Research

  • Seeking Paid Volunteers for Research Study

    Seeking Paid Volunteers for Participation in Research! 

    We are actively recruiting subjects for participation in cutting-edge research: “Optimizing Torso-Based Electrodermal Activity Acquisition for Monitoring Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms”

    You have the chance to participate in a research project that explores ways to optimize the size and placement distance of dry, metal electrodes for the collection of Electrodermal activity (EDA) from the back of the torso. EDA is a biological signal acquired from the skin of your body indicative of the arousal of your nervous system, specifically your sympathetic nervous system. Many use it to monitor emotions, stress, and pain. This work specifically focuses on collecting information geared towards improving the design and efficacy of an EDA-based device which seeks to monitor symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Such work will hopefully improve IBS treatment approaches. Your participation would involve one single visit lasting a maximum of 2 hours (estimated 1.75 hours). During the visit EDA electrodes will be placed on your fingers and lower back, measuring your physiological response to two different kinds of stimuli: 

    1. Thermal Grill Stimulation: A thermal grill is a small, plate sized apparatus that consists of alternating warm and cool tubes placed very close to each other. The temperature difference between the tubes creates the illusion of pain when soft tissue is placed on the surface.
    2. Pressure Stimulation: The pressure stimulus is applied to the soft tissue of your wrist, shin, and lower neck using a digital pressure gage called an Algometer. Pressure stimulation is commonly used as a method to gage healing progress of soft tissue and joints.

    Compensation will be provided upon full completion, totaling $20.00.
    Interested participants MUST BE 18 years or older and meet the following criteria:

    1. Not currently pregnant
    2. No history of self-harm or a recent head trauma
    3. Have none of the following medical conditions:

    a. A history of neuropathy
    b. Chronic pain conditions (ex. fibromyalgia)
    c. Carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis
    d. Raynaud’s syndrome
    e. Multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons’s, epilepsy, or similar conditions

    4. No allergies to adhesives or stainless steel
    5. No skin lesions, bruises, eczema, or other injuries still healing on your lower back, non-dominant fingers, wrist, shin and/or lower neck
    6. No history of low-pain tolerance
    7. Be able to sit for an extended period of time

    For more information, contact: Amelia Plant at amelia.plant@uconn.edu