Take part in our research
Research projects currently recruiting participants are posted on this page.
How to take part
If you are interested in taking part in one of the studies below, please first read the inclusion criteria to ensure you are suitable for the study.
You can then either fill out the study's interest form or email the researcher who is running the study for more information.
Current Research Projects
Overview: At the University of Exeter, we have been working closely with people with type 1 diabetes and those working and leading activity in community and performance settings to co-develop an online training resource for anyone who works or volunteers in sporting or physical activity environments. The resource aims to build confidence, challenge stigma and help organisations create safer, more inclusive spaces for people with type 1 diabetes, directly addressing needs identified in our previous work.
Eligibility: UK-based coach or support individuals/teams in any sport or activity (voluntary, part-time, or professional), over 18, have access to the internet and device to view online training, is interested in learning how to better support people with type 1 diabetes.
Contact: Emma Cockcroft (E.J.Cockcroft@exeter.ac.uk), Louie Johnson (L.Johnson8@exeter.ac.uk).
The project includes two studies:
- Study 1 looks at whether mental fatigue affects how well people detect threats.
- Study 2 looks at whether shift length affects threat detection and whether different break activities help.
We want to learn how cognitive fatigue influences performance during an x-ray screening task. We will test how accuracy changes after a cognitively fatiguing task (Study 1). We will also test whether longer shifts cause fatigue and whether different types of breaks can reduce this effect (Study 2). You can participate in one or both studies.
Inclusion Criteria - Anyone aged 18 or over. Does not have any underlying chronic psychiatric or neurological condition, and can safely complete a 10-minute self-paced walk. All participants must not be colourblind.
Contact - Dr Callum A. O'Malley
c.omalley@exeter.ac.uk
Purpose
Current support after weight loss is incredibly limited. This study will help develop support and guidance around the transition into weight loss maintenance. Our social connections can have a big impact on how we act and how we see ourselves. Research shows that, those maintaining weight loss often see themselves quite differently compared to when they were losing weight.
Through speaking to people who consider themselves weight loss maintainers, this study aims to understand the impact social connections can have on people transitioning from weight loss into weight loss maintenance. This includes how social connections may have changed, grown or stayed the same!
Structure
Two conversations with the researcher (Mia). These conversations will be about one hour in duration each and they will be spaced one week apart. Interviews will mostly be in-person, but alternatives are available. During the first conversation, with the researcher, you will draw a timeline of your weight management experience. In the second conversation, with the researcher, you will explore the social context around key points in this timeline. All the conversations are guided by you and what you wish to share.
Can I take part?
You can take part if you are over 18 years old, live/work/study in the South-West of the UK and you meet all the following three criteria:
|
1) Have lived with severe or complex obesity (either currently or in the past)
For example: -Generally, defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40 (or 35 with other health problems). -If you are from a South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African–Caribbean background, you may be eligible with a slightly lower BMI.
|
2) Have previously lost weight
No specified amount of weight loss – as long as it is significant to you. You can also have lost weight through whatever method suited you (e.g., medication, weight loss surgery, lifestyle support). |
3) Have been maintaining this weight loss for 1 year or more
How you manage your weight maintenance is up to you. You may for example: -Stay within a certain weight range; -Keep within the same clothes size; -Use apps to record exercise and diet; -Regularly weigh yourself. |
Contact Mia, ma811@exeter.ac.uk
Expression of interest form: https://exe.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_85NtUoAlnGdDob4
We are looking for participants to take part in a new research study investigating how exercise can be used to improve blood vessel health during menopause.
Studies show that the hormonal changes during menopause can affect the health of blood vessels throughout the body, including those supplying the brain. This results in an increased risk of developing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Exercise is often recommended as an easy lifestyle modification to help manage risk, however we still do not fully understand how exercise during menopause affects brain and heart blood vessel function
By taking part in this study, you will be helping shape our understanding of menopause care.
What is involved?
This study involves 4 x 1-3hr visits to our laboratory for supervised exercise sessions, exercise testing, hormone tests, and vascular health tests.
Who can take part?
We are looking for women currently in early post-menopause (12-36 months since your last menstrual period).
If you are interested in taking part or would like more information, please contact the research team.
Please find information on the Vascular Research Group here.
Public Health research
Our different public partners help us decide which questions we need to answer and how research can be designed to find those answers. They advise us about how research should be managed and help carry out research. They use their everyday experience to help us understand how the information we find can be shared and made to work.
Ways you can get involved include:
- Reviewing project proposals and reports by email or post
- Taking part in meetings or workshops - in person or online
- Sharing information about research in your community or at conferences
Are you a member of the public who would like to get involved in helping us design our research? Perhaps you are involved with a charity or community organisation with an interest in one or more of our research areas?