GUARDRAILS RESEARCH
IIn order for most research findings to benefit the lives of the public, time is typically spent sitting on bookshelves (for years or decades) waiting for real world application. Our philosphy is different. Guardrails research is designed to directly benefit those involved. We call it "service-based research," and through our partner UHealh clinics, we're focused on enhancing the lives of patients all while collecting data. Meanwhile, in the lab we are always asking "How can we make this better?" Our team pours over research and conducts studies of our own geared to enhancing the delivery and accuracy of our system. And of course, each subject we meet receives our Guardrails assessment and report.
The Efficacy of Health Screening and Chronic Disease Prevention Techniques on Patient Health
Can patient education reduce the risk of chronic disease? At the University of Miami employee clinics, we are discovering how a quick 15 minute assessment of aerobic, metabolic, dietary, and musculoskeletal health complete with research-based recommendations and assistance can alter risk factors related to the most lethal chronic illness faced by Americans today.
Location: Well 'Canes Clinics
Subjects: University of Miami Employees
Efficacy of Health Optimization Program on Recovery in Orthopedic Patients
Does providing orthopedic patients with personalized exercise prescriptions and nutrition recommendations lead to improved recovery? We have partnered with UHealth Sports Medicine to assess and assist patients with various musculoskeletal injuries.
Location: UHealth Sports Medicine
Subjects: Patients of UHealth Sports Medicine
If you are a student at the University of Miami interested in either a Guardrails internship or would like to volunteer with our studies, contact Craig Flanagan at c.flanagan1@umiami with the following in order to schedule an interview:
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An updated resume
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A paragraph explaining your future aspirations
*All "For-Credit" interns must have previously passed KIN365
Establishment of a Non-Exercise Prediction of VO2Max
Can a series of strategically asked questions be used to predict someone's aerobic capacity? We are looking to find validity between a nonaerobic questionnaire and the gold standard VO2Max Test.
Location: Laboratory of Applied Physiology
Subjects: Males and Females 20-40 years old
Establishment of a Step-Test Specific to the Participant for Submaximal Prediction of VO2Max
Does altering the cadence of a step test based on age- and gender-related norms result in a better prediction of aerobic capacity compared to traditional step test protocols? Subjects will perform the gold standard VO2Max test along with several other submaximal step tests.
Location: Laboratory of Applied Physiology
Subjects: Males and Females 20-40 years old
Chair Rise Test to Measure Power Across Populations
Can a simple field test be used to measure someone's lower body power? We are seeking to find correlations between the gold standard Wingate Test and alternative field tests.
Location: Laboratory of Applied Physiology
Subjects: Males and Females 20-40 years old
STUDIES IN CONJUNCTION WITH GUARDRAILS RESEARCH
Ectopic Fat Distributions as a Marker for Cardiometabolic Diseases
It is well known that visceral fat (in and around the organs) is a major contributer to chronic diseases. However, no field assessment specifically captures how much visceral fat we carry. We've proposed the ratio of total body fat and subcutaneous fat called the "Ectopic Fat Index;" which we are comparing to known body composition assessments and correlating with blood markers of insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Location: UHealth Clinics
Subjects: UHealth Patients and Study Volunteers
