UROP Project

Isometric Handgrip Training as a Novel Strategy to Improve Cerebrovascular Function in Humans

human subjects research, vascular, health, exercise, clinical trial
Small Vondo Headshot.jpg
Research Mentor: Joe Vondrasek,
Department, College, Affiliation: Health, Nutrition, and Food Sciences, Education, Health, and Human Sciences
Contact Email: jdv22e@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Students of any major can be a research assistant for this project. However, students majoring in health science with interests in health, exercise, and medicine are preferred.
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: Up to 10 hours per week, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable

Project Description

Isometric handgrip training is an effective method for lowering blood pressure. Also, isometric handgrip training has been used to improve peripheral (arm) vascular function. Because of this effect, isometric handgrip training and isometric exercise training are generally recommended by national organizations like the American Heart Association. However, no previous work has determined the effect of isometric handgrip training on cerebrovascular function. Cerebrovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death in the United States. Early life vascular function sets the stage for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health outcomes. Thus, there is a need to optimize cerebrovascular health early in life. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effect of isometric handgrip training on young, physically inactive adults. Participants in the study will complete eight weeks of isometric handgrip training and complete three training sessions per week.

Research Tasks: Tasks will be related to conducting human subjects research. Tasks may include welcoming participants to the laboratory and helping them prepare for the study visit, helping schedule visits, helping maintain accurate data collection forms during participant visits, and helping organize and analyze data. Tasks will not be limited to one of these areas during this project. Students can expect to be involved in hands-on research and may help with new tasks as they gain confidence and experience in the laboratory setting.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required
- Effective communication and bedside manner – students will likely interact with human participants on a regular basis, so it will be expected that students are able to communicate and help participants feel welcomed in a professional laboratory environment.
- Organization - students will significantly contribute to data analysis, so it is imperative to be organized

Recommended
- Experience with Microsoft Office suite (Word, PowerPoint, etc.)

Mentoring Philosophy

My goal as a mentor is to help students achieve their academic and personal goals through hands-on learning experiences. I aim to help students develop a broad understanding of the research process with a focus on working with human participants, so they appreciate the work required to conduct meaningful research. To support this, I strive to create a learning environment where students develop valuable research skills and a growth mindset—one that views failure not as a setback, but as an opportunity to learn and improve. As a mentor, I commit to regular communication, being available when needed, and creating space for open and honest dialogue. I believe these efforts help build mutual trust and reinforce the value of each student’s contribution to the research process. In turn, I expect students to engage actively by being organized, communicating honestly, and showing initiative. A successful mentor-mentee relationship is built on shared responsibility, transparency, and mutual respect. Lastly, I want students to know that science and research can be deeply rewarding—and even fun. As my college wrestling coach used to remind us when we were taking ourselves too seriously in practice, “It’s okay to smile.” I hope to carry that same spirit into my mentoring, encouraging students to enjoy the process as they grow.

Additional Information

Students interested in helping with this project should complete the project interest form (https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/BwLCZybr2z). Only applicants who follow the instructions outlined in the form will be considered for the position.

Link to Publications

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=4kDD7D4AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao
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