Study tests and procedures
Learn about common tests that we often ask people to do when volunteering for our research studies.
Metabolic rate test: How many calories your body burns at rest
A metabolic rate test also is called a resting energy expenditure (REE) test. This test measures energy in terms of how many calories burn at rest.
When you rest, your body uses energy for basic activities such as breathing, moving blood through your body and keeping your organs running. A metabolic rate test measures how many calories you burn while resting. The calories you burn at rest are usually around 60% to 75% of the total calories that you need each day, depending on how active you are.
This test helps find out how many calories you need. It can guide nutrition plans to manage your weight, gain muscle or stay healthy.
Body composition tests
Body composition tests measure the different types of tissue in your body. Most tests determine how much fat and lean tissue you have, but some also measure other things such as water or bone.
BIA test: A fast way to tell how much fat, muscle and water your body contains
In a bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) test, we send a very small, safe electrical signal through your body to estimate amounts of fat, muscle and water.
BIA tests are quick and easy to repeat. We can use them regularly to track changes over time. But they are generally less accurate than dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) tests because results can be affected by how much water is in your body, meals, exercise and time of day.
DXA test: A detailed, more accurate scan that shows how much muscle, fat and bone you have.
A DXA test is a quick, low-radiation scan that measures body composition, including muscle mass, body fat and bone density. It provides one of the best measurements of lean tissue, fat and bone, which makes it useful for knowing how much muscle you have. It also can tell how much calcium you have in your bones.
Strength tests
Strength tests measure how much force your muscles can create.
Handgrip strength test: A quick test of your overall muscle strength based on the muscles in your hand
A handgrip strength test measures how hard you can squeeze a special testing device you hold in your hand. This is a simple way to estimate overall muscle strength, how well your body is working and how healthy you are as you get older.
Knee extension strength: A test of how strong your leg muscles are and how well they help you move in day-to-day life
This test measures the strength of the muscles on the front of your thigh by testing how hard you can straighten your knee. Leg strength is important for walking, climbing stairs, getting out of chairs, and staying independent as they get older.