BioMechanica LabRats Home Page


		The Rats All Quit ... so we're looking for some runners and other athletes to participate in laboratory tests of athletic shoes. If you qualify, we provide a modest compensation and all the sunflower seeds you can eat.

BioMechanica is an independent research and development company, specializing in the application of biomechanics to the development of innovative products. As part of our business, we provide confidential product evaluation services to the athletic footwear industry.

We are currently seeking active men and women to join our crew of test subjects. Most of the products we evaluate are designed for running, court or field sports. Test sessions are held in our laboratory located in SE Portland’s industrial area and usually take 45 minutes to an hour. The studies vary in nature but usually involve running or walking on a treadmill or performing simple athletic movements while we make biomechanical measurements. Test subjects are paid a small honorarium each time they participate in a project.
If you add your name to our data base, we will contact you when your profile fits the requirements of a project. We can schedule test sessions flexibly, including evenings and weekends if necessary. No previous experience is required and we will provide any necessary training.

*To request more information, please send an email to LabRats@biomechanica.com* or call us at (503) 452-0350.**

Current Projects October 2009			Dates and session durations are approximate. Expect your first session with us to be 10 -15 minutes longer. M indicates US Men's shoe size but most studies are open to both men and women athletes unless otherwise noted.
Study #	Activity	Shoe Size	Gender	How Long?	Why?

1	Treadmill Running	M 9	Any	60-90 min	Running shoe research project
2	Treadmill Running	Any	Women 34C	45-60 min	Sports bra product evaluation
3	Treadmill Walking	W 7, 8 or 9	Women	45-60 min	Walking shoe product evaluation

Requirements		Restrictions

You should be a sports participant or have an active lifestyle. Men and women who wear men's shoe sizes 9, 10 and 12 and women's size 7 are in greatest demand. For sports bra studies, we usually require size 34 C Runners should be training at least 15 miles each week a 8 minute pace or faster. Other athletes should be regular participants in a court, field or other sports or training activity that involves three or more ours of athletic activity each week. No acute injuries or history of chronic injury unless otherwise specified.		In order to participate in most studies, subjects must sign an informed consent agreement that includes a confidentiality requirement and a waiver of our liability. If you are involved in testing activities with a footwear or sportswear company or another testing agency, or if you or a family member are employed by a sportswear company, you may not be eligible to participate in some BioMechanica projects. If you are under 18 years of age, you will need the consent of a parent or legal guardian. Parents & guardians are encouraged to observe test sessions. If you participate in certain amateur sports, accepting even a small payment from us may affect your eligibility. (If so, we can donate the honorarium to your school, athletic department or to a charity instead) Other limitations or restrictions on participation may apply.