Search Results Within Category "Muscle & Bone"
To stretch, not strain: Impact of passive stretching on calf muscle and gait mechanics in peripheral artery disease
People with narrowed blood vessels in their legs can only walk a short distance before needing to sit down due to pain in their calf muscles. Most of these patients do not follow their heart doctor's advice to walk at home because it hurts. A therapy that does not involve painful walking would be ideal for these patients to begin to treat their disease so they can eventually walk with less discomfort. We will ask patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) to place both feet into inflatable ankle splints 30 minutes a day for 4 weeks to passively stretch their calf muscles. Before and after this 4-week program, we will measure the health and size of their leg blood vessels, the length, and function of their calf muscles and tendons, and how long they can walk without pain. We will also closely track their joint and foot movements and calf muscle oxygen levels while they walk down a hallway. People with and without risk factors for heart disease are also eligible for this study to compare differences in vascular and muscular health to patients with PAD. Volunteers without a PAD diagnosis or poor leg circulation will not undergo the 4-week stretch and no-stretch interventions.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and poor leg circulation patients:-4 visits to University Park Clinical Research Center ~3 hours per visit-1 blood draw-Wear a calf muscle stretching device for 30-min a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks and 4 weeks of no stretching-Several muscle and vascular ultrasound measurements-Walking performance tests on and off the treadmill-Wear a smartwatch to monitor physical activity during each 4-week stretch or no stretch interventionParticipants with and without risk factors for heart disease:-2 visits to University Park Clinical Research Center within the same week lasting ~3 hours per visit-Not diagnosed with PAD or poor leg circulation-1 blood draw-Several muscle and vascular ultrasound measurements-Walking performance tests on and off the treadmill
PAD participants can receive up to $450 in compensation. Participants with and without heart disease risk factors (non-PAD participants) will receive $50 for their participation.
Participants (40-85 years) with or without risk factors for heart disease (high blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, etc.) and not diagnosed with PAD
Ability to walk on or off a treadmill at 1 mile per hour
Men and women who are not pregnant or nursing
Heart attack within the past 6 months or unstable angina
Severe lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative joint disease, critical limb ischemia
Major surgery or lower extremity revascularization surgery within the past 6 months
Recent serious ankle, Achilles tendon, or foot injuries
The Effects of Aircraft Seat Width on Passenger Comfort
The objective of this research is to determine the relationship between aircraft seat width and passenger comfort. Airlines are reducing the sizes of seats and improving their ability to fly planes at or near capacity. The combined effect is to decrease the quality of the experience of passengers. This work will help us to understand the degree to which comfort has been reduced.
You must be a healthy adult aged 18 years or older.
AWS-PSU: Active Women's Study at Penn State University
AWS-PSU: Active Women's Study at Penn State University This research study is being conducted to evaluate the impact of exercise and reproductive function on bone strength. Eligible young women (age 18-30) are those that are generally healthy and either a) exercising and experiencing regular or irregular menstrual cycles, or b) not exercising and experiencing regular menstrual cycles.
Age 18-30
BMI between 16-29.9
No hormonal contraception for 6 months
Currently using medication impacting bone
PLS Natural History Study
This study will provide a strong basis and foundation for future clinical trials that use historical controls. The study will collect clinical data and biological specimens to create a dataset and biorepository to be shared with other researchers as a foundation for future clinical trials.
This is a volunteer study for participants diagnosed with Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) or suspected to have PLS by a neurologist. You will be expected to attend scheduled visits in person or by telephone, complete study testing and audio/video recordings. The study includes clinical measurements to assess disease status and motor function, a number of questionnaires, collection of biospecimens including DNA, blood, and urine, and an electromyography (EMG) test. There will be 6 visits over 24 months, of these 6 three will be in-person visits (2-3 hours) and the other three will be telephone calls (lasting about 45 minutes to an hour). Blood and urine samples will be collected during these visits.
$100 per in person visit (three) and $50 for telephone visit (three) completed.
Symptom onset was no more than 15 years prior to baseline
Ability to independently walk with or without an assistive device (e.g., walker) at the baseline evaluation
In cases where a molecular test has been done prior to enrollment in this study, HSP or HSP-related mutations are negative
Expected to have at least some bulbar symptoms (dysarthria, dysphagia, drooling or pseudobulbar affect); however, the absence of these symptoms will not exclude participants when molecular testing is negative for known HSP
UMN symptoms and signs only in the legs
Unwilling or unable to visit the study site asrequired
Clinically obvious cognitive impairment that precludes obtaining informed consent, as determined by the site PI
Participating in clinical treatment trials
Evaluation of calf muscle size and structure after an Achilles tendon rupture
The objective of this study is to compare to different methods of measuring the size of calf muscles: magnetic resonance (MRI) and ultrasound imaging. Participant will undergo a MRI scan (about 1 hour) and an ultrasound imaging session (about 1 hour). Images obtained from patients with Achilles tendon rupture will also be used to determine the feasibility of quantifying damage to the soleus muscle.
After you accept participating demographic questions will be asked. You will also be asked standard MRI safety/screening questions. These questions are used to determine that it is safe for you to participate in MRI research. You will be asked to leave metal objects and personal belongings and to remove any articles of clothing with metal before entering the MRI room. Please ask the experimenter if you are unsure about any items. If it is safe, an MRI will be performed on your leg. Additionally, several images will be taken from your leg using ultrasound. The ultrasound and MRI sessions can be performed the same day or in different days depending on your preference. Depending on scheduling constraints at the MRI facility, you may be scheduled for the ultrasound session first.
You will receive $25 after completing the MRI and $25 after completing the ultrasound imaging sessions.
Previous Achilles injury (only for healthy individuals)
Defining the role of slow eye movements on limb motor control in younger and older adults
The purpose of this study is to define how eye movements contribute to eye-hand coordination in individuals of the age group 18-50 (young adults) and 65-80 (older adults). Specifically, the aim of the study is to understand how slow eye movements affect arm and hand movements. All procedures to be used in our study will be non-invasive. The task during the study will be performed with a robotic handle that participants will grasp with their right hand. They will interact with visual stimuli by moving the robotic handle. The robotic environmentwill attempt to simulate real-world mechanical interactions, such as those experienced during catching a ball.
During this study, we will ask you to come to our laboratory located in 23 Recreation Building,Pennsylvania State University, on two days separated by a maximum of 48 hours. Both sessions will last approximately 90-120 minutes. During the first session, we will review the procedures with you and if you agree to participate, you will sign this form and then proceed to perform the study. You will perform about 20-25 blocks of hand movements. Each block will consist of 24-30 trials and each trial will last between 3-5 seconds.The second day will be identical to the first day but the order of trials within a block will be changed.
$10/hour
Participants will be right-hand dominant individuals.
They will have normal or corrected-to-normal vision.
Participants should be able to sit upright in a chair for long periods (up to 2 and a half hours) with rest.
Participants should be able to grasp and move objects with both hands.
Any history of musculoskeletal disorders
Eye or vision problems (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma, a detached retina or macular degeneration).
Cognitive impairment
Medication that could make the participant drowsy or tired during the experiment.
The Use of Micro-Doppler Radar to Identify Service Members at Risk for Musculoskeletal Injury: A Gold Standard Comparison
The purpose of this research study is to see if we can use micro-doppler signal technology to determine if someone has had an ACL reconstruction in the past. We will do this by comparing a group of people who have had the surgery against a group who has never had this surgery to see if this technology can tell the difference.
If you join this study you would be asked to come to a one-hour appointment at the Lebanon Valley College campus in Annville, PA and perform a variety of activities that are part of daily life, such as walking, jumping, and standing from a seated position. We'll ask you to complete a questionnaire on any musculoskeletal pain you're experiencing and report your demographic information.
50
ACL Group: ACL Reconstruction surgery 9-72 months prior and approved to return to normal activities
Control group: No history of lower extremity surgery
Able to provide consent and read/write in English
No current musculoskeletal injuries
Pregnant person
any surgery within 6 months of the study visit
Unable to provide consent or read/write in English
Unable to perform movements consistent with daily activities such as walking, jumping, or moving from sit to stand
Interlimb differences in Motor Control and Learning
This study examines how each brain hemisphere contributes to motor control and coordination. Participants play virtual reality/computer games to look at how their arms move during different activities.
upper-extremity orthopedic injuries that interfere with participation
The Biomechanics of Golf Performance
The purpose of this study is to determine what golf equipment and swing characteristics best predict playing ability in a population of golfers. Golfers will hit shots with various clubs while the movement of their body, the club, and the ball are tracked.
Participants will come to the Penn State Golf Teaching and Research Center or the Penn State Golf Courses and hit golf shots using their driver, 7 iron, and putter. A golf monitor will be used to track the ball trajectory. The movements of participant's body, club, and ball will be measured in three-dimensions as they swing. Participants will receive brief feedback from a Class-A PGA Professional upon completion.
Participants will receive brief feedback from a Class-A PGA Professional upon completion.
Between ages of 18-75
Physically able to play a full round of golf (i.e., 18 holes)
Not between ages of 18-75
Not physically able to play a full round of golf (i.e., 18 holes)
VIBRANT: VIB4920 for Active Lupus Nephritis
A randomized placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VIB4920 in study participants with active lupus nephritis
Patients come for in-person visits at the Penn State Hershey main hospital location. There will be blood draws, physical exams, and questionnaires spread out across 60 weeks.
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Transplant
Active Men's Study
Description: This research study is to assess energetic status, reproductive health, and bone health in a population of young exercising men. Secondarily, this study will also explore how diet, fitness, cardiovascular function, eating behaviors, stress, cognitive function, and sleep related to energy and reproductive outcomes in exercising men. Eligible young men (age 18-35) are those who are generally healthy and either a) exercising or b) not exercising.
There will be essentially 5 study visits - The first visit will include informed consent to take part in the study & completion of questionnaires and measurement of anthropometrics. Visit 2 will include tests of your metabolism, a blood draw, a saliva collection, and assessment of diet and physical activity. Visit 3 will be a short visit for a saliva collection. Visit 4 will include tests of stress (a hair sample), body composition, bone health, aerobic and anaerobic fitness, cognitive testing, and reproductive function. Visit 5 will consist of a results meeting and return of wearable devices and logs.
BMI between 16-29.9 kg/m2
Non-smoker
For sedentary participants: less than 150 minutes of purposeful exercise per week
For exercising participants: at least 150 minutes of purposeful exercise per week (moderate to high intensity aerobic and/or resistance training).
Procedures using contrast material within the past 7 days, including X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, barium studies, nuclear medicine exams.
Currently a smoker or history of regular smoking
Prostheses
Vasectomy
Physical Therapists Role in Promoting Physical Activity for People with Chronic Physical Disabilities
We plan to conduct a qualitative study exploring perspectives of physical therapists and people with disability regarding physical activity promotion
Fluent in english
Individual with a physical disability (eg. limb amputation, spinal cord injury, spinabifida, cerebralpalsy, arthritis, motor impairment)
Has participated in physical therapy in the last year
Does not speak fluent english
does not have a physical disability
Has not participated in physical activity in the last year
Penn State Exercising Women's Study
This study aims to assess energy status in young sedentary and exercising women as it is related to menstrual status, bone health, psychological health, sleep variables, and cardiovascular function.
There will be three to four visits to the laboratory. Procedures include questionnaires, a blood draw, providing a hair sample, providing two saliva samples, cardiovascular measurements, and bone scans, as well as resting metabolic rate, cognitive, aerobic fitness, and countermovement jump testing. Participants will be asked to collect urine samples throughout one menstrual cycle, or 28 days for amenorrheic females. Exercise and physical activity will be recorded and monitored for seven days via logs and wearables. Food intake will be recorded for three days. Collegiate athletes will be tested twice; in-season and off-season.
Age 18-30 years
Body Mass Index between 16-29.9 kg/m2
For sedentary participants: less than 2 hours of purposeful exercise per week and regular menstrual cycles for the last 6 months (i.e. cycles between 26 and 35 days in length)
For exercising participants: exercise at least 2 hours per week AND/OR participate in collegiate athletics. Exercising participants can have regular or irregular menstrual cycles for the last 6 months.
Currently a smoker or history of regular smoking
Taking any hormonal medication in the past six months, other than oral contraceptives
Serious or chronic health condition (including heart condition, thyroid illness, metabolic disease)
Hysterectomy or oophorectomy
The effect of muscle shortening on the force-length characteristics of neighboring inactive muscles
We are trying to better understand the ways in which people contract their muscles. Specifically, we want to learn more about how connections between our muscles influence how they produce forces. Participants in this study will have their calf muscle group activated while we record the individual muscles' electrical activity and the length of the muscle fibers.This research will help us to understand the underlying mechanical function of muscles in a more realistic context. This understanding may also have profound implications for current computer models of muscles, which most often ignore the connectivity between muscles.
There will be one in-person visit. At this visit, participants will have their calf muscle group activated while we record the individual muscles' electrical activity and the length of the muscle fibers.
$50
heart condition
chest pain during exercise
balance or dizziness problems
prescribed drugs for blood pressure or heart condition
Modeling Transition Speeds in Elderly Human Walking
This study will involve elderly humans walking on a treadmill transitioning through prechosen speeds.
There will be one, two hour in person visit. Participants will change into specific lab provided clothing for study and reflective stickers will be placed on participants by the researcher. Participants will then get on the treadmill and will walk at prescribed constant speeds for about 5 minutes total. Then participants will perform 10 speed transition trials each of which lasts about 4 minutes.
$15
Can continuously walk for up to 4 minutes
Be able to follow verbal instructions
High BMI (>30)
Foot mechanics during gait with load carriage and toe elevation
This experimental study will investigate foot joint function during walking and running and/or hopping and performing heel raises. Participants will walk and run and/or complete heel raises with mass added to their body and will walk and run and/or hop with a plastic wedge secured to the underside of their toes.
Participants will walk and run and/or complete heel raises with mass added to their body and will walk and run and/or hop with a plastic wedge secured to the underside of their toes.
Run > 10 kilometers/week for past 6 months
If participant does not fit running criteria: Lifted weights of at least one bodyweight using barbell >= 2x/week for past 6 months
Experienced pain with walking, running, or (if applicable) weightlifting in past 6 months
Have had plantar fasciitis
Have osteoarthritis in lower limb
Have had diabetes 1 or 2
Metabolic Alterations of the Semitendinosus Muscle After Tendon Harvest for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
This is a cohort study examining the changes in the muscle that occur following ACL injury and reconstruction. This study aims to determine if significant changes to the muscles properties occur as a result of the graft taken for ACL reconstruction, and whether or not these changes serve as a risk factor for further injuries. This study will examine the muscles ability to use oxygen non-invasively, an important determinant of muscle endurance and allow for comparisons of this between individuals with ACL-reconstruction surgery and healthy, non-injured adults.
Participants will have their leg muscle strength and endurance measured using common clinical techniques used in physical medicine and rehabilitation sciences. They will also have their mitochondrial capacity assessed through the skin using a non-invasive procedure.
$60.00
Full rehabilitation
autograft taken from hamstring tendon
other autografts may be considered
Recreationally active
The Use of Micro-Doppler Radar for Fall Risk Assessment: A feasibility pilot
The purpose of this research is the understand the feasibility of using radar to identify older adults at high-risk for falls. We will enroll two groups of participants 65 and older: one group who self-report at least one fall in the past year and a control group that has no reported falls. Participants will move in front of the radar tool while we measure their movements. We will use machine learning algorithms to determine if there are differences in the movement patterns of those who have fallen versus those who have not. We hope that using the radar tool will be an effective method of identifying older adults at high risk for falls, thus enabling fall risk prevention interventions.
Participants 65 and older will come to one, 30-minute in-person visit at the Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA and will perform a variety of movements that mimic activities of daily living. You will be asked to stand still, to get up and down from a chair, and to walk a short distance. You will be asked to repeat each of these movements several times while study team measures these movements with a radar device.
$20
able to walk 20 feet without stopping
able to walk without assistive devices
Fall Group: at least 1 fall in the past year
can read and write in English
self-reported chest pain or shortness of breath when walking less than 20 feet
any surgeries in the past 3 months
history of lower extremity surgery that would alter normal gait mechanics (e.g. amputation))
chronic neurodegenerative disease or cognitive impairment