Research Centre: Swinburne University of Technology
Location: John St, Hawthorn VIC 3122, Australia
Lead Researchers: Associate Professor Matthew Cooke,  Professor Luke Downey, Dr. Sam Wu, & Dr. Sarah Catchlove
IRB: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Swinburne University Human Research Ethics Committee (SUHREC)

About the Study

Did you know that Cannabidiol (CBD) has strong anti-inflammatory properties? If you’ve never heard about the benefits of CBD, read on to find out! CBD can relieve muscle soreness and help your body’s immune system better cope with post-exercise injuries. Many people have tried CBD to relieve their aches and pains, but more research needs to be done on its effects on inflammation-induced pain.

Researchers from Swinburne University seek to determine whether an all-natural plant-based oil can offer relief from muscle inflammation after exercise. The results of this study may provide valuable insights leading to research on other inflammatory conditions and may help understand the effect of medicinal plant-based alternatives on one’s mood. It may also provide information that may help develop novel treatments for recovery in professional athletes. 

Interested in testing the effectiveness of an all-natural plant-based oil on muscle pain? See if you’re eligible for this study!

Why Participate? 

• Participants may receive a new potential medicinal plant-based oil product that improves inflammation at no cost.
• Participants will be reimbursed for their time, travel expenses, and inconvenience in the sum of  $1000 + $250 travel reimbursement upon completion of the study.
• Participants may experience improvements in their muscle inflammation symptoms. 
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit those with inflamed muscles in the future.
• Participants will be helping to advance medical research on the effects of a medicinal plant-based oil product on muscle inflammation.

Your Rights

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

Who Can Participate?

• Healthy men and women aged 18-35 years old
• Must be recreationally active, but must not participate in any structured exercise for more than 2 days per week, in the last 6 months
• Must be willing to refrain from taking medications (except for preventative antibiotics, contraceptive pills, or other regular medications to treat non-harmful conditions, such as antibiotics to treat acne) for at least 7 days before study testing
• Must be able to attend 6 study visits at the research site over approximately 2.5  weeks

More Study Details 

The study team will explain the research in its entirety but some details are:

• Participants will be randomly assigned to any of the following groups: a high dose plant-based oil product, low dose plant-based oil product, or placebo group. These oils will be taken sublingually (dropped under the tongue).
• Participants will be asked to complete exercise tasks that will require them to run on a treadmill.
• Participants will be asked to complete a muscle strength test. 
• Participants will be asked to take their treatment at the same time each morning. They will also be asked to bring all their treatment bottles to their testing sessions. 
• Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires. 
• Participants will be asked to provide blood, saliva, and urine samples. 

About the Research Centre:

Swinburne University of Technology
Swinburne University of Technology is a world-class university creating social and economic impacts through science, technology, and innovation. Swinburne researchers have a reputation for high-quality research with particular strengths in astronomy, physics, engineering, materials science, computer science and information technology, design and innovation, health sciences, neurosciences, and mental health. Underpinned by leading digital technology platforms, their researchers are collaborating with industry through embedded partnerships to drive innovation and create impact.

Please note:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers would like to assure the participants that ensuring their and the study staff’s safety is of utmost importance.