(MSUN) Adult women in the Havre community are being invited to take part in a Montana State University–Northern research project that measures resting metabolism and provides insight into overall wellness.
Led by Chad Spangler, professor of Integrated Health Sciences, the study uses indirect calorimetry, a noninvasive test that measures oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production to determine how much energy the body uses at rest and what fuel sources—fat, carbohydrates, or protein—the body relies on for energy.
“This test tells us how much energy a person uses at baseline and what substrates they’re using for fuel,” Spangler explained. “At rest, most people burn fat. If that’s not the case, it could suggest a need for lifestyle changes or even signal early metabolic concerns.”
The research team hopes to test between 30 and 50 women by the end of April. If student research funding is awarded, the project could expand this summer to include as many as 150 community participants.
Spangler described the spring phase as a pilot project designed to refine procedures and evaluate variability in metabolic rates. After data collection, results will be analyzed to examine differences by body size, age, and racial or ethnic background and lifestyle factors.
Participation is voluntary and noninvasive. No blood draws are required, and all data is de-identified to protect privacy.
Beyond contributing to community health awareness, the project provides MSU-Northern students with hands-on research experience. If summer funding is secured, participating students would receive paid research appointments while working full time to conduct testing and outreach.
“These kinds of opportunities are transformative for students,” Spangler said. “They gain real-world research experience, build professional skills, and become more competitive for graduate school and health professions.”
Community members interested in participating can sign up through a QR code provided in recruitment materials or by visiting this link – https://montana.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3lv4NMMmib4dHkq. Appointments will be scheduled individually, and participants will complete an informed consent form prior to testing.
