Clinical Research Directory

GLP-1R Actions on Muscle and the Skeleton

The GRAMS study objectives are to assess the musculoskeletal changes that occur after weight loss using GLP-1 based therapy. A lifestyle intervention with diet and exercise is included to assess any mitigating effects are provided, versus a control group with regular exercise and diet.

Digital Implementation of the German S3 Clinical Practice Guideline for Multimorbidity

The web application gp-multitool.de is a digital tool for implementing the German S3 clinical practice guideline for multimorbidity of the German Society of General Practitioners and Family Physicians in primary care. The tool enhances evidence-based and patient-centered care by assessing and providing information relevant for the primary care of this patient group. This cluster-randomised clinical evaluation study examines the effectiveness of an intervention based on gp-multitool.de in general practitioner (GP) practices in Germany.

Mediterranean Diet and Progressive Resistance Training Effects on BMD and Bone Turnover in the Elderly

This randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the effects of progressive resistance training (PRT) combined with a Mediterranean diet on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover markers (BTMs) in older adults. Participants underwent a detailed medical history assessment, clinical examination, and dietary evaluation. Individuals who met the inclusion criteria provided written informed consent prior to participation. All procedures were conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and the study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Manouba University (no. C.S. ISSEP.KS N˚040/2024). Eligible participants were randomly allocated to either the experimental group (EXP; n = 22) or the control group (CON; n = 19). The intervention lasted 12 months. During this period, the EXP group participated in supervised PRT sessions combined with a Mediterranean diet intervention, while the CON group received no structured intervention.

Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia Prevention in Middle-Aged Population

This initiative is designed to yield substantial and multi-level benefits for the Hong Kong community by pioneering a transformative model of preventive healthcare. It represents the largest randomized controlled trial for osteoporosis and sarcopenia prevention in the region, adopting a comprehensive approach to fracture prevention through innovative fitness, lifestyle, and digital strategies. The study's primary objective is to evaluate the efficacy of preventing fractures, osteoporosis, and sarcopenia through an incentivized program of fitness and lifestyle modifications in adults aged 40-60. The secondary objectives include: (1) to validate the use of simple, low-cost measures (grip strength and InBody body composition analysis) as reliable proxy indicators for osteoporosis and sarcopenia risk relative to the gold-standard DEXA scan; (2) to develop a formal, standardized clinical protocol for early detection and prevention, including specified DEXA anatomical measurement sites, for use by healthcare professionals in primary and community care settings; (3) to assess changes in exercise behavior, musculoskeletal health, physical function, health literacy, and participant engagement with the digital (AI chatbot) support system; (4) to analyze the cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared to standard care or pharmacological treatment, including an assessment of healthcare utilization and Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). After baseline screening and consent, participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups (1:1 ratio) with intention-to-treat principles. The Control Group will receive passive, static support. This involves participating in one initial FUN Day, receiving standard exercise videos, using a passive chatbot for data reporting, undergoing start and end DEXA scans (which require a co-payment), completing a 3-month assessment, and receiving souvenirs at the study start and end. Meanwhile, the Intervention Group will receive active, dynamic support designed to build and reinforce healthy habits. This involves participating in the initial FUN Day, a reinforcement FUN Day at 2 months, nine mandatory structured exercise touchpoints, using an active chatbot with reminders, feedback, and gamification, undergoing start and end DEXA scans (which require a co-payment), completing a 3-month assessment, and receiving ongoing incentives and souvenirs at multiple points. Therefore, researchers will compare between the control and intervention groups to see if intervention can prevent osteoporosis and sarcopenia at a population level. All participants will undergo a series of assessments at specific timepoints. This includes two DEXA scans (at the study start and in the fourth year, requiring a participant co-payment), InBody composition analysis, and physical health assessments (e.g., grip strength, balance, cardiovascular fitness). These assessments will be performed at baseline (during the first FUN Day), 3 months, 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months. A long-term follow-up will continue for up to 10 years to monitor adverse health events such as falls and fractures. Participants will also complete questionnaires via an AI chatbot at baseline, 3 months, and annually during follow-up. The collected data will encompass health literacy (e.g., osteoporosis/sarcopenia knowledge scores), digital engagement (e.g., chatbot responsiveness), and economic outcomes (e.g., incremental cost per Quality-Adjusted Life Year \[QALY\] gained). Data analysis will employ appropriate statistical methods to compare outcomes between the control and intervention groups across all assessments and timepoints.

Peripheral Mononuclear Cells to Screen, Monitor and Stratify the Population at Risk of Osteoporosis and Fractures

Osteoporosis (OP) is one of most common age-associated and chronic metabolic bone diseases, featured by a decrease of bone mineral density (BMD) that increases the risk of bone fractures.OP guidelines agree that Dual-X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard for BMD assessment, but for the different OP stages screening and diagnosis, BMD by itself is not an accurate predictor. Thus, OP is often misdiagnosed. Aim of the this study is to improve a tool for OP diagnosis based on the ability of circulating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to maintain or not their in vitro viability (IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli European patent n.3008470 March 21, 2018) for the measurement of the different OP severity levels, also considering specific gender related differences.

Smart Wearable Device (gaitQ): Walk Better Project

This study will be underpinned by the new MRC guidelines for developing a complex intervention with a participatory design methodology that uses evidence-based research and behaviour change models alongside COSMIN methodology for validating a measure. Research question: To what extent does gaitQ's smart cueing system improve people with long-term conditions including people with Parkinson's (PwP's) gait? Is it effective in the everyday environment? What factors are associated with good mobility? What is the impact of cueing on healthy people? Aims and objectives: To finalise the product development and evaluation comprising (1) algorithm refinement and (2) monitoring system development. To evaluate the reliability, concurrent validity, and potential for efficacy, as determined by responsiveness in response to the gaitQ product using gait data collected in laboratory environments. To prepare for market entry and NHS adoption: early economic modelling, pricing, marketing strategies, and early adopter partnerships. Design: Participatory design with testing for validity, reliability and responsiveness Participants: This will involve healthy people and people with long-term conditions affecting their movement, including people with Parkinson's \[PwP\]. Additional patient groups will be investigated, including stroke, and people with hip/knee injuries. Methods The Researchers will collect movement data using the gaitQ system, which monitors and cues, to both collect data and cue in the lab environment and investigate the reliability of the measure, concurrent validity of the metric to gold standard gait capture, the responsiveness of measures to the cueing system and usability for participants and clinical teams. To determine reliability, 60 participants will be invited to repeat testing on a second visit. Researchers will describe participants' conditions using standard questionnaires and their mobility and functioning. This study will be underpinned by the new MRC guidelines for developing a complex intervention with a participatory design methodology that uses evidence-based research and behaviour change models to identify intrinsic and extrinsic factors that contribute to a given outcome in a specific population.

Clinical Validation of BBCT-hip

The clinical study is aimed at assessing the accuracy of the in silico methodology BBCT-hip. BBCT-hip takes as inputs the subject-specific height and weight, and the CT scan of his femur to predict the risk of fracture for the femur upon falling. In the study, 150 subjects who suffered from a fracture will be enrolled, in addition to 150 control subjects. CT scans will be carried out for both groups (no later than 3 months for the fracture group) and BBCT-hip run,in order that the risk of fracture will be obtained. First, a transversal study will be performed, where the stratification accuracy of BBCT-hip will be assessed in terms of the ability of the predicted risk of fracture to separate fracture and control subjects. Furthermore, the control subjets will be followed up to assess BBCT-hip predictive accuracy through a longitudinal study.

Mode of Exercise and Bone Biomarkers in Older Veterans

Adults are often encouraged to exercise to maintain or improve bone health. However, there is evidence that exercise does not always lead to increases in bone mass, and exercise could lead to bone loss under certain conditions. Endurance exercise can increase bone resorption following an exercise bout, which may explain why bone does not always favorably adapt to exercise, but it is unclear if this also happens with resistance exercise. Further, it is not known how exercise training influences blood markers of bone resorption for either endurance or resistance exercise. The purpose of this study is to determine 1) if resistance exercise causes a similar increase in bone resorption as endurance exercise; and 2) if exercise training influences the increase in bone resorption following exercise for both endurance and resistance exercise.

GRACE II (General Retrospective Analysis of Commercial Experience With AGN1 LOEP)

The study is designed as a retrospective, multicenter study for subjects previously treated with the AGN1 LOEP Kit in the proximal femur as part of standard hospital practice. This will be a non-randomized and non-blinded study. The study will collect retrospective data on the safety and performance of AGN1 LOEP of all subjects treated between September 2019 and January 2026. Subjects treated as part of an AgNovos prior protocoled study are excluded. Investigators are asked to reach out to all subjects that were previously treated with the AGN1 LOEP Kit in the proximal femur. Subject informed consent is obtained before a subject is enrolled into the study. Subjects treated but not enrolled are documented in a log with the reason why a subject did not participate. This log is kept on site. Enrolled subjects will be contacted per telephone to collect information about any fractures sustained post-AGN1 LOEP treatment.

Skeletal Effects of Chronic Night Shift

The specific aim of this observational study is to characterize changes in bone turnover makers (BTMs), bone mineral density (BMD), and bone microarchitecture in a cohort of nurses during their first year of night compared to day shift work. The hypothesis is that night shift nurses will have poorer bone health indices at one year compared to day shift nurses.

Preoperative Teriparatide Use on Insertional Torque of Pedicle Screws for Lumbar Fusion Surgery

This project aims to investigate any difference of insertional torque strength for osteoporotic patients with preoperative 1-month teriparatide injections versus those without. The increased insertional torque of pedicle screws during surgery after only 1 month of teriparatide use has also been studied. However, the effect of teriparatide on vertebral body bone mineral density (BMD) prior to and after fusion surgery has not been studied. The effects on screw insertional torque has also not been studied via a randomized controlled trial method.

Resting-state Imaging and OSteoporosiS

This study will be conducted in 20 postmenopausal healthy volunteers, 20 postmenopausal osteoporotic patients with fracture and 20 postmenopausal osteoporotic women without fracture, in order to compare functional connectivity between brain areas. Participants will complete different questionnaires and tests assessing cognition, quality of life, sleep, physical activity, pain, anxiety and depression. A biological sample will be performed in order to evaluate different markers of bone remodeling. A Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) will be realized in order to establish functional connectivity between brain regions.

The Osteoporotic Fracture Classification-based Scoring System for Treatment Decision in Thoracolumbar Osteoporotic Fractures

This is an international multicenter prospective observational study. Patients with radiologically confirmed, symptomatic, single- or multilevel contiguous TL (from T1 to L5) fractures as a result of primary osteoporosis will be recruited from participating clinics/hospitals (ie, study sites). Fractures included are insufficiency fractures (confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging \[MRI\]) and traumatic fractures (low-energy trauma, confirmed by computed tomography \[CT\] or MRI).

RESTORE - Study of AGN1 LOEP to Prevent Secondary Hip Fractures

A randomized controlled trial to evaluate AGN1 to prevent secondary hip fractures in osteoporotic women undergoing treatment of index hip fractures. Up to 2400 subjects will be randomized between a treatment group and a control group. Subjects will be followed for a minimum of 5 years after undergoing hip fracture repair surgery.

Teriparatide (PTH) and Bone Strength in Postmenopausal Women

This study will investigate the effects on bone quality of a medication (Teriparatide) used to treat people with severe osteoporosis. Teriparatide is the only bone formation therapy that has been approved for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Canada. Osteoporosis is currently diagnosed using a bone mineral density (BMD) scan, which measures the amount of mineral (calcium etc) in bones (the higher the amount of mineral, the lower the fracture risk). Although BMD is linked to bone strength and is used to measure fracture risk, it does not give information on bone structure (called bone geometry) which can also tell us a great deal about fracture risks. Clinical trials have shown that teriparatide increases BMD at the lumbar spine and total hip, while BMD at the forearm decreases after 20 months of therapy. Whether this decrease of BMD at the forearm suggests a higher risk of wrist fracture or a change in bone structure is unclear. Bone biopsies of the pelvis done on people taking teriparatide shows improvement of bone geometry (ie bone thickness and increased trabeculae (small interconnecting rods of bone), suggesting that a change in bone geometry at the wrist may be occurring as well. Currently, there is a new technology, high resolution pQCT (HR-pQCT) that can assess bone geometry without a biopsy. Since bone strength is affected both by BMD and bone structure (as well as other material properties), our group is interested in examining changes in bone geometry at the forearm (a non-weight bearing site) and ankle (a weight bearing site) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis who receive 24 months of teriparatide therapy. The investigators believe that this new approach of measuring bone strength will help us better understand whether teriparatide has different effects at different bone sites.

Effects of Teriparatide (PTH) on Bone in Men and Women With Osteoporosis

Teriparatide (PTH) is the only bone formation therapy that has been approved for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Canada. Osteoporosis is currently diagnosed using a bone mineral density (BMD) scan, which measures the amount of mineral (calcium etc) in bones (the higher the amount of mineral, the lower the fracture risk). Although BMD is linked to bone strength and is used to measure fracture risk, it does not give information on bone structure (called bone geometry) which can also tell us a great deal about fracture risks. Clinical trials have shown that teriparatide increases BMD at the lumbar spine and total hip, while BMD at the forearm may decrease after 20 months of therapy. However, bone biopsies of the pelvis done on people taking teriparatide show improvement of bone geometry (ie bone thickness and increased trabeculae (small interconnecting rods of bone), suggesting that a change in bone geometry at the wrist may be occurring as well. Currently, there is a new technology, high resolution pQCT (HR-pQCT) that can assess bone geometry without a biopsy. Since bone strength is affected both by BMD and bone structure (as well as other material properties), our group is interested in examining changes in bone geometry at the radius and tibia in men and women with osteoporosis who receives 24 months of teriparatide therapy. The investigators believe that this new approach of measuring bone strength will help us better understand the mechanisms of therapeutic efficacy of teriparatide. In addition, measuring indices of bone strength such as the material composition (bone mineral content or BMD) and structural properties of bone (size and shape, and microarchitecture) may provide more data about the mechanisms of how teriparatide treatment can decrease fracture risk. In the end, this data will benefit and improve patient care by allowing us to show patients and their providers that whether BMD increases, decreases or stay the same, there are changes in their bone geometric structure with teriparatide therapy that increases bone strength.

Self-questionnaire in Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a multifactorial disease in which genetic predispositions play a key role in its development. A better understanding of family history and clinical manifestations among first- and second-degree relatives can help improve early detection and personalized care for at-risk patients. To this end, we will test a self-administered questionnaire previously developed by our research team. This questionnaire includes the main manifestations associated with rare genetic bone diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta, hypophosphatasia, and osteopetrosis.

Routine Validation and Reproducibility Testing of Laboratory Assays and Research Techniques Used for Endocrine, Cardiometabolic, and Musculoskeletal Disorder Research (VALD)

The purpose of this research study is to validate (check the accuracy of) laboratory assays, intravenous catheter insertion, and equipment or devices and their reproducibility, which is necessary to perform high quality research on chronic diseases, nutrition, and metabolism (the process by which a substance is handled in the body) at the University of Missouri. As technology changes and uses new testing methods, it is necessary to compare results from old tests, equipment and devices and new tests, equipment, or devices and the reproducibility of these measurements to make sure the results are accurate. Reproducibility means performing the same test more than once to see if the same results can be achieved each time. This study will look at the validation and reproducibility of tests and laboratory assays in participants who are healthy or affected by relevant endocrine, cardiometabolic, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Osteoporosis Patient Education in Denmark

In an effect evaluation the investigators will examine the effects of participating in osteoporosis patient education. An intervention group who have already participated in patient education will be compared to a matched control group who have not participated. Effects on quality of life, fractures, daily functional capacity, self-efficacy, psychological wellbeing, physical function, balance, falls, pain management, and adherence will be examined.

U.S. Prospective Evaluation of EPIONE Device for Percutaneous MSK Procedures

The goal of this investigational device exemption is to evaluate the Epione assistance for introducer placement during percutaneous procedures in musculo-skeletic (MSK) structures of the pelvis and the spine in adults. The main question is the determination of the rate of feasible procedures assisted by the Epione device Participants will undergo their procedure(s) as planned by their physician. If they accept to participate to the study, the differences with standard of care will be: * The use of the Epione device to place the introducer(s), instead of freehand placement if they do not participate * Additional CT or CBCT scans during the procedure.

Romosozumab Versus Denosumab in Glucocorticoid-induced Osteoporosis: an Extended Observation of a Randomized Controlled Trial at 48 Months

The investigators conducted an open-label randomized controlled trial (RCT) in chronic glucocorticoid (GC) users with moderate/high risk of fracture to compare the efficacy and tolerability of romosozumab (ROMO) for 12 months followed by denosumab (DEN) for 12 more months vs DEN for 24 months throughout. Superiority of ROMO/DEN to DEN/DEN in raising the spine bone mineral density (BMD) was demonstrated at month 12 and month 24. The present study was to report the further BMD changes at 48 months (2 year extension) for those participants who were maintained on DEN treatment.

RESTORE: REducing Future fractureS and Improving ouTcOmes of fRagility fracturE

RESTORE tests whether Augmented-FLS, where patients are contacted by a patient navigator (serving as the liaison) and referred to a bone health provider, is better than Enhanced Usual Care, which includes patient and PCP education and activation. We also aim to determine the influence of age, race, ethnicity, sex, poverty level, geographic region, and timing of entry into the trial after a fracture on the effectiveness of the two strategies.

Closing The Post Fracture Care Gap In Manitoba

The objective of this study is to evaluate a post-fracture intervention for improving osteoporosis care in older men and women who have suffered a fracture that may indicate the presence of osteoporosis. Although osteoporosis can be identified with a bone mineral density (BMD) test, most individuals with osteoporosis are not diagnosed until they fracture. Post-fracture care often "falls between the cracks" when there is a breakdown in communication between hospital and community, or between specialists and primary care physicians. Often physicians and patients fail to make the connection between an acute fracture and osteoporosis, or the value of secondary prevention strategies. If untreated, there is an extremely high rate of additional fractures after a first osteoporotic fracture. It follows that improving BMD testing and/or treatment in appropriately identified individuals is a necessary step in optimizing post-fracture patient care. Over the next three years we will be testing and optimizing a notification procedure to physicians and/or patients relying upon fracture events reported to the provincial health service (Manitoba Health).

Nurse-led Primary Healthcare Intervention Model in Women's Health Management in Hong Kong

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to learn if a nurse-led primary healthcare intervention can help improve health management in women adults aged 45 to 64, and to develop an evidence-based primary healthcare model for women. The questions it aims to answer are: if the intervention improves medical resource use, especially at 3-month from the beginning of intervention? if the intervention improves health confidence, self-management, and quality-of-life? if the intervention improves health conditions as reflected by risk levels? Researchers will compare the intervention with the control group over time to see if there are better medical resource use, health confidence, self-management, and quality-of-life, and health conditions risk levels. All participants will be asked to answer a set of questionnaires assessing their social demographics, health-related status, and risk levels of the targeted health conditions. All participants will receive an education booklet containing essential knowledge and available medical resources. Participants in the intervention group will receive nurse-led 5As (ask, advice, assess, assist, arrange) intervention which offers risk-specific health services. Participants will be followed at 3-, 6-, 12-month; with high risk participants will be followed additionally at 1-month after the beginning of intervention. Participants in the waitlist control group will be given general health advice as minimal intervention, followed-up at 3- and 6-month, provided with intervention of the same content with intervention group at 6-month, followed-up at 7-month and 12-month.