Research Participants Needed

Researchers at The University of Alabama seek participants in studies. Brief descriptions of active projects in need of volunteers are provided along with contact information.

Participants Needed for Study on Decision Making 

Researchers in the UA Department of Kinesiology seek participants for a study examining whether physical activity behaviors influence a specific kind of decision making. Eligible participants will complete one in-person visit of about 2 hours, completing questionnaires, providing a saliva sample and completing two computer-based tasks. Research visits will take place at Wade Hall. Participants will be compensated $40 for completing study procedures. For more information and eligibility, contact the UA Exercise Psychology Lab at uaexpsych@gmail.com and mention interest in the decision-making study. 

Postmenopausal Women Needed for Study on Cardiometabolic Health

Postmenopausal women aged 55 to 69 are needed for a study evaluating the influence of spices and yogurt on gut microbiota composition and measures of cardiometabolic health. The gut microbiome plays a critical role in the maintenance of health and well-being, and the diet is among one of its strongest influencers. Participants cannot smoke or have cardiovascular disease, gastrointestinal disorders or liver disease. Participants will be compensated up to $250 for completion of the study visits. For more information, email Janie DiNatale jcdinatale@crimson.ua.edu.

Young Children, Parents Needed for Study on Screen Time 

An interdisciplinary study aiming to develop a novel device to monitor children’s screen viewing patterns seeks parents and their 3- to 5-year-old children. The children’s daily activities must include time with electronics such as television, video games, tablets or smartphones. Children participate by wearing a sensor system for two days as they go about daily activities in and outside the home. Parents keep a diary of the experience. Families will receive up to $50 for participation. For detailed information and to participate, please contact Dr. Steven Holiday at holiday@apr.ua.edu or 205-614-3362. 

Study on Prediabetes and Blood Flow Seeks Participants

Adults ages 19-55 who have prediabetes are needed for a study within the UA Department of Kinesiology. The study evaluates how blood-flow restriction exercise at a light intensity affects blood glucose levels in people with prediabetes. Participants must not be on any blood sugar medication or have other health complications. The study includes three visits to a lab, with the first being brief followed by two visits lasting less than two hours about a week apart. Participants receive $25 gift card for completion For more information, contact Tiffany Adams at tladams5@crimson.ua.edu.

Children, Young Adults Needed for Research Studies

Researchers with the Center for Youth Development and Intervention at The University of Alabama are conducting several research studies seeking child, teen and young adult participants. They include:

Clinical trial for children 6-11 with behavior issues

This study evaluates a new computerized treatment for children ages 6-11 with certain difficulties, including low empathy or concern for others that can put them at risk for developing behavioral problems. The therapy is called FAST: Facial Affect Sensitivity Training for Young Children. Participants will be randomized to either receive the new treatment or a control program. The program is free. Families will be paid up to $600 for finishing the study in either group. For more information, please visit the study’s information and screening webpage or contact coordinator Dr. Nicole Powell at cydi@ua.edu.

Study on link between emotions and facial expressions

Children ages 6-11 are needed for a study on how they understand emotions through facial expression. Participation includes one study session at UA for about 3 hours along with computer tasks completed by children and a questionnaire completed by parents and children. Families can earn $85 for completing the study. For eligibility, contact cydi@ua.edu or call 205-348-3534.

Study on Skin Tone, Heat Effects on Wearable Tech Seeks Participants

The Department of Kinesiology seeks healthy adults ages 18-59 who do not smoke to take part in a study investigating the influence of skin tone and hot environments on the accuracy of wearable technology, such as an Apple Watch, during exercise. Volunteers across a range of skin tones are needed. Testing will require two visits to a lab over one week each lasting about 2 hours and includes 40 minutes of cycling. For more information, contact Annie Mulholland at ammulholland@crimson.ua.edu or 205-336-2298.

UA Study Seeks African American Adults for MRI Research

Psychology researchers seek participants who identify as African Americans aged 50-65 for a study on how stress and other lifestyle factors can protect mental and brain health. Results can help in understanding risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other difficult situations. All information collected will be kept confidential. The study involves two visits lasting 2-3 hours each, with one involving an MRI. Participants will receive $75 for completion. For more information, email Dr. Ian McDonough at mac2research@ua.edu or leave a voicemail at 205-348-2808.

Sleep Study Seeks African American, White Adults

African American and white adults ages 40 to 70 are needed to participate in a sleep research study within the UA Department of Psychology. Each person will come to the campus sleep laboratory for 2.5 to 3 hours, and then be sent home with a sleep monitor. After one week, participants will return the monitor to receive a personalized sleep report. Participants can be paid up to $75. For more information visit the Capstone Sleep Lab or email capstonesleeplab@gmail.com. 

Teens and Parents Needed for Study

The UA Department of Psychology seeks teenagers aged 13-15 with behavioral or emotional issues and a parent to participate in a free screening. About an hour will required to come to campus for questionnaires and role-play activities that examine personality and behavior, receiving feedback on whether the teen should receive formal diagnostic testing as well as resources to seek out testing. For completion, families will receive $40, split between the teen and parents. For eligibility requirements, please provide information online or contact researchers at 205-614–3118, PASBAstudy@gmail.com or visit Dr. Randall Salekin’s lab website.

Children Needed for Reading Study

A study investigating difficulties in reading comprehension in autistic children needs autistic children and typically-developing children ages 7-13 to investigate brain structure and function using magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, technology. Participation involves about 3-4 hours of testing outside the scanner with breaks in between sections and an hour-and-a-half fMRI scan. Participants can be compensated up to $125 for the first scan and tests with an additional $125 for the follow-up scan and tests, 12 weeks later. If interested, please call 205-202-0616, email cbralab@ua.edu or fill out a form on study’s webpage at cbra.ua.edu/brainread.html.

Study of transition support program seeks young people with autism spectrum disorder

People with autism spectrum disorder aged 16-25 and a parent or informant are needed for an up to 18-week study testing the impact of the Stepped Transition to Employment and Postsecondary Education Success program, which is designed to support transition to growing independence among autistic adolescents and young adults. STEPS is highly individualized to meet the unique needs of each person. If found eligible, the individual would be randomly assigned to get either STEPS or community-based services. Participants can earn up to $240 for completion of study requirements. Contact abmcclain@ua.edu if interested or visit its webpage.

Institute for Rural Health Research Seeks Participants for National Research Study

“All of Us,” the largest and most diverse health research program funded by the National Institutes for Health, needs participants to provide health information so researchers can learn more about community health. Managed locally by the Institute for Rural Health Research, the research program provides a $25 gift card after completing the enrollment journey. To learn more about the program, please call 205-348-6991, email at allofus@ua.edu or visit joinallofus.org/uamedcenter. 

Study on Relationship of Sleep, Weight Seeks Participants

A study led by health science researchers seek participants for a one-week sleep study that investigates the relationship between body composition and sleep and their role in developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Study include collection of health data in the lab and a sleep study and assessment with provided Fitbits at home. Study participants will receive a $200 gift card and results from all cardiovascular and metabolic tests conducted. For more information on the study and to sign up, visit uasleepstudy.com.

Study on Oral Microbiome’s Connection to Vascular Health Needs Middle-Aged Men

Researchers in the UA Department of Human Nutrition need males age 40 to 60 for a research study to evaluate the relationship between the oral microbiome and blood pressure. The research will characterize the oral microbiome among individuals with different blood pressure classifications and determine dietary habits that support a healthy oral microbiome. Participants will attend a one-hour clinic visit in Russell Hall for a vascular assessment, blood and saliva sample, and a dietary questionnaire. Participants may qualify if they do not have cardiovascular or periodontal disease. Compensation includes $10 and information about current cardiovascular health. If interested in participating or obtaining more information, contact Katelyn Senkus at kesenkus@crimson.ua.edu.

African American Participants Needed for Study on Stress and Health

Participants are needed for a research study from the UA Department of Psychology. Those eligible will wear a blood pressure cuff while completing brief, anonymous questionnaires that assess social interactions, stress and blood pressure on a cell phone for four days. An initial, hour-long visit with researchers is required. Participants will receive $100 for completing the study. Participants must be aged 35-70. People are not eligible if they have Stage 2 hypertension or a resting blood pressure greater 160/100 mmHg, frequent illicit drug use, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, permanent neurological deficit, shift work schedule, or current pregnancy. To find out if you’re eligible and let us know you’re interested, please complete this survey. For more information, contact herdlab3@gmail.com or 205-578-8542.

Teens, Caregivers Wanted for Sleep Study

To learn more about the sleep health of high school students, researchers in the UA Department of Psychology seek participants aged 14-17 along with their families for the Teen Sleep Health Study. This study can be completed via mail or online from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Adolescents who complete both parts of the study can receive up to $63, and their parent can receive up to $48. Those interested in participating and learning more can email the researchers at sleephealth@ua.edu as well as call or text at 205-523-5520.