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At IPAN, we research human health. Some of our studies require real, every-day people to take part.

We run a variety of both long and short-term studies. Some may require participants who meet certain criteria such as age, gender, health status or live in a particular postcode.

Would you be interested? You may be asked to undergo clinical tests, follow diets or exercise programs, fill in surveys or trial tools and resources.

We’re currently seeking participants in the following studies:

  • Does where you work matter? Exploring the effects of working from home vs. the office on health and workplace behaviour in people with Type 2 Diabetes

    This study explores how working from home versus the office affects activity patterns, lifestyle factors, and work habits in hybrid workers living with type 2 diabetes.

    You may be eligible for this study if you are:

    • Aged 40-60 years
    • Proficient in English
    • Are a hybrid desk-based worker, regularly working both from home and the office
    • Employed full-time (≥35 hours per week)
    • Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least six months

    Requirements:

    The study lasts 8 consecutive days, plus one familiarisation day. During this time, participants will:

    • Attend a single lab visit at Deakin Burwood Campus or at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute for familiarisation and baseline measurements, including height, weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure.
    • Wear multiple devices throughout the study, including an accelerometer, blood pressure watch, continuous glucose monitor, activPAL (thigh-worn), and an air quality monitor – all while going about their usual daily activities.
    • Complete daily surveys and questionnaires on health behaviours (e.g., smoking, alcohol consumption, sleep, and diet), mental well-being, and workplace-related measures.

    Those interested can also participate in an online discussion group about their experience of working from home.

    Participants will receive a $25 supermarket gift voucher once they complete the study. Those who participate in the discussion groups will be entered into a lottery to win one of three $100 vouchers.

    If you are interested in participating, please click here to complete a brief online screening survey.

    For further information, please contact the Project Team: project-hybrid@deakin.edu.au

    This study has received Ethics approval from Deakin University (reference number: 2023-315).

  • Evaluating the effect of egg protein consumption for improved sleep during perimenopause - EggPro-Sleep PM

    This study investigates whether eating eggs in the evening (two hours before bed) can improve sleep and overall health for women experiencing perimenopause. Hormonal changes during this stage often lead to sleep issues such as insomnia, which can worsen anxiety, appetite regulation, and other health concerns. Eggs are rich in nutrients like protein, melatonin, and vitamins that may support better sleep. By evaluating their effect as an evening snack, this study aims to identify a simple dietary strategy to improve sleep quality, support healthy aging and alleviate perimenopausal symptoms.

    Eligibility:

    To participate, you must be:

    • A female aged 40-55 years
    • Naturally menstruating
    • Experiencing perimenopausal symptoms and/or menstrual cycle disturbances for at least 1 year
    • Having mild or greater sleep difficulty and poor-quality sleep
    • Living in Melbourne, Australia.

    Study requirements:

    Participation will involve up to 23 hours over 9 weeks, including:

    • Three visits to Deakin University Burwood Campus (approx 3.5 hours total)
    • Daily intake of provided eggs in two 3-week blocks (as a morning or evening snack)
    • Daily records of sleep diaries and perimenopausal symptoms
    • Wearing a headband during sleep for specific nights (at home)
    • Two body composition scans to measure fat, muscle, and bone density
    • Providing urine samples for analysis.

    What you will receive:

    • A $200 gift voucher upon completing the study
    • Kitchen equipment for data collection and a 6-week supply of eggs.
    • Your body composition and bone density results, dietary intake analysis, and detailed sleep metrics.

    For further inquiries, please contact:

    Mrs Lilia Convit: egg_sleep_study@deakin.edu.au

    Click  HERE to confirm your eligibility to participate in the study.

    This study has received Deakin University ethics approval: 2024/HE000286

  • Can almond protein and exercise improve muscle, heart health, and blood sugar in postmenopausal women?

    ALMOND ProFIT-PM – Evaluating the effect of almond protein powder on fitness training in overweight menopausal females

    This study aims to investigate whether almond protein powder can help improve health and fitness in postmenopausal women participating in both resistance and cardio training. Almond protein is a vegan alternative that could offer benefits similar to whey protein for muscle growth, strength, and heart health. We want to see if taking almond protein powder daily can help enhance muscle gains, strength, blood sugar control, cholesterol levels, appetite, and satisfaction with food.

    You may be suitable for this study if you are:

    • 50-65 years
    • Postmenopausal (at least 12 months since last menstrual cycle)
    • Overweight BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2
    • Do not currently train or engage in regular exercise

    What’s required of participants:

    • This study is a total of 12-weeks
    • The study will involve:
      • 10-weeks of training 2 days a week at Burwood campus
      • Assessment of general health, diet and physical activity levels
      • Random assignment to receive either almond protein powder or a placebo (non-protein supplement)
      • Daily intake of the provided supplement for 10 weeks
      • X-ray scan to determine body composition (fat, muscle and bone)
      • Blood and urine samples
      • Strength and fitness testing
    • Participation in baseline and final lab assessments to measure muscle growth, body composition, fitness, strength, blood sugar, cholesterol, appetite, and dietary intake
      • Total testing of 3-days (5-6 hours per testing session)

    What you will receive:

    Participants will receive a $200 gift voucher after completing the study. In addition, they will benefit from a full blood glucose evaluation, free fitness training, and two complimentary DEXA scans.

    For any further queries or problems contact:

    Dr Zoya Huschtscha: zoya.huschtscha@deakin.edu.au

    If interested, please click HERE to confirm your eligibility and register your interest.

     

     

  • Sex differences in cardiovascular responses to exercise

    We are investigating whether there are differences between females and males in how the heart, large arteries, and small blood vessels respond to a single bout of maximal exercise. This knowledge will improve our understanding of factors influencing cardiovascular health and help develop more personalised and effective exercise prescriptions to improve overall health.

    Who can be involved?

     Adults aged 18-45 years who are not regularly exercising more than 300 minutes per week at moderate-vigorous intensities.

    What’s involved?

    Attend 3 sessions at Deakin University Burwood for:

    • Comprehensive ultrasound assessment of your heart, large arteries, and small blood vessels
    • Body composition analysis (whole body x-ray scan)
    • Blood test to assess cardiovascular health
    • Exercise test on a treadmill

    What will you receive?

    Participants will receive a comprehensive understanding of their cardiovascular health and a $50 gift voucher for their time.

    How do I participate?

    If you are interested in participating, please complete the brief online screening survey:

    https://researchsurveys.deakin.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_eEGaqWKV2MqZzh4

    For further information, please contact Ms Sian O’Gorman: sogorma@deakin.edu.au

  • Can exercise training improve blood vessel health in people living with atrial fibrillation?

    Researchers from the Institute of Physical Activity and Nutrition at Deakin University are conducting a study investigating the effect of exercise training on blood vessel health in adults living with atrial fibrillation. This research includes a free 12-week supervised exercise training program with an Accredited Exercise Physiologist. Additionally, researchers are comparing the blood vessel health of people with atrial fibrillation and those living without this abnormal heart rhythm.

    You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

    • Age: 40-80 years
    • Have a clinical diagnosis of atrial fibrillation that is confirmed by a physician or do not have atrial fibrillation or other health conditions
    • Not regularly exercising at moderate or vigorous intensities (≥150 minutes per week)

    This study will be conducted at the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition at Deakin University, Burwood Campus and will involve 2x 1 hour supervised exercise sessions at Deakin University and 1x 30 minutes unsupervised exercise session per week from home for 12 weeks. Additionally, to determine the effects of the exercise training program on blood vessel health outcomes 2x 2 hour assessment days before and after the exercise programs will be conducted. The exercise program assignment is randomised and the participant will be assigned to either:

    (i) combined exercise training involving moderate-intensity interval training plus weight training; or

    (ii) a yoga and pilates based exercise program.

    Participants enrolled in this study will be provided with a Polar Heart Rate monitor which they may keep and receive a free tailored exercise program prescribed by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (valued at ~$800). Additionally, participants have the option to receive their health test results.

    For further information on this study, please contact:

    • Dr. Kim Way: kim.way@deakin.edu.au
    • Ms. Sian O’Gorman: sogorma@deakin.edu.au
  • Curious about your purchasing preferences? Share your thoughts in our survey!

    Join our study in collaboration with Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Brazil). We’re exploring how Australian consumers feel about packaged foods.

    Eligibility criteria

    You must meet the following criteria to be eligible to participate:

    • Adult aged 18 years old or older
    • Have lived in Australia for at least the entire past year

    What’s involved

    Complete a short survey about your food purchasing preferences—your responses are anonymous, and your personal data is confidential.

    You can access the Plain Language Statement and complete the survey here.

    Your voice matters—thank you for participating!

    For further information:

    Principal investigator: Professor Mark Lawrence

    Contact person: Mariana Frazão Batista | email: s224666257@deakin.edu.au

    This study has received Ethics approval from Deakin University (reference number: HEAG-H 97_2024).

  • Help us understand young children's nap time and sleep behaviours!

    We are excited to invite you to participate in a study focusing on nap times and sleep behaviours in young children. Our goal is to improve methods for accurately tracking these behaviours in children aged 5 and younger.

    What’s Involved:

    • Activity Monitors: Your child will wear a small, lightweight activity monitor on their hip for at least one day.
    • Camera: A video camera will record nap times in your child’s bedroom (video only, no audio). You may also use your own camera, such as a baby monitor.
    • Logbook: You’ll record nap times, note any restricted movement (e.g., in a car seat), and report any sleep medication given.
    • Duration: The monitor should be worn for at least one day, with at least one nap recorded. Ideally, we’d like to capture naps over multiple days.

    Eligibility Criteria: To participate in this study, you must meet the following criteria:

    • The child is aged 5 years or younger and naps.
    • Your child is ambulant (walking or crawling).
    • You are 18 years or older, live in Australia, and can read English.

    Note: Children with conditions affecting movement (e.g., requiring a walking frame or wheelchair) are not eligible.

    How to Participate: If you’re interested in contributing to our research, please visit our online study page for more information.

    If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Project Manager, Steffi Renehan, at s.renehan@deakin.edu.au.

    As a thank you, you’ll receive a $10 e-supermarket voucher for Coles or Woolworths upon returning the equipment. If more than one child participates, you’ll receive a $10 voucher per child.

    This study has received ethics approval from Deakin University: HEAG-H 04_2023

  • Has your doctor or healthcare professional told you that you have fatty liver disease?

    Has your doctor or healthcare professional told you that you have fatty liver disease?

    Help us understand more about fatty liver disease, also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and how it influences the lifestyle behaviours of Australian adults.

    Eligibility

    • Australian citizen aged 18 years or older
    • Has been diagnosed with fatty liver disease based on a liver biopsy, liver scan, or blood test. A liver scan includes an ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan.
    • Has not been diagnosed with severe liver-related complications (for example, advanced fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, autoimmune disorders, or any type of cancer)
    • Not pregnant or breastfeeding
    • Has not been diagnosed with any severe psychological condition (for example, anxiety, depression, or stress-related disorders)

    What’s involved

    • This study involves completing an online survey, which will take about 25-30 minutes.
    • Participants who finish the survey go into a draw to win one of two $50 vouchers, plus get free dietary recommendations based on their current eating habits.
    • Please click here to check if you’re eligible to take part in the National MAFLD knowledge survey.
    • If you’re eligible, we’ll ask for your consent to participate and for your email address to send you the survey link.

    For further information contact:

    Principal Investigator: Dr Elena George, elena.george@deakin.edu.au, or

    Student Investigator: Ms Ayesha Sualeheen, a.sualeheen@deakin.edu.au

    This study has received Deakin University ethics approval (HEAG-H 125_2024).

  • What influences physical activity for Chinese Australians?

    Help us understand what makes it hard or easy for Chinese Australian adults to be physically active!

    We want to hear from you, whether you are currently active, or not very active. Our research aims to understand the physical activity experiences of Chinese people who live in Australia, and the factors that make it difficult or easy to get enough physical activity. This will help us design programs to help Chinese Australians be healthier.

    Who can participate?

    • Adults aged 18 – 64 years
    • Currently live in Australia (Australian citizens, permanent residents, working, temporary or student visa – not tourist visa)
    • Have Chinese heritage (whether born in Australia, China or elsewhere)
    • We want to hear from you, whether you are active or not!

    What’s involved in participating?

    • Complete an online survey (20 minutes) about your physical activity.
    • Wear a movement tracker device (like a watch) for a week.

    How will participating benefit me?

    • Understand more about your physical activity patterns – we will send you a summary of your results
    • Go in the draw to win one of five $100 Woolworths vouchers.

    More information:

    Contact Sitong Chen or Dr Jiani Ma at pacca@deakin.edu.au

    如需索取此份传单的中文版本，请联系陈思同 pacca@deakin.edu.au

    如需索取此份傳單的中文版本，請聯係陳思同 pacca@deakin.edu.au

     

    This study has received Deakin University ethics approval (ID HEAG-H55-2024)

  • Can a flavoured milk drink help predict your risk of type 2 diabetes or heart disease?

    You may be suitable for this study if you are:

    • Aged between 35-75 years old
    • Have normal blood sugar levels
    • Not diagnosed with diabetes or heart disease (e.g. heart attack or stroke)

     And have at least one of the following:

    • Overweight or obese (i.e. having a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2)
    • High blood pressure or on medication to control it
    • High cholesterol or on medication to control it
    • Have a parent with type 2 diabetes or heart disease
    • Prior history of gestational diabetes (for females)

    What is required:

    Participation in this study involves four visits to Deakin University, Burwood Campus.

    The overall time commitment will be around 12 hours spread out over the four visits.

    The following tests will be conducted:

    • Assessment of general health, diet and physical activity levels
    • X-ray scan to determine body composition (fat, muscle and bone)
    • Blood pressure and sampling of blood from your arm
    • Ingestion of a flavoured milk drink, glucose drink, and infusion of insulin plus glucose into your vein to mimic a meal (on three separate days)
    • Optional testing for assessing cardiovascular health

    Interested?

    For further information about this research, please contact: refine-trial@deakin.edu.au

    Participants who complete the trial will receive a gift card

  • Do you want to understand how to improve muscle recovery from exercise?

    This study is investigating the effects of 8 weeks daily oral supplementation with Krill oil on improving muscle recovery from exercise in healthy adults aged 18 to 35.

    Eligibility:

    • Healthy adults aged 18-35 years
    • BMI between 18.5 and 30
    • Able to travel to Deakin Waurn Ponds Campus 3 times during the 10-week study period
    • Non-smoker
    • Not currently engaging in resistance training
    • No allergies to fish or shellfish

    What’s involved:

    • This study will take 10 weeks in total to complete
    • You will be required to visit Deakin Waurn Ponds Campus on 3 occasions (3 visits during the 10-week study)
    • The study will involve:
      • An 8-week period of supplementation
      • DEXA scanning
      • Blood tests
      • Strength tests
      • Muscle damage protocol evaluation
      • Completion of 2-3 simple questionnaires related to the study

    Benefits:

    Participants will receive a $75 gift voucher after completing the study. In addition, they will benefit from a full blood fatty acid profile evaluation, two free bottles of supplements, and two complimentary DEXA scans. Upon completion of the project, personalized health advice on exercise and nutrition will also be provided, along with a referral to an accredited personal trainer.

    For further information or to take part in the study:

    Please read the Plain Language Statement and contact us via phone or email to register your interest.

    Phone: +61 3 522 78314

    Email: muscledamage@deakin.edu.au

    This study has received Deakin University Ethics Approval (reference number: 2023-317)

  • Nut consumption patterns and blood sugar control in Type 2 Diabetes

    This study is investigating the difference in effects of two nut ingestion patterns on the 24-hour blood glucose control of adults diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.

    Eligibility:

    • Adults aged 18 years or above
    • Living in community and able to travel to Deakin Burwood Campus
    • Diagnosed with or being told to have Type 2 Diabetes by a doctor, which is managed via diet or diabetes medication (but not insulin)
    • Non-regular nut consumer (eating <2 servings/week)
    • No nut/food allergies or any food restrictions as participants will need to consume the foods provided by us for 3 days

    Study summary:

    • This study will take 1 week in total to complete
    • You will visit the Deakin Burwood Campus on two occasions (up to 2 hours each), one week apart, and will be asked to follow 3 types of diets (all foods provided) between the study visits
    • In this study, we will:
      • Measure your weight, height, waist circumference, body composition, and blood pressure
      • Place a continuous blood glucose monitor (on the upper arm) and ask you to wear a physical activity monitor (like a wrist watch) for 7 days
      • Ask you to complete some simple questionnaires about your perceptions of the study

    Benefits: Participants will receive $50 gift voucher once they complete the study. They will also be able to know their body composition and 24-hour blood glucose profile from this study.

    For further information or to take part in the study:

    Please read the Plain Language Statement and click here to register your interest. 

    Questions? Contact: nutri-research@deakin.edu.au

    This study has received Deakin University ethics approval (reference number: HEAG-H: 2024_124)

  • Can vibration exercise help with exercise capacity and blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes?

    This study is investigating whether 3 months of whole-body vibration exercise at home can improve exercise capacity and blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.

    You might be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

    • Aged 40–80 years.
    • Have type 2 diabetes and are treated with diet alone or medicated with hypoglycaemic agents (medications to reduce blood glucose) for a minimum of 3 months.
    • Weight ≤ 180kg
    • Are not taking insulin to control your blood sugar levels.

    The following tests will be conducted:

    • General health, physical activity and medical history questionnaires.
    • Fitness test on a treadmill.
    • Ultrasound assessment of the chest and thigh.
    • Sampling of blood from your arm.
    • Measurement of oxygen consumption with a face mask.
    • Whole body X-ray to determine body composition (fat, muscle and bone mass)
    • 3-month intervention (home-based vibration exercise)

    Participants who complete the trial will receive a $150 gift card or a vibration platform.

    This study will be conducted at Deakin University (Burwood campus). This study has received Deakin University ethics approval (reference number: 2022-076).

    For further information or to take part in the study, please contact:

    Prof Michelle Keske: michelle.keske@deakin.edu.au

  • Tell us about environmental sustainability and feeding your child

    Overview

    This project aims to explore sustainable behaviours when feeding children – whether these are achievable for parents, why or why not, what information parents know and need, and whether parents can share tips to make this easier for other parents.

    Eligibility

    • Parents who have a child aged 2–8 years.
    • Living in Australia
    • Those who are entirely or partially responsible for providing food for child aged 2–8 years.
    • Competence in basic English.

    What’s involved

    • Complete an online survey (approximately 20 minutes)
    • Participants who complete the survey enter a draw to win a $50 voucher

    For more information, please click HERE. If you are interested in participating, please continue the survey by providing your consent.

    For any further queries or problems contact:

    Principal researcher: Dr Katie Lacy, katie.lacy@deakin.edu.au, or

    Student Investigator: Nuvini Samarathunga, nsamarathungara@deakin.edu.au

    If interested, please click HERE to take our survey.

  • The Female Lifespan study

    About the Female Lifespan study

    We know that females and males age differently. But there is a lot we don’t know about the specifics of muscle ageing in females.

    In fact, nearly everything we know about muscle ageing is through studies conducted on males. This is because there has historically been a lack of research on female muscle.

    This research study aims to fill this knowledge gap by mapping the process of female muscle ageing across the lifespan, for a better understanding of the different factors (e.g. hormonal, functional, molecular) at play.

    We’re aiming to recruit 96 females aged 18-80 years and test their hormone levels, body composition, bone density, muscle strength and muscle function.

    Researchers will also collect a tiny piece of muscle from the thigh for lab analysis to understand which genes are important in the female muscle ageing process. This will allow a map of female muscle ageing across each decade of age, something that has never been done before.

    This study has received ethical clearance from the Deakin University Human Research Committee (DUHREC 2021-307).

    What participants are required to do

    We’re seeking participants who can visit our laboratory at Deakin University (Burwood campus) on three occasions over a period of 2-4 weeks: visit 1 (2.5 hours), visit 2 (2.5 hours) and visit 3 (an hour), which will be organised at the participant’s convenience. These visits include an assessment of muscle size, strength and function, body composition, bone density, and the collection of a tiny piece of muscle from the thigh.

    Benefits of participating in this study

    Each participant will receive a $100 voucher at the completion of the study. They will also receive a report detailing their body composition, bone density and muscle size.

    Requirements for participants

    Any biological female (defined as someone who was born with two X chromosomes) aged between 18-80years may be eligible to participate, unless they have a neurological disorder, cancer, or are in remission from cancer.

    Interested? Click  here  for more information or to sign up.

    Project manager: Briana Gatto (briana.gatto@deakin.edu.au)

    Principal investigators: Dr Danielle Hiam (danielle.hiam@deakin.edu.au) and A/Prof. Severine Lamon (severine.lamon@deakin.edu.au)

     

  • Do you have type 2 diabetes? Our mobile app could help you Sit Less and Move More.

    The purpose of this study is to determine whether a behaviour change intervention using the iMove app reduces sitting time and increases standing and walking time for adults with type 2 diabetes in Australia.

    You can join this study if you:

    • Have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
    • Own an android mobile phone
    • Are aged 35 to 65 years
    • Can engage in light activities (e.g. walking)
    • Can communicate easily in English

    For this study, you will be asked to use an android mobile app and a rechargeable activity tracker for 42 days. You will receive motivational messages every day to help reduce your sitting time and encourage you to walk more.

    Participants who complete the trial will receive a $40 gift card.

    For more information or to register, click here.

    Contact: Reza Daryabeygi | reza.d@deakin.edu.au | phone: +61 392445936

     

  • How gender and hormones regulate vascular function in exercise and health

    Men and women have different risks for cardiovascular disease, which differ pre and post menopause. This project will determine how hormones (eg testosterone, estrogen, progesterone) affect vascular function and glucose control during exercise and after consuming a meal.

    We are looking for males and females 18-40 years of age to volunteer for this study, who also meet the following conditions:

    • Females who are not taking hormonal contraception
    • Non-smoker, no history of heart attack, stroke or diabetes
    • Not taking medications or supplements that affect blood sugar levels

    This study requires a minimum of 2 visits to the laboratory (Deakin University, Burwood), spread out over 2 months. Each visit is ~ 2.5 hours, and a $25 gift card is offered for each completed visit.

    Resting metabolic rate, blood flow through the muscles, and blood glucose measurements will be taken before and after consuming a meal, as well as during 5 min of light handgrip exercise.

    For more information, contact Dr Andrew Betik Andrew.Betik@deakin.edu.au

  • Smart Homes for Heart Failure project: Seeking people living with or caring for someone with heart failure
    We want to understand how people with heart failure manage their condition for the ‘Smart Homes for Heart Failure’ project. We are particularly interested in the activities someone with heart failure carries out to manage their condition, what additional support they would like, and their use of technology. We are conducting 30-60 minute phone/Zoom interviews to help us understand these topics.
    If you are eligible to take part, we will provide detailed information about this research and ask you for your consent to participate.
    After the interview, you will be compensated for your time with a $20 supermarket voucher.
    For further information, contact smartheart@deakin.edu.au OR 0392443075
    For details and to register, click here.
  • How does your body composition affect blood vessel function?

    We are investigating whether exercising regularly or not affects the small blood vessels in your muscle and how your body processes sugar after a meal.

    We are interested in people with a range of body sizes and either physically active or not.

    We are looking for participants:

    • who have a body mass index (BMI) over 27, AND
    • are non-active: do less than 30 min/week of moderate intensity exercise;

    OR

    • Regular exercisers: who do more than 150 min of regular exercise/week

    All participants must also

    • Be a non-smoker, with no history of heart attack, stroke or diabetes
    • Not be taking medications or supplements that affect blood sugar levels

    This study requires two visits to the laboratory, for a total of approximately five hours. The following tests will be conducted:

    • Body composition analysis scan (DEXA);
    • VO2 max (i.e. aerobic fitness);
    • Measurement of resting metabolic rate (how many calories you burn) and if your body prefers to burn sugars or fats;
    • Ultrasound assessment of blood vessel health;
    • Venous blood sampling for blood glucose, insulin and cholesterol.

    For more information, contact
    Dr Andrew Betik at Andrew.Betik@deakin.edu.au

  • Could krill oil supplements help people with chronic fatigue syndrome?

    Researchers seeking both healthy participants and people who have been clinically diagnosed with ME/CFS for this study.

    You may be eligible to join the study if you are:

    • Aged 18 or over
    • Either male or female
    • Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
    • Not allergic to shellfish (ME/CFS patients)

    Key points:
    • There are no costs involved for participants.
    • Surveys can be done online at participants’ own pace.
    • Participants will be required to visit Deakin University’s Burwood or Geelong campus on two occasions.
    • Home-based testing is available for participants with ME/CFS
    • The study involves 12-week supplementation, donating blood samples, grip strength and non-invasive body composition testing.

    For more information or to register your interest, phone 03 9244 6398 or email krillcfs@deakin.edu.au

  • Are you worried about muscle weakness? Participate in research measuring muscle activity in older adults.

    Older adults experience a gradual reduction in muscle mass, strength and function as part of the ageing process. When these losses in mass, strength and function are accelerated, this is collectively termed sarcopenia and may be linked with several chronic diseases. Dysfunction in the nerves that connect our brain to our muscles contribute to the reduced strength and physical function observed during ageing. However, we do not know if individuals with exacerbated physical function and strength losses (i.e., sarcopenic) present further impairments in their muscle nerve properties.

    This study aims to investigate if individuals with accelerated losses in muscle mass, strength, and function have reduced function of the nerves connecting the brain to the muscles.

    We are recruiting participants who:

    • Are 65 years of age or over.
    • Are not practicing progressive resistance training or challenging balance/mobility training (>1/week) in last 6 months.
    • Does not have lower limbs orthopaedic conditions (e.g., injuries) preventing the performance of lower body movement and tasks.
    • Are not currently undertaking medications affecting the serotonergic and/or noradrenergic systems (e.g., Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta-blockers).
    • Have not received recent (last 6 months) medication treatment influencing muscle mass and strength (e.g., cancer-related chemotherapy, hormone replacement therapy and anabolic steroids),
    • Are able to speak or read English.
    • Do not report any cognitive impairments

    You will be asked to attend a single assessment session at Deakin University in Burwood, for approximately 3 hours. All the assessments are non-invasive and painless. During your visit to Deakin, we will:

    • Assess your lower leg muscle strength and activity using electrodes placed on your skin;
    • Assess your body composition (e.g., muscle and fat mass);
    • Ask you to perform simple tasks e.g., sitting, standing, and walking and measure your grip strength;
    • Ask you to complete some simple questionnaires.

    Compensation offered:

    • You will receive a body composition and muscle strength report once you complete the study.

    Click here to view the study PLS and consent forms.

    Contact details for further information:

    Dr Lucas Orssatto, lucas.orssatto@deakin.edu.au

  • Teens and parents: we want to hear from you about the physical activities you enjoy!

    Physical inactivity is a significant public health concern with only 20 percent of 5-17 year olds meeting the Australian guideline of 60 mins of physical activity every day.

    Our researchers are inviting adolescents (12-17 years) and parents in Victoria to come together to help get young people moving more.

    Participants will be invited to a workshop, along with other adolescents and parents, to create opportunities for fun physical activities in the community.

    Researchers will record the workshop discussions and report on the findings.

    By taking part in this study, you will help us to understand what motivates young people to be active, and how local governments may determine the best ways to increase opportunities for physical activity in the community.

    All participants will receive a $50 gift card after attending the workshop.

    Click here for more information or to sign up.

    For more information, contact Dr Jiani Ma jiani.ma@deakin.edu.au

    This study has received Deakin University ethics approval (reference number: HEAG-H: 156_2023)

  • Whole-body vibration platforms to improve blood flow and blood sugar

    This research will determine if standing on vibration platforms improves leg blood flow and blood sugar to help people with blood flow abnormalities or risk of diabetes.

    We are interested in people from the general population with and without diabetes.

    We are looking for people who:

    • Have a body mass index (BMI) over 27 (calculate your BMI here)
    • Do not smoke and have no history of heart attack or stroke

    What is required:
    This study requires participants to visit Deakin’s Burwood campus on two occasions, for about 3 hours each time, plus an introduction meeting (1 hr).

    The following tests will be conducted:

    • Intermittent standing on a vibration platform (3 min bouts)
    • Ultrasound assessment of blood vessel health
    • Measurement of blood sugar levels after a sugar drink

    For more information or to express interest in participating in this study, please contact Emily Wordie-Thompson ewordiet@deakin.edu.au  or Dr Andrew Betik : Andrew.Betik@deakin.edu.au

     

  • Exercise Practitioners: Help test a new digital health technology for remote monitoring of strength training.

    We are seeking enthusiastic exercise practitioners to join our research project focusing on remote assessment and monitoring of resistance exercise.

    Study Details:

    • Activity – Remote resistance exercise monitoring
    • Method – 4 x remote monitoring appointments
    • Duration – 4 x <90 min sessions, 20 min survey, <45 min interview
    • Location – Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria or remotely

    Eligibility:    

    • Must be at least 18 years old
    • Accredited Exercise Scientist/ Accredited Exercise Physiologist (ESSA)

    Click here for more information or to sign up.

     Contact Information:    
    For more information, contact Dr Jonathan Rawstorn (+61 3 924 68461) or Tevita Peu (0434 946 442)

     

    This study has received Deakin University ethics approval (reference number: HEAG-H 174_2023)

  • Interested in strength training? Help test a new digital health technology for remote monitoring.

    We are seeking people to join our research project investigating remote assessment and monitoring of resistance exercise.

    Study Details:

    Participants will be asked to participate in a single session of resistance exercises, which will be recorded on video. The session is expected to take around 60 minutes and can be conducted either at Deakin University, Burwood, or at your home.

    Participant requirements:    

    • Must be at least 18 years old
    • Healthy with no physical limitations
    • Ability to perform resistance exercises
    • Experience in performing resistance exercise (>3 months)
    • English proficient

    Click here for more information or to sign up.

    Contact Information:    
    For more information, contact Dr Jonathan Rawstorn (+61 3 924 68461) or Tevita Peu (0434 946 442)

     

    This study has received Deakin University ethics approval (reference number: HEAG-H 174_2023)

     

     

  • Help us develop a new digital tool to support individuals with heart failure

    We’re seeking participants with heart failure to help us design and develop a new digital tool to support self-care of the condition.

    Eligibility:    

    • Natively speak any one of the Indian native languages (Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Marathi, Tamil, Urdu, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Punjabi. Assamese, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Santali, Kashmiri, Sindhi, Konkani, Manipuri, Khasi) and English.
    • Have been diagnosed with heart failure
    • Aged 18 and above
    • Living in Australia

    What’s Involved? 

    Participants need to attend three online workshops (1-2 hours each) within two months. The workshops will be conducted via Zoom.

    Participants will receive a $100 Woolworths e-voucher for their participation and completion of these workshops.

    Click here for more information or to sign up.

    For more information, contact Ann Sebastian: a.sebastian@deakin.edu.au

  • Teachers: Help us improve student outcomes by engaging all types of learners through movement

    Overview

    TransformUs is an evidence-based program for school principals and classroom teachers who want to get their students more active throughout the day.

    Active learning is great for teachers and students alike – it’s been shown to help keep students on task and engaged. It is also strongly aligned with practice principles for excellence in teaching.

    The program has been highly successful in primary schools, and now TransformUs is now available for secondary schools.

    Benefits for teachers:

    • Improve student mental health and wellbeing
    • Free access to hundreds of resources e.g., (video, materials, example of active break/lesson)
    • Online professional learning that is mapped against current teaching standards, to contribute towards teachers’ annual continuing professional development (CPD) requirements
    • Online implementation support network that schools can access an online forum to share program implementation strategies and ways of overcoming barriers

    What’s involved:

    • Register via the TransformUs website here
    • Access the FREE resources and online training and learn about program adoption, implementation, and sustainability
    • Participate in our research by taking a survey after registration
      • Complete a second follow up survey/interview (in 6 months time)
      • Click here for more information or to sign up.

     

    For more information, contact: transformus_secondary@deakin.edu.au