# The Relation between Brain Activity and Nutritional Status in Children and Youth

The Relation between Brain Activity and Nutritional Status in Children and Youth

This study is about investigating the relation between brain activity and nutritional & metabolic status.

This project has been approved by the Holland Bloorview Research Ethics Board (Project ID: 0557)

You can participate if you are:

We are looking to recruit 20 children and youth with or without disabilities with the following profile: 

Are 8-24 years of age 

Weighs more than 15 kg (33 lb) 

Can remain still and tolerate fNIRS cap for about 10 minutes 

Can understand English and follow instructions 

Can abstain from food for at least 4 hours prior to session 

Can provide ~ 2 ml of saliva 

Can breathe spontaneously and regularly (no mechanical ventilation, no severe respiratory distress) 

Time Commitment:

One Zoom meeting to provide your consent and some demographic information. 

Record your daily food and supplement intake for three days before the onsite data collection. 

One 90-minute, onsite session at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. 

Follow simple pre-visit instructions (short fasting and avoiding certain supplements)

Provide a saliva sample. 

Your weight, height, and skinfold thickness will be measured. 

10-minutes wearing a headcap with provides to record brain activity.

See Study Flyer for more details on the study.

Date posted: 4-Dec-2025
Sponsor: Bloorview Research Institute

Investigator:
Tom Chau, Principal Investigator

Contact Study Team