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Research Recruitment: Neck Strength Study

Seeking Participants: Neck Strength in People with ALS and Healthy Subjects

We are recruiting participants for a research study on head posture, neck strength and neck muscle activity in People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (PALS) and healthy control subjects. This information will help us to understand how posture, neck strength and muscle activity may be related to clinical outcomes and to improve assistive devices, such as neck collars and head-controlled wheelchairs.

The study will consist of answering survey questions, having sensors placed on your neck, and exerting to generate your maximum neck strength against resistance. The process will take less than two hours. Participants must be at least 21 years of age and be able to understand English and meet the following criteria:

  • NOT currently pregnant
  • Can understand English well enough to carry out the requested procedures
  • Can communicate by either voice, writing, or computer
  • Are willing to have a photograph or video taken
  • Are NOT currently experiencing neck pain or have a history of chronic neck pain (lasting more than 3 months)
  • NO history of neck surgery
  • Have NOT been in a car accident or any other traumatic event such as a fall, in which your neck was injured
  • Do NOT have head or neck cancer
  • Do NOT have vestibular deficit or balance disorder
  • Do NOT have any other neuromuscular disorder (besides ALS), such as myasthenia gravis, MS, etc.
  • Do NOT have an implanted phrenic nerve stimulator
  • Do NOT have irritated skin or open wounds on the neck
  • Do NOT have an allergy to silver

Participation is completely voluntary. You will receive a $30 gift card to Fred Meyer to help with travel expenses. If you are interested in participating in the study, would like to see the consent form, or have any questions, please contact: Dr. Anita Vasavada, Associate Professor, Washington State University, vasavada@wsu.edu; 509-335-7533

This study has been approved for human subject participation by the Washington State University Institutional Review Board.