Clinical Research Directory

Cortical Changes After Upper Limb Immobilization Measured by Electroencephalography

This study aims to investigate how temporary immobilization of the upper limb after injury affects brain activity and functional recovery. Participants with fractures or soft tissue injuries of the upper limb who require immobilization will be evaluated at three time points: at the beginning of immobilization, after removal of the immobilization, and four weeks later. Brain activity will be measured using electroencephalography (EEG), a non-invasive and painless technique that records electrical signals from the scalp. Functional outcomes such as pain, mobility, strength, and daily activity performance will also be assessed using validated questionnaires and clinical tests. The purpose of this study is to better understand how immobilization influences the brain and physical recovery, in order to improve rehabilitation strategies for patients with upper limb injuries. Participation is voluntary, and all participants will provide written informed consent.

The RheumSafer Study: Improving Medication Appropriateness in People With Rheumatic Conditions

People with rheumatic conditions often take many medications, but more pills can increase the risk of side effects, especially in older adults. Some drugs (such as those intended to help pain or sleep) may cause more harm than good in the long term, and others may simply be no longer needed. These are known as 'potentially inappropriate medications' (PIMs). This quality improvement study focuses on people with rheumatic conditions aged 60 and over who take 5 or more daily medications. The goal of the study is to learn if a publicly available physician tool, MedSafer, combined with educational brochures (for patients), can help to reduce PIMs in this group. Researchers will follow participants during usual rheumatic disease care. They will compare the rate of PIM deprescribing (stopping medications or reducing the dose) before and after the introduction of the following 'bundle': * MedSafer reports provided to treating physicians * EMPOWER consumer brochures provided to patients Participants will be followed over 4 study visits (for 14-18 months) during which researchers will collect information on medication changes and serious adverse events (emergency visits or hospitalizations) and will complete questionnaires measuring quality of life.

Approaches to Chiropractic Care in Aging Patients

The goal of this observational study is to understand how chiropractors adjust their therapeutic approaches based on their beliefs, the patient's age, and patient-specific characteristics, with a particular focus on aging patients. The study population includes licensed chiropractors in Quebec treating adult and aging patients in real clinical settings. Patients involved are receiving their usual care and are not the primary focus of the study. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How do chiropractors modify their treatment strategies for aging patients? * What contextual and clinical factors influence these therapeutic decisions? Researchers will observe chiropractors during routine care to assess treatment characteristics. To do this, participants will: * Use a sensor to measure the force applied during specific manual treatments. * Complete brief questionnaires after each treatment to report contextual details. * Allow for the presence of a researcher during treatment delivery for observational purposes. Patients will: * Fill out a short pre-treatment questionnaire. * Receive their usual care with no interference in the treatment process. * Be informed in advance and free to decline participation at any point. This study aims to provide a detailed picture of current chiropractic practices in Quebec related to the care of aging patients, while minimizing disruption to clinical routines.