Clinical Research Directory

Personalized Health Self-Management Training for Colorectal Cancer Survivors

This is a Phase 2 prospective, randomized, controlled, double-arm study to assess personalized self-management training (PSMT) intervention efficacy and patient experiences compared to standardized self-management training (SSMT). A total of 120 gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients will be enrolled and randomized 1:1 to complete a 6-week self-management training program (either PSMT or SSMT) to be carried out by licensed occupational therapists with doctoral training. This study aims to examine whether PSMT is more effective in increasing adherence to healthy behavior recommendations compared to SSMT in GI cancer patients.

Effects of Tai Chi and Yoga on Flexibility, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality in Women

Healthy women aged 18-45 years with BMI \<30 were randomized into two groups to receive either Tai Chi or yoga training. Both interventions were delivered for 8 weeks, 2 sessions per week, 45 minutes per session, at Bahçeşehir University. Flexibility, anxiety, and sleep quality were assessed before and after the intervention using standardized flexibility tests, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The outcome assessor was blinded to group assignment.

HomeStyles-Adults of Chinese Heritage

Individuals of Chinese heritage are the largest and fastest growing segment of the US Asian population. US Chinese have sociodemographic characteristics and culture that differ substantially from other US Asians, and therefore, differ in social determinants of health, health status, and disease risk. US Chinese adults are at increased risk for cardiometabolic disease, related conditions (obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension), and systemic inflammation that promotes disease onset and progression. Immigration to a new country can substantially impact the gut microbiome which may promote systemic inflammation. Pilot interventions indicate a high-fiber diet rich in whole grains reduced inflammation and improved obesity. Additionally, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) supported, evidence-based HomeStyles intervention has demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy in improving lifestyle behaviors and home environments associated with obesity risk in families. A lack of linguistically, culturally tailored interventions to their specific health needs makes it difficult for US Chinese to implement healthy lifestyle behaviors and reduce health risks. Interventions tailored for US Chinese that could attenuate modifiable cardiometabolic risk factors, understand physiological sequelae, and bridge health equity are not currently available. Thus, the overall goal of this project is to test the efficacy of HomeStyles in improving health outcomes in US Chinese. Project aims are to: A) Culturally adapt the HomeStyles intervention through community-engaged approaches. B) Conduct a 10-week, 2-armed Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) to test HomeStyles intervention efficacy on health outcomes (dietary intake, physical activity, self-efficacy, HbA1C, waist circumference, and BMI), hypothesizing that participants randomized to the treatment condition will have greater improvements in health outcomes than control comparators. C) Examine associations between intervention participation and gut microbiota/systemic inflammation and test hypotheses that a whole-grain rich diet adopted by those in the intervention group will increase anti-inflammatory gut bacteria, reduce inflammatory gut bacteria, and lower systemic inflammation.

Effects of Physical Activity Training on Physical Fitness and Quality of Life in Paramedic Students

Brief Title: Effects of an 8-week physical activity program in paramedic students (RCT) Official Title: EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY TRAINING ON PHYSICAL FITNESS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PARAMEDIC STUDENTS This randomized controlled trial aims to examine the effects of regular physical activity training on physical fitness and quality of life in paramedic students. The study plans an eight-week physical activity program for paramedic students studying healthcare. The program will consist of exercises designed to improve physical endurance, muscle strength, flexibility, and overall physical performance. Main Hypothesis (H₁): Regular physical activity training will significantly improve the physical fitness level and quality of life of paramedic students. H₁a: Regular physical activity training increases the cardiovascular endurance of paramedic students. H₁b: Regular physical activity training significantly improves students' muscle strength and flexibility. H₁c: Students' body mass index (BMI) values are positively affected after regular physical activity training. H₁d: Students who participated in the physical activity program had significantly higher quality of life scores (SF-36 subscales) than the control group. This randomized controlled trial will test the effectiveness of an 8-week, 3-day-per-week physical activity program to assess physical fitness and quality of life in paramedic students. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention (exercise program) or a standard-of-care/waiting control group. Primary outcomes include physical endurance (short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)) and the SF-36 total score. Measurements will be taken at pre-intervention, after 8 weeks, and at 3-month follow-up. Study Type: Interventional. Allocation: Randomized. Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment. Masking: None Primary Outcome Measures: Change in physical endurance (distance, meters) with physical activity exercises - from baseline to week 8. Change in health-related quality of life by SF-36 total score - from baseline to week 8. Time Frame: Baseline, week 8, 3-month follow-up. The study suggests that regular physical activity-based training programs can improve both the professional resilience and quality of life of paramedic students. These findings are expected to contribute to the inclusion of physical activity-based modules in health education programs and positively impact the professional productivity of future paramedics.

Single Nuclei RNA-seq to Map Adipose Cellular Populations and Senescent Cells in Older Subjects

All participants will undergo baseline biopsies of subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue for cellular/molecular profiling via snRNA-seq and metabolic/physiological assessments (insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and β-cell function). Older obese participants will be randomized into three arms: lifestyle intervention (n=24), senolytics (n=24), or placebo (n=24).

Project 1: Diet and Exercise Modulate the Sperm Epigenome in Men

This is a rigorous, controlled clinical trial designed to show that diet, exercise training, and their combination in overweight, inactive men will alter epigenetic programming to create a "healthy" sperm epigenome. Our central hypotheses are: i) overweight and inactive lifestyle results in epimutations in the sperm epigenome relative to the normal epigenetic programming in lean and active men and ii) diet and exercise modulation leads to reversal of these epimutations resulting in both a healthier "phenotype" and "epigenotype" which may persist after stopping the interventions. The study is divided into three parts: 1. We will recruit 20 healthy, active men and 20 obese and inactive Hispanic men between 18 and 40 years to determine the differences in sperm epigenome (DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs) in a cross-sectional study in obese inactive vs. healthy active Hispanic men. Only Hispanic men will be studied because of the high prevalence of obesity and inactivity in Hispanic younger men and to reduce the genetic variability influencing the epigenome. 2. 80 obese and inactive men will be randomized to 4 groups of 20 men: 1) No intervention (control); 2) Low fat, low caloric diet; 3) Supervised, periodized endurance and resistance training without modification of diet; and 4) Both exercise and diet modification to characterize the plasticity of the sperm epigenome in response to 12-week diet and/or exercise training interventions in obese and inactive Hispanic men. Sperm epimutations will be compared before and after intervention within each group and between groups. 3. The sperm epigenome studies in 80 men randomized to no intervention or diet and/or exercise training will be repeated at 12 and 36 weeks after cessation of interventions to Identify the persistent effects of diet and exercise training on the sperm epigenome after stopping the interventions.

Families Implementing Good Health Traditions for Life

This study will provide evidence for the utility of using a community-engaged research approach to implement a tailored, family-oriented adaptation of the Diabetes Prevention Program that will have positive effects on risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes morbidity and mortality among Black families in a Southwest Georgia community.

Promotion of Healthy Lifestyle Habits in Primary Care Settings

Intervention aiming to promote healthy dietary and physical activity behaviors in adults with different socioeconomic status primary care settings

A Mobile Phone Text-based Intervention to Reduce Sedentary Behavior and Engage Communities on the Importance of Healthy Lifestyles: the TEXT2MOVE Study

To learn if an 8-week, phone-based texting intervention program will reduce sedentary (non-mobile) behavior.

SENior PRIorat: Participatory Research for the Improvement of Lifestyles, Quality of Life, Emotional Well-being, and Locomotor Abilities of Older Adults in the Priorat

Spain is experiencing a demographic shift towards an ageing population. In 2022, 20.1% of Spaniards were 65 or older, a figure projected to reach 30.4% by 2050. The trend is especially marked in rural areas, where outmigration of younger generations has left a high concentration of older residents. In Catalonia's Priorat county, the share of people aged 65+ already exceeds 20%, reaching 30%, and even 40% in some villages. The ageing process brings biological changes that reduce locomotor and cognitive abilities, limiting autonomy and quality of life. In rural areas, these challenges are compounded by social isolation and the lack of support networks, making older adults more vulnerable. Healthy lifestyle habits-such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and good sleep-can help delay dependence, lower the risk of chronic disease, and improve well-being. To promote these habits, social innovation must generate new services and approaches that address real needs, barriers, and motivations in adopting healthier lifestyles. Our group's research shows that participatory science is an effective tool to promote healthy ageing in rural settings. A three-month intervention co-designed with older adults in villages of ≤2,000 inhabitants led to improvements in locomotor function, measured through sarcopenia parameters, and enhanced quality of life in areas such as vitality, mental health, and social functioning. A distinctive feature of this approach is shared decision-making between residents and policymakers, ensuring that solutions are adapted to local realities. This fosters greater adherence, empowerment, and long-term sustainability of co-created strategies. This project is directly relevant to public policy through collaboration with the Consell Comarcal del Priorat, which represents 23 municipalities. Their recent report identified ageing as a major concern for both institutions and residents. The project's results can therefore guide health policies-decisions, plans, and actions-that address local needs while considering available resources and ensuring long-term sustainability. By focusing on health promotion and disease prevention, the project ensures that policies are evidence-based and subject to evaluation. The partnership with the Consell Comarcal also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Health and Well-being) of the 2030 WHO Agenda and supports the "Health in All Policies" approach, fostering integrated strategies across sectors. The principal aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a participatory science intervention study in improving lifestyle habits (dietary habits, physical activity, substance use, and sleep quality), quality of life, emotional well-being, and locomotor capacities through the assessment of sarcopenia parameters (muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical function) in young-old adults (≥60 years) living in rural areas of the Priorat region (Catalonia, Spain). Specific Objectives: 1. To describe the health status of older people residing in the Priorat region by evaluating: lifestyle habits (diet, substance use, physical activity, and sleep), risk of malnutrition, functional capacity based on sarcopenia parameters, mental capacity (mental health and emotional well-being), and quality of life. 2. To improve lifestyle habits (diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep habits, and substance use-alcohol and smoking), emotional well-being and personal relationships to avoid unwanted loneliness, quality of life, and locomotor abilities based on sarcopenia parameters (muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical function). 3. To reduce the risk of malnutrition. 4. To compare the health status of two groups: those aged 60-74 (young-old adults) and those aged 75 and over (older people). 5. To identify the needs, barriers, and motivations of older people through focus groups, including participants aged 60-74, those over 75, and stakeholders such as members of the public administration supporting the project. 6. To compare the differences in needs, barriers, and motivations identified by the young-old adults (60-74 years) and the older people (≥75 years). 7. To actively involve older participants in the co-creation of health promotion activities and an intervention designed for them and their peers. 8. To implement an intervention based on proposals generated during the co-creation process to improve their lifestyle (dietary habits, physical activity, substance use, well-being, and sleep behaviours), quality of life, and locomotor abilities. 9. To analyse environmental barriers, using the "Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Questionnaire (AFCCQ)", in the villages of the Priorat region that may influence the ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle and quality of life for people aged 60-74 and those aged 75 and over.

Exploring Neurophysiological Markers of Brain Health

The combination of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroencephalography (EEG) has been suggested as a promising brain imaging tool for identifying biomarkers of brain health. In this pilot study, study investigators will explore the neurophysiological metrics of brain health with a non-invasive brain imaging technique, alongside behavioral and fMRI metrics collected through another study (NCT04869111).

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Chatbot Use in Older Adults for Lifestyle Change

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a smartphone-delivered AI-based chatbot in promoting healthy dietary behavior and physical activity participation among older adults.

Diet, Food, Exercise and Nutrition During Social Distancing

Our long-term goal is to contribute to the development of evidence-based nutritional and physical activity recommendations for the prevention and management of overweight and obesity and related chronic diseases. The overall objective for this study is to determine if a 20-week educational program, project DFEND, related to behavior change and health will improve nutrition and physical activity outcomes as well as indicators of wellbeing. Our central hypothesis is that regular attendance of weekly lectures, weekly meetings with personalized coaches, and weekly health challenges via virtual platforms (e.g. Zoom, Facebook, YouTube) will improve health outcomes related to nutrition and physical activity. Our rationale for these studies is that the results of this research will enhance the potential to develop evidence-based nutritional and physical activity behavioral recommendations to treat and/or prevent development of overweight and obesity.

STAR-C Digital Coaching Intervention

Objectives: The overall objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of the STAR-C digital coaching intervention for health-related lifestyle behavioural change. Study design: This intervention is designed as a two-arm individual pragmatic one-sided crossover randomised controlled trial, with participants receiving immediate access to the digital coaching intervention (Arm 1) and no digital coaching intervention (Arm 2, delayed access three months). Setting: The intervention is integrated into the Västerbotten Intervention Programme (VIP) in Västerbotten Region. In total, 1000 participants will be recruited from all VIP-participating primary healthcare centres in Västerbotten, proportional to the size of the VIP participants in each centre. All participants will receive regular VIP intervention with the VIP nurse before recruitment into the STAR-C intervention study. The intervention is planned to run for six months in total, with in-person recruitment at the baseline and follow-up at one, three, and six months. Individuals who are bedridden, terminally ill or have severe communication problems and those who receive behavioural change treatment at the Behavioural Medicine Clinic will be excluded. Measures: The primary outcome of the intervention is change in the readiness for behaviour change at three months. The secondary outcomes include: (i) actual changes in the behaviours, including use of tobacco cessation clinics, higher smoking and snus cessation rate, reduction in alcohol consumption, adoption of healthy food habits, increased level of physical activity and reduction of sedentary behaviours, self-rated health and well-being, comparing baseline and follow-up data; (ii) patterns and usage of the digital tool during the intervention period (for the intervention group). These outcomes will be measured quantitatively using questionnaires. In addition, interviews and group interviews will be conducted to explore the barriers and facilitators for the adoption and maintenance of the STAR-C digital coaching intervention for VIP nurses and the adult population.

The Peripheral Blood Multi-Omics Study on Sleep Loss

Sleep plays a role in cognitive processes such as memory processing, attention processing, and overall cognitive function. In recent years, the bidirectional relationship between sleep loss and aging, as well as related neurodegenerative diseases, has garnered widespread attention. Sleep disorders are a typical clinical manifestation of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease and are closely related to the progression of these diseases. However, current research has yet to fully elucidate the physiological responses to sleep loss across different ages and cognitive levels, as well as the association and molecular basis between sleep loss, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases. This study aims to comprehensively characterize the transcriptional and metabolic changes in peripheral blood under sleep loss in populations of different ages and cognitive levels using multi-omics approaches and to preliminarily explore the role of sleep loss in aging and AD.

BATokines as Biomarkers of Brown Fat in Humans

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) burns excess calories to produce heat in response to environmental cold. Rapidly growing evidence from rodent and human studies suggests that the presence and activation of brown fat are far more beneficial for whole body metabolism and cardiometabolic health than previously appreciated. Despite the clear associations between brown fat and metabolic health, we lack both: cost-effective means of detecting brown fat in humans as well as comprehensive insights into how brown fat facilitates metabolism on a molecular level in humans. Emerging evidence suggests that the benefits of brown fat activation are mediated, at least in part, by secretion of specific molecules into the bloodstream which signal to metabolically active organs such as skeletal muscle, liver and brain. A number of these so-called brown adipokines (or BATokines) have now been discovered in mice and shown to positively impact glucose homeostasis, liver and muscle function. Human deep-neck brown fat biopsies reveal that \>1000 molecules could potentially be secreted from brown fat, and \>400 are released by human brown fat cells in a dish, representing a major opportunity for discovery of high translational value. Here, we aim to identify a screen of first potential blood biomarkers of brown fat in healthy young humans. This will be achieved by analyzing plasma proteins in subjects with 'inactive brown fat' (warm) and 'activated brown fat' (3-hr cold exposure, cooling vests) using high-throughput technologies (SOMAscan and O-link) to identify temperature-sensitive brown fat-enriched molecules. This preliminary data will guide a larger follow up study in which we envision studying lean and obese (insulin sensitive and insulin resistant) subjects of various age groups and race/ethnicity. Human BATokines identified here will become primary targets for manipulation in experimental animals to assess their therapeutic potential against obesity, T2D, and associated diseases. Additionally, since current methods of brown fat detection in human rely on deep neck biopsies or costly 18-FDG-PET/CT scans, identification of blood biomarkers of brown fat would offer a cost-effective and non-invasive alternative for prediction of metabolic health in humans.

Acceptance-based Healthy Lifestyles Program for Patients With Pneumoconiosis

Symptoms, such as cough and shortness of breath, are common among patients with pneumoconiosis. Depression and anxiety can be elicited by the symptoms, while avoidance of daily activities is believed to reduce trigger of symptoms. The lung function is then declined and the risk of having stroke and heart failure is increased. The objectives of this 2-arm waitlist pilot randomized controlled trial are to test the effects and feasibility of an acceptance-based educational program among patients with pneumoconiosis. 80 participants will be recruited from community centers and randomly assigned to intervention group or waitlist-control group in a ratio of 1:1. The 6-week group-based educational program will be provided to the intervention group first, then the waitlist-control group. The program consists of 4 sessions integrated with acceptance components and care of pneumoconiosis. Their psychological health, healthy lifestyles, and cardiometabolic profiles will be assessed at baseline, week 6, and week 14. Data will be analyzed using a statistical package. The feasibility of the program will be evaluated by interview. The findings of this study can inform the integration of acceptance-based intervention into pneumoconiosis management in Hong Kong, and future study on chronic progressive lung diseases.

Health-related Benefits of Introducing Table Olives Into the Diet of Young Adults: Olives For Health

The purpose of this study is to assess whether introducing table olives into the diet results in health-related benefits for young adults. Several studies have shown that addition of olives as part of somebody's diet has a positive impact on cardiovascular, metabolic, and inflammatory factors. However, there have not been many studies among young, healthy adults. This study will compare levels of specific biomarkers, collected through blood draw, at the beginning of the study and after 5 weeks, to evaluate the effects of investigational daily olive consumption.

Living Green and Healthy for Teens

This is a two-group parallel randomized controlled trial testing whether a gamified healthy living smartphone app for youth aged 10-16 representative of the Canadian population and one of their parents is more effective at improving a composite of health behaviours (diet, physical activity, sleep and screen time) than a simple app providing links to healthy living websites.

Water is K'é: Multi-level Intervention to Promote Healthy Beverage Choices Among Navajo Families

The goal of this clinical trial is to understand if a cultural intervention for Navajo families will improve healthy beverage habits, health outcomes, and family cohesion. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does Water is K'é results in healthier beverage habits among children aged 2 to 5, compared with children in a control group? * Does the intervention improve the health of other family members? * How does the intervention affect family well-being? Participants will take part in a four-month program at the early child education site (such as a Head Start or the Bureau of Indian Affair's Family and Child Education or FACE Program) where the child is enrolled. They will take part in lesson plans, a social media campaign, and a family water access plan. Researchers will compare the participating families with families at wait-list early child educations sites. We will collect information through surveys, health measurements, and qualitative interviews and compare results to learn if Water is K'e improves health behaviors, health outcomes, and family cohesion.

Protein-Distinct Macronutrient-Equivalent Diet 1

Plant-based diets are naturally low in Methionine (Met), and also low in precursor molecules (e.g L-carnitine, choline, betaine, etc.) producing microbiota-mediated proatherogenic TMAO. Among plant proteins, pulses are rich in micronutrients, and dietary fibers, making them ideal for microbiome-stimulating, nutrient-dense, healthful dietary patterns. However, daily pulse intake remains low at 8% in America despite recommendations by DGA, a resource to guide health promotion across communities. A significant body of preclinical data, waiting to be translated to humans, suggests that dietary Met restriction can trigger beneficial metabolic and anti-inflammatory adaptations leading to improved chronic health and longevity. The central hypothesis is that a pulse-protein-based healthy diet can be simultaneously equivalent to omnivorous diets in protein content and yet naturally lower in Met and TMAO to improve glycemic control, body composition, and immunometabolic flexibility to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve healthspan. The goal is to systematically elucidate for the first time the effects of a lacto-vegetarian feeding pattern with pulses as the primary protein source on a comprehensive panel of \~500 traditional and next-generation biomarkers of health, and assess the role of the gut microbiota in mediating such effects. We also aim to interrogate the potential concern about the lower bioavailability of non-heme iron from pulses.

Effect of Minimally Processed Animal Protein on Biomarkers for Cognitive Decline

Minimally processed animal protein is a premier source of essential macro and micronutrients in the diet and is important, especially to older adults who are at increased risk of nutritional deficiency and age-related physiological changes. Our central hypothesis is that adding lean animal protein within a healthy diet following macronutrient recommendations for Americans will enhance nutrient adequacy and attenuate markers of cognitive decline. This is a retrospective study leveraging samples collected from the feeding trial NCT05581953. PI for both studies are the same.

Improving Metabolic & Mental Health in Female Healthcare Shift Workers

Circadian rhythm disruption caused by shift work alters metabolic and hormonal pathways, which accelerates chronic disease onset, leading to decreased quality and quantity of life. Preclinical studies indicate that optimizing nutrient and sleep/rest timing can mitigate these effects. Female nightshift healthcare workers will be recruited to participate in a randomized crossover trial in which participants will be expected to follow the prescribed lifestyle intervention for eight weeks during the first or second eight-week periods of the study.

The Menus of Change Health and Heart Benefits for University Students

The goal of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the health benefits of the Menus of Change in undergraduate university students, by comparing 2 groups: Students eating in the Menus of change catered halls, versus students eating outside the Menus of change meal plan. The main question it aims to answer is: What are the effects of the menus of change on other vascular outcomes, namely blood pressure? What are the effects of the menus of change on other health markers?