From Hard Work to Hard Times

Health Implications of Seasonal Layoffs for Outdoor Laborers
A Longitudinal, Multi-Domain Study of Real-World Worker Health

This study examines how seasonal layoffs affect the physical health, mental well-being, and cognitive performance of outdoor laborers in Michigan. Participation involves two lab visits, weekly online surveys about physical activity, and biweekly surveys about mood and mental focus.

Participants who complete all required components of the study will receive $140 in total compensation, provided as a gift card. This amount is funded through the Wayne State University Fraser Fellowship and internal support from the Wayne State University Graduate School and the College of Education.

Participation is free, and all information is kept confidential.

The study is conducted through Wayne State University and has been reviewed by its Institutional Review Board (IRB) for participant safety and research ethics.

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Study Overview

Every year, thousands of skilled laborers are temporarily laid off during the winter. This study aims to understand the physical and psychological effects of that downtime. It focuses on how health, strength, mood, and mental sharpness may change when physically demanding work is paused for several months.

Participants will be asked to:

  • Visit the Wayne State University Exercise Physiology Lab twice. One visit occurs in November before the winter layoff, and the second occurs in March before the layoff period ends

  • Complete brief weekly online surveys about physical activity

  • Complete biweekly online check-ins on mood and mental focus

Study components include VOâ‚‚max treadmill testing, vertical jump, grip strength, reaction time, body composition, and short surveys on depression and anxiety (BDI-II and STICSA). All tools are research-validated and commonly used in exercise science and mental health studies.

Participants who complete all required parts of the study, including both laboratory visits and all online surveys, will receive $140 in total compensation, provided as a gift card. This amount is funded through the Wayne State University Fraser Fellowship and internal support from the Wayne State University Graduate School and the College of Education.

This study is conducted through Wayne State University and has been reviewed by its Institutional Review Board (IRB) for participant safety and research ethics.

What You’ll Do

  • One visit in November before the winter layoff

    One visit in March after the layoff period ends

    Each visit takes about 90 minutes and includes:

    • A treadmill test to measure heart and lung fitness (VOâ‚‚max)

    • A vertical jump to test leg strength and power

    • A grip strength test using a hand-held device

    • A body composition scan (DXA) to measure body fat and muscle

    • A reaction time test on a computer

    • A few short paper surveys about your mood, energy, and physical activity.

    Location
    Exercise Physiology Laboratory (Room 055)
    College of Education Building
    Wayne State University
    5425 Gullen Mall Detroit, MI 48202

    Free parking vouchers provided

  • Once a week, you’ll complete a short survey about how physically active you’ve been.
    It takes about 5 minutes and is sent by email every Sunday morning.

  • Every two weeks, you’ll fill out two quick surveys that ask how you’re feeling.

    Each survey takes about 5 minutes and is sent by email every other Sunday morning.

  • Participants who complete all parts of the study, including both laboratory sessions and all online surveys, will receive $140 total in compensation provided as a gift card.

    This amount is funded through the Wayne State University Fraser Fellowship and internal support from the Wayne State University Graduate School and the College of Education.

Eligibility

This study includes two groups of participants:

🔹 Group 1: Seasonal Workers (Layoff Expected)

You may qualify if you:

  • Are male, between 25 and 55 years old

  • Work outdoors in a physically demanding job (e.g., roofing, masonry, landscaping, carpentry)

  • Expect to be laid off during winter due to seasonal slowdown

  • Are physically able to complete treadmill and strength tests

  • Have access to a smartphone or computer for online surveys

🔹 Group 2: Year-Round Workers (No Layoff Expected)

You may also qualify if you:

  • Are male, between 25 and 55 years old

  • Work full time in a physically demanding job (e.g. manufacturing, warehousing, or indoor construction)

  • Will remain employed throughout the winter

  • Are physically able to complete testing and complete online surveys

You are not eligible if you:

  • Cannot attend both lab visits

  • Are not currently working in a physically demanding job

  • Are not expecting to stay consistently employed or laid off during winter

  • Have medical conditions or injury that prevent safe exercise testing

  • Use medications that affect heart rate or exercise tolerance

  • Have a diagnosed psychological or cognitive condition that interferes with participation

  • Cannot complete online surveys

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This study is for adult men who work in physically demanding jobs, either outdoors or in warehouse/manufacturing settings. Some participants will be laid off during winter, while others will remain employed.

  • No. You just need to be physically able to walk, then run, on a treadmill that gradually increases in speed. The test continues until you reach a point where you’re too tired to continue and choose to stop .

    You’ll also do a few short strength tests including a vertical jump and grip strength test.

  • The surveys are short and ask about your physical activity, mood, stress, and focus. They can be done from your phone and take just a few minutes each week.

  • Each lab visit includes a treadmill test, a few strength tests (like a vertical jump and hand grip), a body scan, and reaction time testing. You’ll also complete a couple of short paper surveys. Each visit takes about 90 minutes.

  • No. Participation is free. All equipment and testing are provided at no cost.

    You will not be charged for parking.

  • Yes. All survey responses and lab results are stored securely and only used for research purposes. Your name will not be attached to your data, and nothing will be shared with your employer.

Questions? Reach Out Anytime.

If you have questions about the study, your eligibility, or how to schedule your visits, contact:

Edward Kerr III, Principal Investigator
email: as3529@wayne.edu
phone: (586) 329-8383

This study has been reviewed and approved by the Wayne State University Institutional Review Board (IRB).
If you have questions about your rights as a research participant, contact:

Wayne State IRB Office
email: IRBQuestions@wayne.edu
phone: (313) 577-1628