We are currently enrolling participants for two funded studies (see details below).
The Physical Behavior Research Hub is directed by Dr. Eric Wickel, Professor of Exercise and Sports Science and John C. Oxley Endowed Chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitative Sciences.
The focus of this Research Hub is on the use and interpretation of wearable devices and self-report tools to characterize physical activity, sedentary and stationary behaviors (e.g., sitting and standing), and sleep.
Outcomes from this work are used to inform physical behavior surveillance, intervention, and health outcomes research. Locally, outcomes from the Physical Behavior Research Hub will contribute to the Tulsa County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).
Research Studies
Study 1. Physical Behavior & Health: A Prospective Cohort Study.
Enrollment is open.
This study will explore how daily behavior influences health.
Participants will wear a small device on their thigh, complete an at-home finger-prick blood test, and answer online surveys.
Study material will be sent to your physical address and returned using postage-paid envelopes. In-person appointments are not required.
Click on the headings below for additional details.
Inclusion Criteria
To participate, you must be between 25 to 55 years old, live in Oklahoma and have access to internet service and a smartphone. Refer to informed consent for exclusion criteria.
Data Collection
The activPAL4 thigh device will assess physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep during a 7-day monitoring period. This device is small and lightweight (2.3 × 4.3 × 0.5 cm and 9 grams) and capable of continuous wear.
An at-home blood kit will be used to collect a small sample of blood to determine levels of cholesterol, HDL, LDL, hemoglobin a1c, lipoprotein (a), and triglyceride.
An online survey will be completed to report personal and health characteristics.
Data Privacy
Data collected for this study will be linked to non-personalized ID numbers, not participant names, and stored on a password protected university account. Only designated research personnel will have access to study data.
Compensation
Participants can receive up to $150 for completing the baseline assessment ($75 check) and the 2-year follow-up assessment ($75 check).
Funding & Approval
This project is funded by the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) and approved by the University of Tulsa’s Institutional Review Board (23-14).
Study 2. Capability of Emergent Assessment Methods to Improve Physical Behavior Research in Oklahoma.
Enrollment is open.
This study will explore ways to improve physical behavior research through the use of wearable devices and self-report tools.
Participants will wear two small devices (one on the wrist and one on the thigh) and complete online surveys.
Study material will be sent to your physical address and returned using postage-paid envelopes. In-person appointments are not required.
Click on the headings below for additional details.
Inclusion Criteria
To participate, you must be at least 18 years old, reside in Oklahoma, and have accessible internet service and an email address.
Data Collection
Physical behavior will be assessed with two wearable devices. The activPAL4 device is small and lightweight (2.3 × 4.3 × 0.5 cm and 9 grams) and worn on the mid-thigh. The Actigraph xGT3X+ device is similar in size and weight to a standard watch (4.6 × 3.3 × 1.5 cm and 19 g) and worn on the wrist. Both devices are capable of continuous wear.
Participants will complete an online physical behavior recall tool on two separate occasions during the study protocol and a separate online survey to report personal and health characteristics.
Data Privacy
Data collected for this study will be linked to non-personalized ID numbers, not participant names, and stored on a password protected university account. Only designated research personnel will have access to study data.
Compensation
Participants can receive a check up to $100 for completing the entire study protocol.
Funding & Approval
This project is funded by the TSET Health Promotion Research Center and approved by the University of Tulsa’s Institutional Review Board (24-01).
Wearable Devices
(Actigraph xGT3X+)
Funding Agencies and Supporters
Want to Connect With the Hub?
918-631-2677
University of Tulsa
Health Sciences Facility
1215 S Boulder Avenue
5th Floor (Room 522)
Tulsa, OK 74119