Volunteer Opportunities

Purpose of Study

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of aging and chronic ankle instability (CAI) on ankle health, physical activity, and physical function. By studying these differences, we aim to improve assessment and treatment approaches for individuals with CAI.

What Do I Have to Do?

If you qualify and decide to participate, you will be asked to complete data collection sessions at 3 time points: baseline, 4-weeks, and 1-year. Each time point will involve a 2.5-hour data collection session that include the following:

• Tests of ankle joint health, balance, strength, walking gait, and reaction time
• Surveys of perceived function and injury-related fear
• Activity monitoring (using a wearable fitness tracker) for one week to measure your daily physical activity.
   

You Might Qualify If You:

• Are between 20-79 years old
• NO lower extremity, spine, or neurovascular disorders in the past 6 months
• NO previous lower body fracture or surgery
• NO previous balance or vestibular disorders

If you are interested or for more information, please contact Dr. Ryan McCann at rmccann@odu.edu.

Interested in participating in a research study? We are looking for English-speaking caregivers whose children were evaluated for speech/language delays.

You may be eligible if:

• Your child was evaluated for speech/language delays before age 3
• The evaluation took place within the past 2 years
• You are the primary caregiver for your child
  Scan the QR code to get in touch! →

Time Commitment: 1 hour 45 minutes

• Participate in an online focus group (90 minutes)
• Complete a brief survey (15 minutes)

Compensation: $100 gift card

• Participants will receive a $100 gift card
• Choices include Amazon, Visa, Target, and more!

Questions? Contact Dr. Danika feiffer, Speech-Language afRan Unifie an Investigator at Old Dominion University at dlpfeiff@odu.edu.

Researchers from Old Dominion University’s Human Performance Lab are conducting a study on how different sodium bicarbonate (also known as baking soda) supplement forms impact performance, physiological, and perceptual responses to high-intensity cycling. Participants receive a body composition test ($50 value) and can earn up to $100 in gift cards over the study.

You may be eligible if:

• Currently do moderate-to-high intensity endurance or intermittent (e.g., team sports) physical activity ≥4x/week
• No lower-limb injury in the last month preventing running or cycling
• Age of 18-50 years
• Body mass index >18.5 kg/m2
• No problems or difficulty swallowing capsules
• No history of GI surgery, including bariatric or weight-loss surgery
• No diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis), irritable bowel syndrome, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or uncontrolled asthma
• Not currently pregnant
• No allergies to supplement ingredients

For more information, please contact Ian Winter at iwint001@odu.edu.

Are you currently pregnant with an uncomplicated pregnancy, 20-24 weeks pregnant, do not exercise, and between 18-45 years? Are you interested in using a mobile app for physical activity and supporting research on pregnancy and heart health?

Researchers from the Cardiometabolic Laboratory at Old Dominion University are seeking volunteers to participate in a research study to explore how a mobile-based exercise app can support heart health and motivation to stay active during pregnancy.

Compensation is available for your time.

Want to participate or need more information? Please contact takht001@odu.edu.

Walk With Us. Support Space and Rehab Research!

Researchers at Old Dominion University are looking for healthy adults (ages 18–40) to participate in a study exploring how walking changes under simulated reduced gravity using an AlterG treadmill. Each participant will complete two 30-minute walking sessions across two days while wearing lightweight motion sensors on the legs. Your participation will help us better understand human movement and improve rehabilitation and astronaut training techniques.

All sessions are held on ODU’s campus.

Interested? For more information, please contact Dr. Christopher Rhea at crhea@odu.edu or Reza Pousti at gpous001@odu.edu.

RESEARCH ON HYDRATION, BODY COMPOSITION, AND METABOLISM CHANGES WITH WEIGHT LOSS

We're looking for individuals currently trying to lose weight, or who plan to lose weight in the next several months, either through lifestyle changes, medication, and/or weight loss surgery.

Participation involves:

• 4 lab visits over approximately 4 months
• Body composition tests
• Resting metabolism tests
• Providing saliva and urine samples
• Physical activity tracking

To be eligible:

• Age 18-70
• Ability to read and understand English
• Currently trying to, or plan to, purposely lose at least 10 pounds over the next 4 months, either through lifestyle, medication or surgery.
• Body mass index of overweight or higher (i.e., 25 or higher)
• Weigh less than 550 pounds
• No known kidney disease or liver disease
• Not currently pregnant
• No implanted electrical devices
• No history of claustrophobia
• No lower limb amputation
• No current use of diuretics
• No current urinary tract infection

What This Study Does Not Provide:

• A weight loss program or advice
• Diet or exercise plans
• Weight loss medications

For more information, please contact Dr. Patrick Wilson at pbwilson@odu.edu.