The BEAM Study, led by Drs. Katherine Boyer and Jane Kent at UMass Amherst and funded by the National Institutes of Health, is investigating why walking requires more energy as we age. The goal is to better understand mobility changes in adulthood and improve independence and quality of life in older adults.
Do You Qualify?
You may be eligible if you are:
- 25-40 years old OR 65-85 years old
- Living independently
- Able to walk without assistance
- Generally healthy
You may not be eligible if you have significant heart, lung, neurological, or musculoskeletal conditions, or if you cannot safely undergo MRI scanning.
What Will You Be Asked to Do?
You will be asked to come to the Center for Human Health and Performance and Human Magnetic Resonance Center on the UMass Amherst campus for two or three visits.
Visit 1: You will complete questionnaires, perform mobility and balance tests, become familiar with study procedures, walk on a treadmill while we measure how much energy you use, and complete a test of your aerobic fitness. You will also receive an activity monitor to track your daily movement.
Visit 2: You will lie in an MRI scanner while we take images of your calf, thigh, and hip muscles. You will also complete a walking assessment and strength testing of those leg muscles.
Visit 3: This visit will be completed by a subset of participants. You will perform contractions of the same leg muscles while in an MRI scanner.
Compensation
- $40 for Visit 1
- $60 for Visit 2
- $60 for Visit 3 (if selected)
Total compensation is $100-$160. If you are unable to continue in the study after Visit 1 due to blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), or functional screening criteria, you will receive $20 for Visit 1. You will also receive personalized health information about your physical activity, aerobic fitness, leg strength, and blood pressure.
Eligibility screening
To see if you may qualify, please complete a brief screening survey (about 5 minutes).
Your responses will be stored securely and reviewed by authorized study staff. If you appear eligible and agree to be contacted, we will schedule a follow-up phone call. If you are not eligible, your information will be kept only in de-identified form for recruitment tracking.