Nutrition & Exercise


 

SMARTer Weight Loss Management

Principal Investigator: Bonnie Spring

The SMARTer Study is studying to understand what the best strategy for weight-loss and healthy living is by comparing three different programs. Participants receive a free health and weight-loss program with no medications involved!

Who Can Participate:

  • Adults 18 and older
  • BMI of 25 or higher
  • Weighs 396 lbs or less
  • Access to a smartphone and willing to add the SMARTer app on the smartphone.
  • Is not enrolled in a formal weight loss program
  • Does not take any GLP-1 agonists
  • Does not use any mobility device such as a cane, mobility scooter, wheelchair, etc.
  • Is not an Insulin Dependent Diabetic
  • Is not having feeding disorder such as Anorexia or Bulimia
  • Has not had any cerebrovascular accident or myocardial infraction within 6 months of enrollment
  • Not pregnant or planning to become pregnant
  • Not breastfeeding or lactating
  • Is not having any suicidal ideations

Duration:

Participants will be enrolled in a 12-month long weight loss program. 

Compensation will be provided.

Primary Contact: Keri Gladhill; smarterstudy@med.fsu.edu; 850-644-4214

Study Flyer

 

 

 

 

 

Isometric Handgrip Training and Brain Blood Vessel Function

Principal Investigator: Joe Vondrasek

This study is about the effects of handgrip training on brain blood flow.

Who Can Participate:

  • Adults 18-35 years old
  • BMI of under 30
  • No Chronic condition
  • Does not use nicotine
  • Don't typically perform aerobic excercise for greater than or equal to 150 minutes/week
  • Does not perform resistance training greater than or equal to 2 days/week.
  • Duration:

    Participants will complete an indeepth health screening including ultrasound before and after an 8 week isometric handgrip training. Participants will be in the study for 10 weeks total. 

    Compensation up to $300.

    Primary Contact: Joe Vondrasek; jdv22e@fsu.edu; 989-277-7770

    Study Flyer

 

Exploring the Interactive Effects of Sodium and Potassium on Vascular Health in Older Adults

Principal Investigator: Andrea Lobene

The aim of our study is to determine if potassium can offset the negative effects of a high sodium diet on blood vessel health in older adults.

Who Can Participate:

  • Adults 55–75 years old
  • No history of cardiovascular disease or kidney disease
  • Additional Medical conditions and medications may be exclusionary
  • All participants will complete a screener prior to enrollment.

Duration:

  • Participants in this study will consume three controlled diets for 10 days each and come to our lab for various non-invasive cardiovascular tests.

Compensation is up to $600.

Primary Contact: Andrea Lobene; HNFS-cardionutritionlab@fsu.edu

Study Flyer

 

 

Effectiveness of a Dietary and Education-Based Intervention for Increasing Potassium Intake versus Reducing Sodium Intake to Improve Vascular Health: A Pilot Study

Principal Investigator: Andrea Lobene

This study will compare the feasibility and efficacy of a self-selected low-sodium diet compared to a self-selected high potassium diet in young adults.

Who Can Participate:

  • Adults 18–45 years old
  • No history of cardiovascular disease or kidney disease
  • Additional Medical conditions exclusionary
  • All participants will complete a screener prior to enrollment.

Duration:

  • Participants in this study will complete 4 weeks of individualized nutrition education, then return to our lab for non-invasive cardiovascular testing every two months for 6 months post-education.

 

Compensation is up to $550.

Primary Contact: Andrea Lobene; HNFS-cardionutritionlab@fsu.edu

Study Flyer

 

 


Last Updated: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 4:19 PM