Participate in research
With investigations that span across a number of research themes, researchers are often looking for participants who meet specific criteria of the study in which they are engaged. Learn how you can get involved to help push the level of our understanding and innovation.
All studies listed on this page have been approved by the Office of Research Ethics and Compliance at the University of Manitoba and must abide by governing policies.
Sign up to participate in a research study today.
Current studies recruiting participants
Volunteers needed for consumer survey assessing diet change in response to a health claim
We are looking for participants 18 and older to participate in a survey assessing how consumers change their diet in response to health claim messages.
What is involved?
- Attend one 10 minute and one 30 minute phone screening.
- Attend two 30 minute virtual meetings.
- Prepare two 3-day food records.
- Attempt to eat 40g of ground flaxseed daily over a 2-week period.
An honorarium and nutrient analysis report will be provided. If you are interested or would like more information, please call 204-258-1209 or email foodsurvey@sbrc.ca.
Principal investigator: Dr. Heather Blewett
Do you have higher than normal blood pressure?
Are you between 40 and 75 years old? Do you have higher than normal blood pressure (systolic blood pressure: 120-150mmHg, diastolic blood pressure: 80-100mmHg) and currently not taking any blood pressure management medications?
If so, you may be eligible to participate in a short nutrition study looking at the effects of consuming breakfast cookies containing oat beta-glucan on blood pressure management at the University of Manitoba.
Principal Investigator: Dr. Dylan Mackay
Simple movement at shoulder joint
We are looking for 60 men and women (ages 18-39 or 60-74) as we compare muscle activation within the serratus anterior, and the upper, middle, and lower trapezius with aging and between the sexes. You will need to commit to one 2 hour visit.
Researcher: Josée Rochon
Aging in place ergonomic kitchen study
We are looking for females to participate in a research study looking at the ergonomic fit between female older adults and them doing kitchen tasks at home and in a newly designed kitchen. If you are the age of 65, right-handed, and have no recent injuries? Contact the email below.
Researcher: Sarah Bohunicky
How do sound and movement interact when we learn serial skills?
We are investigating how different ways of presenting sound affects serial motor learning.
Understanding how the presence of sound influences motor skill learning can inform rehabilitative practices, such as the use of dance and music activities for neurorehabilitation.
Participation eligibility: Seeking healthy adults aged 18-35.
Time commitment: 2 sessions, remote partcipation
Researcher: Elena Broeckelmann
Study for those at risk for type 2 diabetes and who are inactive or whose fitness has stalled
The aim of the study is to test different approaches to helping people with prediabetes become more physically active, which can significantly decrease their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
- a family history of Type-2 diabetes
- a weight that is above recommended levels
- currently engaging in no or low physical activity
Time commitment: All participation is virtual. Particpants must have one 1-1.5 hour one-on-one meeting with a researcher and then participate in weekly group sessions over 7 weeks. The study also involves completing an online questionnaire and wearing a physical activity tracker before the study starts, when it ends and at the 6 and 12 week marks after the study.
Researcher: Shaelyn Strachan: shaelyn.strachan@umanitoba.ca
Eccentric quasi-isometric contractions
This study examines sex differences in the muscle and force response to eccentric quasi-isometric contractions (EQIs).
EQIs are a novel method of resistance training that involves holding a static muscular contraction for as long as possible.
Participation eligibility: Seeking adults aged 18-35 who regularly participate in resistance training.
Time commitment: 2 x 2.5 hour sessions
Researcher: Zachariah Henderson
Advisor: Trisha Scribbans
Do alterations in the distribution of paraspinal muscle activity precede the onset of low back pain in response to prolonged standing or vice versa?
We'll be looking at muscle activity in the low back muscles and the position of the lumbar spine during prolonged standing.
We hope to determine if differences exist in the amount of muscle activation within the low back muscles in individuals who develop low back pain and those who don't in response to two hours of standing; and if there's a relationship between the onset of changes in muscle activation, lumbar spine positioning and pain.
Participation eligibility: Seeking men and women aged 18-50.
Time commitment: 2 visits, 3 hours total
Researcher: Jasper Wang
Simple movements at shoulder joints
If eligible, participants will be asked to come to the University of Manitoba to complete three maximal contractions in three different muscle testing positions that are meant to activate different muscles that control the shoulder (upper, middle, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior). Participants will be given three minutes of rest between the repetitions to reduce fatigue. Muscle activity of the dominant upper, middle and lower trapezius will be recorded during all contractions of the experimental protocol visit using three two-dimensional grids of 32 electrodes. A bipolar electrode will be used to collect EMG data from the serratus anterior. Additionally, an accelerometer will be affixed to your arm, just above the elbow joint, to measure the movement of your arm during the dynamic tasks.
You will then be asked to perform five repetitions of a simple shoulder task with a load in hand that is equal to 30% of your maximum force. These movements will occur at 3 seconds per direction and will each be separated by approximately 10 seconds.
Participation eligibility: Seeking men ages 60-74
Time Commitment: 1.5-2 hours (parking will be reimbursed)
Researcher: Josee Rochon
Comparing eye movement with chronic neck pain
We are evaluating eye movement performance in those with and without neck pain. The project involves two tasks:
- A Fitt's task using an eye tracker to evaluate eye movement to the left and right and
- A convergence task to evaluate the distance from the eyes that an image can be seen clearly when an object is moved closer to the face.
All tasks will be performed while seated in a neutral position and with the neck rotated 45 degrees to the left and right.
Participation eligibility:
- Seeking participants ages 18-64 with chronic neck pain for over three months.
- Participants ages 18-64 without neck pain.
- Ability to rotate neck45 degrees to the left and right and remain seated for an extended period.
Researcher: Michayla Esteves
The Integrative Musculoskeletal Research Lab
Participant eligibility:
We are looking for 24 men and women (18-40) to compare the effects of therapist-assisted stretching intensities on the pectoralis muscles.
Participants will be asked to commit to two 1.5-hour sessions (3 hours total).
Researcher: Sarah Bohunicky