Research participation: Current opportunities

Information about the study

The purpose of this study is to support me in completing my postgraduate study for my doctoral research project. The aim of this study is to assess the reliability of transcranial magnetic stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation for an assessment of isometric and eccentric quadriceps muscle action. Data collected from this study will help us understand and in better way and can be a base for our future studies.

Eligibility/criteria for taking part

Inclusion criteria - you are eligible to take part if you:

• are male or female aged 18-40 years.
• participated in agility-sports training or competition that involves running, rapid changes of direction, twisting, turning, jumping etc. (e.g., football, netball, basketball) or fitness enthusiasts engaged in training programs that include the physical activities (e.g. circuit training, CrossFit).

Exclusion criteria - you are NOT eligible to take part if you:

• are male or female aged under 18 or over 40 years.
• have any diagnosed knee soft tissue injury.
• have current low back/lower limb pain or hadpast lower back/lower limb injury within six months.
• have any history of lower body fracture that required immobilisation or lower body orthopaedic surgery.

What the participants have to do?

• One familiarisation session (60 mins) and three experimental sessions lasting approximately for 90 mins, a minimum of 7 days between three sessions.
• A short questionnaire to record your physical activity levels and safety screening (1^st session only).
• Measurement of your quadriceps isometric (static) and eccentric (dynamic) strength on both legs along with brain stimulation.

How do participants take part and who should they contact?

Potential participants are requested to contact study researcher:

Manali Akre - ma23628@essex.ac.uk

This study is supervised by:

Dr Nicholas Clark - n.clark@essex.ac.uk

Dr Jamie Tallent - jamie.tallent@essex.ac.uk

Nasir Uddin - nasir.uddin@essex.ac.uk

Ethical approval

The study has been granted a favourable ethical opinion by the University Ethics Committee under the reference ETH2425-1052.

Data collection period

The data collection period for this study is until 30 July 2025.

Information about the study

This research focuses on the disaggregation of the Black students’ experience at UK universities, with a focus on how the experiences of international students are shaped and represented in guidance documents provided by higher education institutions and organisations. This research will also compare the experiences of Black African UK-domiciled students to highlight specific areas of similarities and variations between Black African students. The study will gather qualitative data from Black African International and Home students of all degree levels at the University of Essex on their lived experiences. The themes explored in this paper include the sense of belonging, experiences of discrimination and racism, and financial anxiety.

Eligibility/criteria for taking part

Students who identify as Black African 

What the participants have to do?

Take part in an interview, lasting approximately between 1 hour-1.5 hours. Students will receive a £15 Amazon voucher upon completion of the interviews.

How do participants take part and who should they contact?

Participants who wish to take part can contact Precious Ogbonna, ISER PhD student via email (po22349@essex.ac.uk)

Funding

This research is funded by the university of Essex

Ethical approval

This project was reviewed by the Departmental Ethics Officer on behalf of the Ethics Sub-Committee 1 who gave a favourable opinion for the study. ERAMS project number ETH2223-0593

Data collection period

The data collection period as stated in the Ethics Approval is until 31 May 2025