Clinical Research Directory

Evaluation of an Online Peri-operative Health Education Platform for Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery: Ready Set Recover

Chronic back pain is the world's leading cause of disability, with spine surgery being a common yet costly intervention. However, many patients experience suboptimal recovery, with persistent pain and functional limitations contributing to high healthcare utilization and costs. Traditional surgical pathways often overlook the role of mental well-being and patient engagement in recovery. However, research indicates that interventions promoting self-management and stress reduction can lead to improvements in pain, faster recovery, and reduced hospital readmissions. Evidence shows that preoperative psychosocial factors, such as anxiety and depression, significantly predict post-surgical outcomes, yet structured perioperative support is lacking. To address this gap, Ready Set Recover (RSR), a mobile health (mHealth) intervention, provides education, behavioral strategies, and psychosocial support to enhance surgical preparedness and optimize post-surgical recovery. By addressing both psychological and behavioral factors, RSR has the potential to fill a critical gap in perioperative care. As a scalable digital platform, RSR offers an accessible, cost-effective solution that can be easily integrated into existing surgical care models, reducing the burden on healthcare providers while empowering patients to take an active role in their healing process. RSR aims to accomplish this by integrating evidence-based components such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, gratitude practices, and guided movement to foster patient empowerment and sustainable health practices in the pre- and post-surgical periods. The platform provides patients with a structured and flexible tool to improve self-efficacy, adherence to post-surgical recommendations, and the overall surgical recovery experience. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of RSR through an explanatory mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) in patients undergoing medium-to-long segment spinal fusion at Oregon Health \& Science University. Aim 1 assesses feasibility and acceptability by measuring patient engagement, intervention completion rates, and satisfaction. Aim 2 qualitatively evaluate barriers and facilitators to implementation of RSR within the clinic setting via provider, patient, and clinic stakeholder semi-structured interviews. Aim 3 establishes a patient community advisory board (CAB) to guide future research and the development of a Phase II Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) efficacy trial. Findings from this study will inform the refinement and scalability of RSR as a low-burden, cost-effective solution to improve surgical outcomes. Insights gained from this research may extend beyond spine surgery, informing the development of digital health interventions for other surgical populations, ultimately advancing patient-centered, technology-driven approaches to perioperative care.

The Effects of Balanced Seating Pressure on Pelvic Asymmetry: A Pilot Study

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the DaSuit® cushion helps reduce discomfort caused by sitting in adults with non-specific low back pain. It will also assess the safety and physical effects of using the DaSuit® cushion. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does the DaSuit® cushion distribute the pressure evenly on both under-buttock pressure compared to a placebo cushion? 2. Does the DaSuit® cushion improve spinal alignment compared to a placebo cushion? 3. What discomfort or adverse events do participants experience when using the DaSuit® cushion? Researchers will compare the DaSuit® cushion to a placebo cushion (a look-alike cushion without therapeutic effect) to see if the DaSuit® cushion works to relieve sitting-induced discomfort. Participants will: 1. Use the DaSuit® cushion or a placebo cushion in a randomized order, with each sitting session lasting 10 minutes 2. Complete both conditions with a 10-minute washout period between sessions 3. Sit on a standardized wooden chair with a pressure sensor mat placed on the cushion surface 4. Keep a fixed posture with hips, knees, and ankles at approximately 90 degrees 5. Watch a 10-minute video on a tablet positioned 30-40 cm in front of them at a 5-10 degree downward angle to maintain a steady gaze 6. Undergo spinal imaging immediately after each session, maintaining the same seated posture 7. Report any discomfort or pain experienced during or after each session

Changes in Cerebral Oxygenation Related to Intraoperative Position Changes

This is a prospective, observational study. This study will assess the effect of temporary changes in body position (supine, head of bed elevated 30 degrees, head of bed elevated 60 degrees) in anesthetized patients. Tissue oxygenation will be assessed non-invasively using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) by a device that is used in our operating rooms and the ICU setting to assess cerebral and tissue oxygenation.