. Many people wonder what this feels like, and it can be described as feeling similar to a tetanus shot. This procedure should not affect your activity for the rest of the day. In fact, studies have been done in which a biopsy like this is taken from a runner just minutes prior to running a full marathon. Following this biopsy, you will perform a bout of exercise on the leg extension machine. After this you will have another biopsy and blood draw. Finally, 4 hours after the exercise you will have a final blood draw and biopsy. During the four hour wait period, if you want/need to leave our lab you are free to leave and then come back. This study does require an overnight fast the night before testing.

Again, many people ask about the biopsy procedure. As I mentioned this should not change your daily routine. The area might be sore the next day, but you will be able to perform normal activities. Some also ask if the incision leaves a scar. For a few months after the procedure you might be able to see a faint red line, but eventually this will fade and the mark will not be apparent--but this depends on the individual. This procedure is standard in muscle physiology labs, and our director, Dr. Phil Gallagher, is very familiar and well experienced with this procedure. Our lab is also under supervision of a medical doctor.

Thank you for your time. If you are interested or if you have any questions please let me know. My contact information can be found below. Remember that by participating you will receive $50 as well as your current body fat and bone mineral density.

Nicole Gandy, M.S.Ed.
Graduate Assistant
Department of Health, Sport, and Exercise Science
University of Kansas
nicolejg@ku.edu
785-864-0773