Opportunities to Participate in Research Studies

Updated January 2010

1. Exploring Massage Benefits for Arthritis of the Knee (EMBARK)

The Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center (PRC) in collaboration with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), is conducting a study to find the best dose and regimen of massage to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. The PRC is recruiting 50 participants for this study.

To qualify for this study, you must:

• be an adult aged 35 years or older
• have confirmed osteoarthritis of the knee diagnosed by x-ray
If you qualify for the study, you will be randomly assigned to 1 of the following 5 treatment groups:

• 4 different groups will receive massage therapy once or twice a week for 30 or 60 minutes for 8 weeks.
• Control group members will not receive massage during the course of the study, but will receive 6 gift certificates for 30-minute massage sessions at the end of the study.
For more information, contact:

• Anna Davidhi (email anna.davidhi@yalegriffinprc.org, phone 203-732-1265 ext. 305)
OR
• Dr. Ather Ali (email ather.ali@yalegriffinprc.org, phone 203-732-1265 ext. 210)


2. Effects of Juice Plus+® Supplementation on Endothelial Function in Overweight Men

The Yale-Griffin PRC is exploring whether the benefits of fruits and vegetables, when concentrated into capsules, can help improve endothelial function (the ability of blood vessels to dilate properly) and other measures of heart health in overweight men. Fruits and vegetables are naturally high in antioxidants, which are thought to help blood vessels dilate properly.

The PRC is recruiting 70 participants for this study. Those who complete the study will receive $200, along with personal health information such as blood pressure and endothelial function.

To qualify for this study, you must:

• Be a man aged 25 to 75 years
• Be overweight
For more information, contact:

• Anna Davidhi (email anna.davidhi@yalegriffinprc.org, phone 203-732-1265 ext. 305)
OR
• Dr. Yingying Ma (email yingying.ma@yalegriffinprc.org, phone 203-732-1265 ext 220)


3. Effects of Walnuts on Endothelial Function in Overweight Adults with at Least One Factor of Metabolic Syndrome

The Yale-Griffin PRC is studying the effects of eating walnuts on endothelial function (a measure of heart health) in overweight adults at risk for metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that together raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. The study will examine whether eating 2 ounces of walnuts each day for 8 weeks will affect endothelial function, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, body weight, or waist circumference. Walnuts are a good source of antioxidants and omega-3 fats, and have been shown to be beneficial to cardiovascular health.

The PRC is recruiting 46 adults for this study. Those who complete the study will receive $200, along with personal health information such as blood pressure and endothelial function.

To qualify for this study, you must:

• Be in the age range of 25-75 years
• Be overweight
• Have at least one risk factor for metabolic syndrome (high blood pressure, high fasting glucose, high triglycerides, and/or low HDL cholesterol)
• Not have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease
For more information, contact:

• Yasemin Kavak (email yasemin.kavak@yalegriffinprc.org, phone 203-732-1265 ext. 301).
• Dr. Yingying Ma (email yingying.ma@yalegriffinprc.org, phone 203-732-1265 ext 220)