Research, Funding, and Awards

  • Research on Fluid Retention and Sodium Bicarbonate

    A paid research study is being conducted by the Korey Stringer Institute at the University of Connecticut to investigate the influence of a commercially available sodium bicarbonate lotion (AMP Human PR Lotion; https://amphuman.com/) and its impact on hydration after water ingestion while resting in the heat. We are seeking recreationally active males (≥3 days week and ≥30 minutes duration per exercise session) who are 18-35 years old and may be interested in participation. 

    Data collection will consist of 8 total visits to the laboratory:

    • Baseline Hydration Assessments
      • Visits 1-3 & 5-7: 
        • Morning urine sample, 24-hour urine collection, height, weight, dietary and thirst surveys, blood pressure, and blood draws will be completed.
        • Data collection trial
          • Visits 4 & 8:
            • Application of sodium bicarbonate lotion or placebo product followed by sitting passively in the heated environmental chamber while collection of urine, blood, and cognitive assessments are conducted. 
    • Data collection is divided into the completion of 2 phases (visits 1-4 & 5-8) which must be separated by a minimum of 3 days. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the sodium bicarbonate or placebo lotion in each phase.
    • The baseline Hydration Assessment visits will take ~30 minutes for completion of each visit.
    • The data collection trials in the environmental/climatic chamber (visits 4 & 8) will take ~6 hours for completion.

    Subjects will be monetarily compensated on a prorated basis dependent upon the amount of study visits completed. Full compensation will be provided to those who complete all 8 study visits.

    Participants should expect to complete approximately 16 hours of data collection over the 8 days of visits. This study was approved by the UConn IRB, Protocol #H20-0100, currently under the advisement of Principal Investigator Dr. Douglas Casa. 

    Those interested are asked to contact the lead student investigator (Jeb Struder) at jeb.struder@uconn.edu to register for a virtual informational session which are currently being scheduled on a weekly basis (times TBD).

    For more information, contact: Jeb Struder at jeb.struder@uconn.edu