Clinical Research Directory

The Weight of Victory: Exploring Short- and Long-term Health Outcomes in Former Male & Female Elite Athletes From Weight-sensitive Sports

The health of former elite athletes has been identified as a critical research gap where there is limited knowledge about both short- and long-term consequences after ending their careers. The transition phase from an active elite career to everyday life has been shown to be particularly problematic, yet this issue has been little studied among former Norwegian elite athletes. Furthermore, questions remain regarding the health of athletes from weight-sensitive sports, such as weight-class, aesthetic, and certain endurance sports. These athletes face specific challenges related to maintaining a certain physique and frequent changes in body weight during their active careers. This group has been shown to be vulnerable to a range of problematic health outcomes related to low energy availability, and little is known about the long-term effects of a career involving this. Therefore, the overall purpose of the project is to map the mental and physical health of former elite athletes. At the same time, there will be a particular focus on the differences between weight-sensitive and less weight-sensitive sports, different types of sports, gender, as well as previous dieting and eating behaviors.

PRophylaxis Against Early VENTilator-associated Infections in Acute Brain Injury

This research is about whether treatment with a commonly used antibiotic can prevent infections in airway and lungs and improves the chance of surviving, if it is given soon after patients commence mechanical ventilation when they have been admitted to hospital with an acute severe brain injury. An acute severe brain injury can occur as a result of a stroke, a traumatic injury or due to lack of oxygen to the brain that happens as a result of a cardiac arrest. Patients who are unconscious after an acute severe brain injury often need assistance to breath adequately, and this assistance is given by a breathing tube, connected to a mechanical ventilator. This treatment is an emergency medical treatment. The breathing tube is inserted into the patients' airway by either their mouth or neck. For patients who need assistance with their breathing from a mechanical ventilator, infections in the airways and lungs, known as pneumonia, are a common complication. Everyone naturally has bacteria in their mouth, esophagus and stomach. Clinicians think that during the process of inserting the breathing tube, small amounts of these bacteria can be introduced into the airways and lung when people are unconscious following an acute severe brain injury, or during the process of placing the breathing tube into the airways. These bacteria are now in a place they aren't meant to be and can cause an infections in the airways and lungs known as pneumonia. The purpose of this research is to see if giving one dose of a common antibiotic can prevent patients developing pneumonia, which is associated with having a breathing tube inserted and being on a ventilator, improving the chance of recovery following the acute severe brain injury and ultimately improving the chance of surviving. When patients have a known infection, current guidelines are to treat them with antibiotics. Antibiotics work to kill the bacteria causing the infection. When a patient has an infection in their lungs, they often need to stay on the mechanical ventilator for longer. While current practice is to give patients with a proven infection in their airways and lungs (pneumonia) antibiotics, it is unknown if giving an antibiotic to patients to prevent these infections before they show signs of pneumonia may lead to better outcomes.

Aerobic, Strength, Kegel (ASK) Exercise Intervention Perceptions for Postpartum Health

The goal of this pilot clinical trial is to learn whether a 12-week home-based exercise programme is feasible, acceptable, and safe for postpartum women in Hong Kong who had hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The exercise programme is called the Aerobic, Strength, and Kegel exercise programme, or ASK programme. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Can postpartum women follow the ASK exercise programme at home? * Is the ASK exercise programme acceptable and safe? * Does the ASK exercise programme show early benefits for postpartum recovery and health? Researchers will compare women who receive the ASK exercise programme with women who receive standard postnatal care. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups. They will complete study assessments at the beginning of the study and after 12 weeks. Women in the ASK exercise programme group will complete three 60-minute exercise sessions per week for 12 weeks, supported by a mobile app and wearable device. Women in the standard postnatal care group will continue to receive usual postnatal care.

Empowering Monterey Bay Residents for Activated, Collaborative, and Equitable Care

The purpose of the EMBRACE Study is to evaluate whether a facilitated intervention improves shared decision-making (SDM) and patient activation among low-income and minority individuals more than usual care only. The ultimate goal is to enhance SDM and patient activation in care.

Shuganhuazhuo Formula for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Damp-Heat Syndrome

Primary liver cancer is a malignant tumor with a very poor prognosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) accounts for approximately 80% of cases. Under the current targeted and immunotherapy-based treatment approaches, the overall survival of patients with advanced HCC has improved significantly compared to targeted therapy alone. However, there are still limitations in therapeutic effectiveness. In addition to the tumor burden, liver reserve function is associated with the prognosis of HCC. Cirrhosis, tumor burden, and anti-tumor treatment can all lead to damage to liver reserve function, which in turn leads to a decrease in patient survival. Currently, there are no specific treatments for deteriorating liver reserve function; only symptomatic treatments such as reducing transaminase levels, bilirubin levels, and blood ammonia levels, as well as diuretics, are available. The indocyanine green(ICG) clearance test allows for precise, dynamic, and quantitative measurement of liver clearance function, making it a commonly used method for assessing liver reserve function in clinical practice.Previous studies have confirmed that its test results are closely related to the prognosis of HCC. Shuganhuazhuo Formula(SHF) is a Chinese herbal medicine used to treat advanced HCC with syndrome of Damp-Heat and Blood stasis. It can inhibit necrosis in the livers of mice in experimental models, reduce fibrosis scores, and demonstrate potential therapeutic effects in protecting the liver, reducing oxidative stress, and preventing fibrosis. This study is an open-label randomized controlled trial. Patients with advanced HCC who are receiving second-line or third-line anti-tumor treatment are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the control group or the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group. The control group receives anti-tumor treatment as recommended by guidelines, while the TCM group receives additional treatment with SHF. SHF involves decocting traditional Chinese medicine ingredients twice daily. Each time, 150 ml of the decoction is prepared and taken orally half an hour after breakfast and dinner. Treatment lasts for 6 months. During this period, the ICG clearance test is performed every 2 months to assess liver reserve function, and quality of life is also evaluated. After the treatment period, follow-ups on survival and safety are conducted every 3 months. This study aims to evaluate the benefits of the SHF in terms of liver reserve function, overall survival, and quality of life in patients with HCC of the syndrome of Damp-Heat and Blood stasis. It also includes exploratory analyses of differences in biomarker expression during treatment.

Effects of Laughter Yoga on Symptom Severity, Hope, and Life Engagement in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy; A Randomized Controlled Study

Non-pharmacological interventions that promote positive emotional states and coping may play a critical role in care of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of laughter yoga on symptoms, hope, and life engagement levels in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Conducted between January and June 2025 at the chemotherapy unit of Atatürk University Research Hospital in Türkiye. . Sixty patients were randomized (30 per group). Five were excluded after randomization before baseline assessment because of changes in medical treatment, leaving 55 participants in the per-protocol analysis (intervention n= 27; control n= 28). Symptom severity, hope, and life engagement were measured at baseline and after four weeks using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS), Herth Hope Scale (HHS), and Life Engagement Scale (LES). Post-intervention analyses revealed statistically significant improvements in the intervention group compared to the control group. Patients who received laughter yoga reported significantly lower symptom severity on the ESAS (p \< 0.05), along with significantly higher levels of hope and life engagement as measured by the HHS and LES, respectively (p \< 0.05).

Influence of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Quality of Life in People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. More than 95% of cases are type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In recent years, diabetes management has evolved with the introduction of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices. These devices implanted under the skin allow continuous measurement of glucose levels monitoring glucose trends and the rate at which glucose level rise and fall without the need for capillary glycaemias test. While studies demostrate the effectiveness of CGM devices in controlling glucose levels in adults with T2DM, there is no evidence related to quality of life in this patients. Hypothesis: The use of CGM in people with T2DM improves their quality of life, reduces distress about the disease, reduces fear of hypoglycaemia, increases detection of hypoglycaemia, and improves metabolic control. Objectives: To assess quality of life, diabetes distress, fear of hypoglycaemia, detection of hypoglycaemia, and metabolic control in people with T2DM before and after the use of CGM sensors. Methodology: Prospective observational pre-post unblinded study. Adults with type 2 diabetes using a CGM device in the primary care setting will be followed for 12 months. They will be asked to complete 5 questionnaires at baseline, and 4 questionnaires at 3, 6 and 12 months. No other activity that differs from usual clinical practice will be performed. Data analysis: a descriptive analysis of the main study variables will be carried out and the differences in the data before and after the intervention will be analysed using the chi-square test for qualitative variables, and the Student's t-test for quantitative variables. Statistical significance will be accepted at a p-value \< 0.05. Applicability and relevance: The results of the study will provide information on whether CGM devices improve quality of life and glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. With these results it will be possible to assess whether it is beneficial to extend funding for CGM devices to more of the population than is currently the case.

Effectiveness of Biofeedback-Assisted Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Sexual Function and Quality of Life in Patient After Hysterectomy

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of biofeedback-assisted pelvic floor muscle training in improving pelvic floor muscle strength, decreasing urinary incontinence symptoms, reducing genital prolaps and enhancing the quality of life in women after hysterectomy.

The Use of Cannabidiol Suppositories for Sexual Pain

Research aim: To determine how cannabidiol suppositories might reduce sexual pain during intimacy. Outcomes are also hoped to increase sexual functioning, well-being, and quality of life. Research intention: If cannabidiol suppository intervention reduces sexual pain and increases general well-being, then this research would be repeated on a larger scale, targeting psychosexual services. A brief overview of the intervention: Quantitatively, randomisation of cannabidiol suppositories will be into dose-specific groups. The intervention will be delivered over a period of one month, with follow-up scheduled at 12 weeks. Qualitatively, participants were asked approximately eight open-ended feedback questions throughout the study.

Comparative Effects of Cawthrone Cooksey Exercises and Frankle's Exercises on Improving Balance and Quality of Life in Geriatrics Population

Geriatrics are one of the most vulnerable groups in any community, as they are at risk for poor balance, falls, injuries, a decline in their independence and quality of life and early mortality. The goal of the study was to examine the effects of Frankel's exercise and Cawthrone and Cooksey exercises (CCE) on balance and quality of life in older adults, given the importance of balance in performing ADLs and its impact on quality of life. The geriatric population was the subject of a randomized clinical trial. Twenty-six individuals 50 years of age and older who were enrolled at the Madinah Teaching Hospital and the old age home took part in this clinical trial investigation. They were split into two groups using a random number generator (13 in the Caw Throne Cooksey exercise group and 13 in the Frankel's group). The balance disorder questionnaire was used for screening. One group engaged in three 60-minute Caw throne Cooksey exercise sessions every week for two month. The other group was exercise their frankel's three times a week at the same period. The participants' quality of life was assessed using the SF36, Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Berg balance test both before and after the two-month intervention. SPSS version 23 was used for data analysis. Every research subject was provided both written and verbal informed consent.

Effects of Short-Term Resistance Training on Diaphragm Thickness, Hepatic Fat Density, and Quality of Life in Healthy Older Men

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a four-week moderate-intensity resistance training program on diaphragm thickness, hepatic fat density, and health-related quality of life in healthy community-dwelling older men aged 60-75 years. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to a resistance training group or control group. Diaphragm thickness and hepatic attenuation were assessed using non-contrast computed tomography, and quality of life was evaluated using the SF-12 questionnaire. The primary outcome was change in diaphragm thickness. Secondary exploratory outcomes included hepatic fat density and SF-12 physical and mental health scores.

Tension-type Headache and Its Association

To estimate the prevalence of tension-type headache among adults attending the outpatient clinics at Assiut University Hospitals, and to assess its association with smartphone use, sleep quality, and quality of life.

Mindfulness-Based Education For Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), also known as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), is the most common endocrinologic disorder to affect women. Despite this, the disease's pathophysiology remains unclear. This has hindered the diagnosis of the disease and the appropriate treatment for millions of individuals. The long-term health sequelae associated with PCOS, future directions, and areas of needed research in this often-overlooked disease. Women with PCOS may experience menstrual symptoms, increased stress, and difficulties in managing the physical and emotional effects of the condition. Supportive approaches that improve symptom management and quality of life may be beneficial in addition to routine care. The aim of this randomized controlled study is to evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based PCOS education on menstrual symptoms, stress levels, and quality of life in women with PCOS. The study will examine whether a structured mindfulness-based education program can support women in managing PCOS-related symptoms and improving their overall well-being. Women diagnosed with PCOS who meet the study eligibility criteria will be invited to participate. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. Participants in the intervention group will receive a mindfulness-based PCOS education program, while those in the control group will receive routine care without it. Researchers will assess participants' menstrual symptoms, stress levels, and quality of life using validated measurement tools before and after the intervention. The findings of this study will provide information about the potential role of mindfulness-based education as a supportive approach in the management of PCOS and may contribute to the development of patient-centered education programs for women with PCOS.

AI-Based Personalized Exercise Prescription Through Mobile Health on Physical Activity and Health Outcomes in Older Adults: A Feasibility Study

The purpose of this research is to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, and preliminary efficacy of a wearable and artificial intelligence-driven mobile application-based exercise prescription grounded in self-determination theory (SDT) and behavioral change techniques (BCTs) among older adults. As no data exists on the feasibility of AI-driven exercise programs grounded in SDT and multiple BCTs specifically for older adults, this will be a pioneering study to explore the feasibility of wearable and AI-driven exercise program protocols and the rates of acceptance and appropriateness of the exercise prescription intervention among older adults. In addition, this study will test the preliminary efficacy of the intervention on physical activity (PA), mental health, and quality of life. This study follows the National Institute of Health (NIH) stage model, and it represents stage 1b of the NIH stage model, which emphasizes the feasibility and actionable processes for delivering a new health intervention. Specifically, this study will: 1.Evaluate the research protocol feasibility of a wearable and AI-driven mobile application-based exercise prescription grounded in SDT and BCTs (of goal setting, self-monitoring, graded task, and demonstration) on older adults over 8 weeks 2. Evaluate the acceptability and appropriateness of a wearable, AI-driven, mobile application-based exercise prescription grounded in SDT and BCTs among older adults over 8 weeks. 3. Evaluate the preliminary impact of a wearable and AI-driven mobile application-based exercise prescription grounded in SDT and BCTs on older adult PA (steps per day and daily duration of light PA and Moderate-vigorous PA), sedentary time, sleep, mental health (depression and anxiety), and quality of life.

The Effect of MediYoga on Sleep Quality, Blood Pressure, and Quality of Life in Older Adults With Hypertension:

The goal of this Randomized Controlled Trial is to test if an intervention consisting of Yoga can increase quality of sleep and health related quality of life and decrease BP. Secondary to explore and describe the implementation of a yoga intervention and the participants' experiences and perspectives on the intervention in a process evaluation. The main question it aims to contribute knowledge about intervention of Yoga in a home environment for individuals with hypertension aged 65 years or older. Participants will (if they got selected into one of the two interventions groups), participate in Yoga exercises delivered by an app for 2 times a week for 10 weeks. Researchers will compare the intervention groups with the control group to see if Medi yoga has an effect in older people with hypertension.

Pain Intervention With Needling: Pilot Of Integrated Neuromodulation Techniques

The study will be conducted on site in Galveston, Texas, United States. Study-related assessments and procedures will be performed at the designated clinical study site by qualified study personnel in accordance with the study protocol and applicable regulatory requirements. The study's purpose is to determine the effects of three different dry needling sessions on pain and quality of life for those with chronic low back pain. Dry needling is a therapeutic procedure in which a very thin, monofilament needle is inserted through the skin to reach a target tissue like a muscle to help reduce pain, improve muscle activation, and increase blood flow. Dry needling has also been shown to improve nervous system function.

Lactate Kinetics After Multimodal Exercise and Adjunctive Virtual Reality Exercise in Hospitalized Geriatric Patients

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether adding virtual reality exercise to conventional multimodal exercise affects exercise-related lactate kinetics, functional status, frailty, sarcopenia risk, perceived exertion, and health-related quality of life in adults aged 60 years or older who are hospitalized in an acute geriatric ward. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. are there any difference in post exercise lactate at day 1 and 7 between the two groups? 2. does the lactate concentration reduces after low intensity resistance exercise in subject with high resting lactate? 3. Does virtual reality-assisted multimodal exercise improve functional independence, frailty status, sarcopenia risk, perceived exertion, and health-related quality of life from baseline to Day 7? Researchers will compare participants receiving conventional multimodal exercise plus virtual reality exercise with participants receiving conventional multimodal exercise alone to evaluate the additional effects of the virtual reality intervention. Participants will: * Undergo functional and medical assessments before starting the exercise program. * Receive an individualized conventional multimodal exercise program during hospitalization. * If assigned to the intervention group, perform additional virtual reality exercise using the VRAGMENT program. * Have capillary blood lactate concentrations measured immediately before and after standardized low-intensity resistance exercise on Day 1 and Day 7. * Complete the following assessments at baseline and on Day 7: * Barthel Index to assess functional independence. * Frailty Index-40 (FI-40) to assess frailty. * SARC-F to assess the risk of sarcopenia. * Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Scale to assess perceived exercise intensity. * EQ-5D-5L to assess health-related quality of life. * Have vital signs, exercise tolerance, and adverse events monitored throughout the intervention.

Developing a Smartphone Application to Support Veteran Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a complex, chronic condition affecting nearly 70,000 Veterans who can experience significantly reduced quality of life (e.g., poorer social, occupational, and health-related functioning). VA clinics providing Medication treatment for OUD (MOUD); e.g., buprenorphine, methadone), the 1st-line treatment for OUD, often face challenges in also attempting to treat Veteran functional needs, which may require them to extend beyond their available resources to provide support. There is an urgent need for functionally impactful and accessible treatments for Veterans in MOUD. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a well-suited framework to support the functioning of Veterans in MOUD with over 20 years of research support. However, the traditional practice ACT requires a trained clinician to provide weekly, hour-long therapy sessions (typically for 12-16 weeks) and may be too burdensome for MOUD clinics to use alongside standard care. Fortunately, emerging research suggests that mobile health interventions (MHIs; e.g., smartphone apps) can overcome many of these pragmatic barriers. MHIs can efficiently deliver functionally-focused treatments focused on Veteran functioning in "real-world" settings, through minimally burdensome and accessible formats. Currently however, no MHI's targeting functioning exist for Veterans in MOUD. The proposed study will address this gap by developing and evaluating an early prototype of a targeted smartphone app designed to enhance the functional outcomes of Veterans receiving MOUD called "ACT to RECOVER" (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Reach Empowerment through Commitment, Openness, and Valuing Experiences in Recovery). The study will occur in 3 phases: Phase 1: Development. Develop content for ACT to RECOVER using Veteran (n=10) and provider feedback (n=10). Phase 2: Iterative Usability Assessment. Conduct field testing (3 rounds, n=4-5 per round) to refine ACT to RECOVER format, acceptability, and usability. Phase 3: Pilot ACT to RECOVER in a Stage 1b Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). Conduct a pilot trial to compare ACT to RECOVER (n=20) to a smartphone-based symptom monitoring control group (n=20). * (3a) Evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of each condition's app and study procedures. * (3b) Explore changes in functional (e.g., values-based living, quality of life) and clinical outcomes (e.g., illicit opioid use) which will be key outcomes in future efficacy testing.

Paclitaxel-induced Polyneuropathy in Breast Cancer: Early Detection, Risk Factors, Quality of Life and Lifestyle Outcomes

This is a single center prospective observational cohort study that aims to: * examine and identify possible risk and susceptibility factors for the incidence and progression of chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy (CIPN) in female patients primarily operated for early non-metastatic breast cancer who will receive adjuvant chemotherapy containing paclitaxel * test different neurophysiological methods for early detection of CIPN * explore changes that underlie the development of CIPN in relation to clinical presentations, neurophysiological assessment, including measures of small nerve fiber dysfunction, and possible biochemical, metabolic and genetic associations * explore the effects of CIPN in the patient's lifestyle and quality of life for up to 12 months after the initiation of treatment

Effectiveness and Costs of Pressure Ulcer Treatment and the Quality of Life of Patients With Pressure Ulcers Receiving Home-Based and Institutional Care

A study aimed at comparing the effectiveness of treatment, costs, and quality of life of patients with pressure ulcers in home care and institutional care. Eighty individuals aged 60-90 years with stage II-IV pressure ulcers can participate in the study. Participants will be assessed for factors such as health status, independence, mood, and quality of life. The study will allow for better tailoring care to patients' needs. Other benefits of participating in the study is that the participants will receive a detailed assessment of their health, nutrition, quality of life, as well as support in managing their pressure ulcers. They will receive regular care and medical evaluations, which may positively impact their health and well-being. Refusing to participate in this study will not affect the patients treatment in any way. Please ask if there is anything that is unclear or if you would like additional information. Taking part in this study is entirely voluntary.

Impact of De Quervain's Tenosynovitis on Grip Strength and Quality of Life in Smartphone-Addicted Adolescents

The goal of this Cross Sectional Case Controlled study is to Investigate the effect of de quervain's tenosynovitis on hand grip strength and Quality of life among smartphone addicts' adolescents. The main question it aims to answer is: Is de quervain's tenosynovitis influences hand grip strength and quality of life in smartphone addict adolescents? Smart phone addicts' adolescents were equally distributed into two groups: Group A: Smart phone addicts' adolescents with de quervains Group B: Smart phone addicts' adolescents without de quervains (as a reference group). Smart phone addicts' adolescents in the two groups were assessed regarding the following: * Qe quervain's tenosynovitis by The Finkelstein test. * The hand grip strength by handgrip dynamometer. * The effect on the quality of life by Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL Version 4.0).

Effects of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Versus Dry Needling on Jumpers Knee

The study is randomized and single-blinded. Ethical approval is taken from ethical committee of Riphah International University, Lahore. Participants who meet the inclusion criteria will be enrolled and allocated in group A \& B through sealed envelope method by Non-probability Convenient random sampling technique. Subjects in Group A will receive Shock wave therapy. Group B will receive Dry needing.

Virtual Reality in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis

One of the main challenges facing the therapist in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis is to motivate the patient throughout conventional therapy. As noted in a recent review, individuals are more interested in leisure activities rather than performing repetitive tasks during therapy. Virtual reality (VR) is a three-dimensional computer-aided programme built with a system that creates virtual reality movements and generates a high amount of visual and sensory feedback during exercise. As a result, virtual reality (VR) has been used in many medical indications and has been shown to promote adherence to treatment by increasing patient motivation.

Quality of Life and Quality of Sleep Studies in Children With Home Care Ventilation in the West of France

Home ventilation in children, invasive or non invasiv,e is an interesting treatment for different disease which cause chronic respiratory impairement. The aim of this treatment is to support alveolar hypoventilation. Concerned diseases are : neuro-muscular disease, upper airways pathologies, whest wall or lung pathologies, central control ventilation disease. Prevalence of home children ventilation is in augmentation in France. The last national study in 2021 about infants show a prevalence of 9.3/100 000. Advantages with home children ventilation in addition of improvement of survey, it can observe improvement of quality of life and improvement of the quality of their sleep. Quality of life is a thematic less studying. Last studies show an impairment of quality of life in all thematics compare to children with no disease but also with infants whith chronic diseases. This study were about few numbers of patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of life and the quality of sleep in children with home ventilation to complete the actual littérature to improve the respiratory care of this population.