Established in 2013, the University of South Australia’s state-of-the-art Clinical Trial Facility is a dedicated clinical research space where volunteers can participate in research programs. The focus of the facility is to promote collaboration across the wide range of health disciplines at UniSA. Clinical researchers at UniSA have recognised strengths in the areas of chronic disease prevention, diet and lifestyle, pain management, addiction, stroke rehabilitation and exercise for health. Located in the Bonython Jubilee Building at UniSA’s City East campus, the Clinical Trial Facility combines purpose-built spaces with clinical expertise, translating essential research into positive health and wellbeing outcomes.
Facilities
The UniSA Clinical Trial Facility is comprised of individual consultation rooms and exercise spaces, as well as specialised technical facilities. These facilities support the conduct of volunteer and subject assessments such as interviews, cognitive testing, blood taking, subject screening, and exercise studies.
Specialised technical facilities include an ultra-cold freezer storage area, with 12-80°C freezers and high-tech monitoring systems, and an analytical laboratory, which supports clinical research activities.
Advanced equipment within the Facility is used for conducting a range of screening and testing, including:
- Body composition (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry)
- Physical activity (accelerometry)
- Physical fitness (treadmill and cycle ergometry)
- Muscle strength (isokinetic dynamometry)
- Metabolism (metabolic rate by indirect calorimetry)
- Biomarkers in blood
- Endothelial dilatation in both systemic and cerebral circulations (brachial artery and transcranial doppler ultrasound)
- Arterial compliance (cardiovascular profiler)
- Heart rate variability
- Measurement of blood pressure at rest (automated oscillometry, by 24hr ambulatory monitoring)
- Cognitive test banks
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (TDCS)
- Dietary assessment.
In addition to physical assessments, a wide range of validated questionnaires are used to evaluate physical activity, diet composition and energy balance, together with batteries of mood and cognitive function tests to assess mental health status.
The facility is accessible to those with limited mobility, and has kitchen facilities available for volunteers participating in clinical trials.
The facility is available for use by external clinical investigators to undertake clinical research activities. Please contact Louise Massie, Clinical Trial Facility Coordinator, to enquire or find out more.
Volunteers
We are currently seeking participants for various research studies. To view our volunteer opportunities within the Clinical Trial Facility please visit our volunteers page.
For more information about research volunteering, please contact:
Email: unisa.researchvolunteers@unisa.edu.au
Telephone: +61 8 8302 1365
Contact
Clinical Trial Facility, Level 1, Bonython Jubilee Building, City East Campus
