Participate

We are always looking for study volunteers! If you are interested in participating in a study, please contact a researcher at 303-735-6410 or ipalab@colorado.edu. In addition, you can fill out our online screening form, which consists of questions that help us determine whether you qualify for in-person screening. It is a secure website, and it should take about 10-15 minutes to complete.

Each study has different requirements for qualification. The research projects listed on this page are in various phases of recruitment. While some projects may be ending recruitment, others may be just getting started, so if you are interested in research but don’t qualify for a study at this time, please check back later.

All studies have passed rigorous examination by the University Ethical Research Review Board. For all of our studies, qualified participants receive:

  • Free medical screening which may include tests like bone scans, exercise stress tests, and blood tests completed by professional medical personnel.
  • Financial compensation for your participation.
  • Travel reimbursement.

Find us!

Our research takes place in the University of Colorado Boulder Clinical Translational Research Center (CTRC), located in the Ramaley Biology Building on the University of Colorado Boulder main campus. You can find our laboratory by clicking here.

Free parking is available for research study volunteers in lot 380. You can find the parking lot by clicking here. Please use the parking spots designated for CTRC study volunteers.

Current Research Studies:

Inspiratory muscle strength training in individuals with above average systolic blood pressure.

For individuals 50+:

This study examines the effects of inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) on body functions in adults 50 years and older with systolic blood pressure (top number ≥ 115 mmHg. Subjects will either perform a breathing exercise for 5 minutes per day, 6 days per week for 3 months, or 25 minutes of brisk walking per day, 6 days per week for 3 months. Participants will be tested for blood pressure, a complete blood panel, cardiovascular health, vascular function, and cognitive function before and after the 3-month intervention period. You can read a more detailed description of the study here. If you are interested in participating in this study, please call 303-492-2485 or email imststudy@colorado.edu.

For individuals 18+:

This study examines the effects of inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) on body functions in adults 18 years and older with systolic blood pressure (top number)≥ 120 mmHg who own a smartphone. Subjects will perform a breathing exercise for 5 minutes per day, 6 days per week for 6 weeks either guided by a newly-developed app or by a researcher in-lab. Participants will be tested for blood pressure, a complete blood panel, and vascular function before and after the 6-week intervention period. If you are interested in participating in this study, please call 303-492-2485 or email imstapp@colorado.edu.

Mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant supplementation for improving age-related vascular dysfunction in humans.

This study examines the effects of MitoQ supplementation on blood vessel and brain function. MitoQ is an antioxidant (a molecule that protects against free radicals) already present in the body (coenzyme Q10) modified so that it is attracted to the mitochondria. MitoQ may improve the function of blood vessels by decreasing free radical production by the mitochondria, decreasing inflammation, and increasing nitric oxide (a molecule important for dilation of blood vessels).

We are looking for adults 60 years or older who are willing to undergo 3 months of consuming a MitoQ or placebo pill once a day to participate in this study. Subjects will receive monetary compensation for time, along with valuable health information. You can read a more detailed description of the study here. If you are interested in participating in this study, please call 303-735-6410 or email mitoqstudy@colorado.edu.

Passive heat therapy for lowering systolic blood pressure and improving vascular function in mid-life and older adults.

Passive heat therapy, or repeated chronic use of hot baths and saunas, is one proposed treatment for elevated blood pressure and vascular dysfunction. Recent studies have demonstrated an association between chronic heat therapy and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. We recently completed a small study in healthy middle-aged and older adults in which we found improvements in blood pressure and vascular function. Chronic heat therapy also raises body core temperature and heart rate, providing several effects similar to those of exercise.

We are now conducting a larger study in adults over 40 with systolic blood pressure (top number of blood pressure reading) > 115 to confirm and expand these initial results. To test the effects of heat therapy, we will have two groups of participants undergo tub sessions (12 weeks of hot tub sessions, ~3x times per week), with the water temperature set to either 104°F or 97°F. We will measure your blood pressure and vascular function before and after the 12-week intervention and will share this information with you. If you are interested in participating in this study, please call 970-460-8970 or email hottubstudy@colorado.edu

Clinical translation of senolytic therapy with fisetin to improve vascular function in older adults.

A biological hallmark of aging is “cellular senescence”, which is associated with cardiovascular dysfunction. Compounds called “senolytics” that decrease the number or amount of senescent cells may be effective for improving age-related cardiovascular dysfunction and possibly brain health. This clinical trial will determine whether intermittent oral supplementation with a natural compound with senolytic properties called fisetin (found in strawberries, onions, and cucumbers and available as dietary supplement) will improve blood vessel function, reduce artery stiffness, and improve cognitive function. We are looking for adults 65 years+ who are willing to undergo intermittent fisetin or placebo supplementation. You can read more about the study here. Contact our team at fisetinstudy@colorado.edu or 303-735-6410 if you want to participate or fill out the study-specific screening form here to be considered for the study.