Impact of Biological Sex, Menstrual Cycle, and Fitness Status in the Control of Brain Blood Flow

Summary

This study is exploring how biological sex, fitness level, and the menstrual cycle impacts the control of blood flow in the brain. Individuals will perform a maximal exercise test at the start of testing. They will also perform follow-up visits that will take roughly 90 minutes each. Individuals will perform various tasks that will alter the control of brain blood flow. Several universities across the world have used these tasks in a safe manner. These tasks include repeated squatting, breathing challenges, and visual tasks. Three different technologies that measure brain blood flow will be used during these tasks. These technologies are safe and have been used in many previous research studies.

Currently, there is an underrepresentation of females in research studies. This study is seeking to reduce this gap and help increase the number of future studies including females.

Eligibility

Currently recruiting participants: Yes

Eligible ages: 18 to 40

Accepts healthy participants: Yes

Inclusion criteria:

Participants will be included if they:
1) are between the ages of 18.00-64.99 years (n=120, 60 females and 60 males);
2) have no history of cerebrovascular, cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, or neurological conditions;
3) are able to perform all exercise and orthostatic protocols;
4) provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria:

Participants will be excluded if they :
1) are obese (body mass index >35 kg/m^2);
2) have a history of smoking;
3) are hypertensive (systolic >145 mmHg and diastolic >95 mmHg)
4) are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant,
5) have a previous history of syncope.

Participate

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Method of contact

Additional information

Contact information

Cerebrovascular Concussion Lab Researchers

Principal investigator:

Jonathan Smirl

Clinical trial:

No

REB-ID:

REB20-2112