Clinical Research Directory

StandUPTV Habits: Feasibility Trial for Maintaining Reductions in Sedentary Screen Time

Our goal in this study is to further refine StandUPTV, an application designed to reduce SST in adults in our first study (ASU IRB # STUDY00012109), for the StandUPTV Habits program. This program aims to establish a non-sedentary habit triggered by an alert from the StandUPTV application after participants engage in approximately 30 minutes of SST in the evening.

Multiple Sclerosis Severity and Caregiver Health Outcomes

This cross-sectional observational study aims to investigate the associations between multiple sclerosis (MS) severity and caregivers' sleep quality, physical activity, body awareness, perceived stress, and caregiver burden. A total of 68 caregivers of patients with MS will be recruited from Başkent University Hospital. MS severity will be assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), while caregiver health outcomes will be evaluated using validated questionnaires. The findings are expected to provide insight into the multidimensional impact of MS severity on caregiver health and well-being.

Step Count and Treatment Response in Neoadjuvant Breast Cancer

This prospective multicenter observational study (NEOBRE-STEP) investigates the impact of daily step counts, measured by Huawei Fit 2 smartwatches, on treatment response in patients with non-metastatic Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2)-negative breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant systemic therapy. Patients will wear smartwatches to continuously record step counts, activity intensity, sleep, and heart rate. Patient-reported outcomes, including sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) and quality of life (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire - Core 30, EORTC QLQ-C30), will be assessed at baseline and after treatment. The primary outcomes are pathological complete response (pCR) and Miller-Payne score. Secondary outcomes include sleep quality, quality of life, perioperative outcomes, and feasibility of smartwatch monitoring.

Association Between Sleep Quality and Self-Care in Heart Failure Patients

The research will be conducted as a prospective and relational study to longitudinally investigate the effect of sleep quality on self-care in patients with heart failure (HF) and to evaluate the relationship between self-care, sleep quality, and cognitive functions. The sample size was calculated using the multiple linear regression model with the G\*Power Version 3.1 program. Based on a medium effect size of 0.15, an alpha of 0.05, a power of 0.95, and 18 predictors, the sample size was determined to be 188. Considering a potential dropout rate of 10%, it was decided to complete the study with a minimum of 207 participants. Data will be collected from patients who apply to the Dokuz Eylül University Cardiology Outpatient Clinic and meet the inclusion criteria. After signing the informed consent form, participants will be followed up at baseline, the 1st month, the 3rd month, and the 6th month by telephone. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 24.0 will be used to analyze the numerical data of the research. Descriptive statistics, including number, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as inferential statistics such as the χ2 test, t-test for independent groups, and multiple linear regression, will be employed in the data analysis.

Comparison of Four Qualia Sleep Formulations on Sleep Quality : An Open-label 4-arm Pilot Study

This is a randomized, open-label, 4-arm pilot study designed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of four Qualia Sleep formulations (Formulas A, B, C, and D) in healthy adults aged 18 years and older who report poor sleep quality. The investigational products are encapsulated dietary supplements intended to support sleep quality and satisfaction. Approximately 100 participants will be allocated to one of four arms (n≈25 per arm) and will take 2 capsules of their assigned Qualia Sleep formula once daily for 28 consecutive days, administered 30-60 minutes before bedtime. The primary objective is to assess changes in sleep quality and satisfaction from baseline to Day 28 using the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance - Short Form 8b, with secondary outcomes including sleep-related impairment, pre-sleep arousal, and overall safety and tolerability. All study data, including self-reported sleep and safety questionnaires, will be collected electronically via secure links; there are no in-person visits or clinic-based assessments.

The Effect of White and Pink Noise in Patients Undergoing Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

This study aims to investigate the effects of preoperative white noise and pink noise interventions on sleep quality, anxiety, postoperative pain, nausea, and physiological parameters in patients undergoing elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A total of 165 adult patients will be randomly allocated into three equal groups: a white noise group, a pink noise group, and a control group (55 participants per group). On the evening prior to surgery (around 10:00 PM), participants in the experimental groups will listen to standardized white noise or pink noise at 45-50 dB for 30 minutes via over-ear, active noise-cancelling headphones. Participants in the control group will receive routine perioperative care without any auditory intervention. Data regarding sleep quality, anxiety levels, pain intensity, nausea, and hemodynamics (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation) will be collected using validated scales and physiological monitoring before and after the intervention as well as in the postoperative period (at 0, 12, and 24 hours).

IMST for Dementia Risk Reduction

Using a 2-arm, RCT approach, the primary goal of the study is to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST) as a non-pharmacologic intervention to reduce cardiovascular and cognitive risks in older adults. Next, investigators will examine secondary effects of IMST on mood, sleep quality, systemic inflammation, and physical/motor function. Finally, investigators will assess participant adherence and acceptability ratings of using an 8-week home-based IMST protocol in a diverse older adult sample.

Electrical Vestibular Nerve Stimulation (VeNS) as a Treatment for Improving Sleep in Visually Impaired Patients

Trial title: Effectiveness of Electrical Vestibular Nerve Stimulation in the Improvement of Sleep in Patients with Visual Impairment. This pilot clinical trial is testing whether a device called VeNS (vestibular nerve stimulation) can safely and effectively improve sleep in adults who are visually impaired. The study will compare the active VeNS device to a sham (inactive) device. Participants will use the device under supervision for 30 minutes a day over 4 weeks, followed by a 4-week observation period. Researchers will assess sleep improvements, safety, and how acceptable and easy the treatment is for participants. Allocation: Randomized to either active device or control device usage. Endpoint classification: Efficacy Study Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment in 1:1 active to control allocation Sample size: The aim is to recruit a total of up to 60 participants. The study will last 8 weeks in total for each subject.

Benefits of Nicotinamide Riboside Upon Cognition and Sleep

Poor sleep quality and short sleep duration may be a mechanistic component of cognitive impairment in older adults, associated with a decline in brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Increasing the availability of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) with supplementation of its precursor, nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3 may increase the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This study proposes to examine the benefits of NR supplementation on sleep and cognitive function in older adults with comprehensive subjective and objective measures and to explore its impacts on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Temple Massager System Study in Women Ages 35-65

The goal of this observational study is to learn how the Temple Massager System affects stress, emotional wellbeing, sleep, and quality of life in women aged 35 to 65. The Temple Massager System is a non-electric, drug-free hand-held device used for self-massage of the temple area. The system also includes a body lotion and an optional lavender aromatherapy. It is sold as a general wellness product. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does daily use of the Temple Massager System lower self-reported stress and improve emotional wellbeing over 4 weeks? Does daily use improve self-reported sleep quality and overall quality of life? This is a single-arm observational study. There is no placebo or comparison group. Researchers will compare how participants feel before they start using the device to how they feel after 4 weeks of daily use. Participants will: Receive a Temple Massager System at no cost Complete a 1-week baseline period before using the device Use the device once a day for at least 5 minutes for 4 weeks Answer short daily questions about device use, headaches, and over-the-counter medication use Complete weekly check-in surveys about stress, mood, and sleep Complete longer surveys at the start and end of the study Keep the device after the study ends The study runs for 5 weeks per participant and takes place entirely from home through a secure app-based platform. No clinic visits are required.

The Impact of Technology in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Myofunctional Therapy

This is a study to test if performing airway exercises to improve snoring and sleep apnea using a mobile phone app is better than using a hardcopy guide.

Evaluating the Role of Step Counts in Predicting Readmission and Mortality

This study investigates the relationship between physical activity, heart rate, and sleep quality with recurrent hospitalizations among discharged oncology patients. Following discharge, patients will wear Huawei smartwatches to enable daily tracking of step count, heart rate, and sleep duration through a connected smartphone app. Patients will also complete the FACT Quality of Life Survey and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index during follow-up visits. The smartwatch monitoring will occur during the first 30 days post-discharge, while overall patient follow-up will extend up to 90 days. This study aims to determine if lower levels of home mobility, as indicated by step count and other activity metrics, correlate with an increased risk of hospital readmission within the 30-90 day period.

Validation of the Smart Mask V1 System and Its Measurements of SpO2 and Pulse Rate

The goal of this clinical study is to investigate a new medical device, the Smart Mask V1 System (herein 'Smart Mask'), and particularly its measurements of blood oxygen levels (SpO2) and pulse rate (PR) in healthy adults aged 18 to 65. More specifically, the study is directed at answering the following questions: * Can the Smart Mask accurately measure SpO2 levels compared to established reference devices (reference oximeters, blood gas) throughout the range of SpO2 \~ 70 - 100%? * Can the Smart Mask accurately measure PR during the same conditions? * Does skin pigmentation impact the accuracy of Smart Mask's measurements of SpO2 and PR. The following reference devices will be used in the study: * An FDA-cleared fingertip pulse oximeter (Nellcor Portable SpO2 Patient Monitoring System, PM10N) * A laboratory-grade CO-oximeter (Radiometer ABL90 FLEX) that analyzes oxygen saturation from blood samples. Study participants will: * Wear the Smart Mask on their face and a fingertip pulse oximeter while lying down * Breathe air with gradually reduced oxygen levels inside a specialized hypoxia room while being closely. * In a second phase of the study, have a catheter inserted into a wrist artery for blood sampling to directly measure oxygen levels with the CO-oximeter.

Effect of a Posterior Shoulder Pillow on Pain and Sleep Quality After Rotator Cuff Repair

The goal of this clinical study is to learn if using a special pillow placed behind the shoulder can help to reduce pain and improve sleep for patients after surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Do patients who choose to use the posterior shoulder pillow have lower pain levels after surgery? * Do these patients report better sleep quality during recovery? * How safe and comfortable is the pillow for patients to use? Researchers will compare patients who use the pillow to those who do not use it to see if there is a difference in their recovery. Participants will: * Be asked about their willingness to use the pillow. Their treatment and recovery plan will be decided together with their doctor. * Be asked to rate their pain and sleep quality several times after surgery: at 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks. * Have their shoulder function assessed by a clinician at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after surgery. * Receive a standard MRI scan before and 6 weeks after surgery as part of their regular medical care to check on healing.

Impact of a Physical Activity Intervention on Sleep Quality, Mental and Physical Well-Being in Health Sciences Students

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of a regular weekly physical activity program versus a "Weekend Warrior" activity pattern on sleep quality, physical well-being, and mental well-being in sedentary university students. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the intervention groups or to a control group and assessed at baseline and after the intervention.

Music Therapy in the Threat of Premature Birth

The scope of the study covers the effects of music therapy on risk perception levels and sleep quality in pregnant women hospitalized due to the diagnosis of premature birth threat.

Artificial Intelligence-Supported Nursing Program for Sleep Quality in People With an Ostomy

Individuals living with an intestinal or urinary stoma frequently report disturbed sleep. Night-time pouch filling and leakage, odour and gas concerns, restricted sleeping positions, peristomal skin problems and the need for night-time pouch emptying interrupt sleep, while anxiety, depressive symptoms, altered body image and social withdrawal add to this burden. Poor sleep in this population has been associated with reduced quality of life and impaired daytime functioning; however, most of the available evidence is cross-sectional and based exclusively on self-reported measures. Nursing interventions that specifically target sleep in people with a stoma are few, generally consist of a single component, and have rarely been tested in randomised designs or alongside objective sleep measurement. This trial evaluates an Artificial Intelligence-Supported Multimodal Nursing Intervention (AI-MNI) developed to improve sleep quality in adults living with a stoma. The intervention was designed in line with the Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions and is delivered over four weeks through the institutional web-based learning management system. It comprises five structured modules: stoma care and night-time comfort; sleep hygiene and night routine; psychological wellbeing and relaxation techniques; body image, self-esteem and sexual health; and physical activity and daily energy management. Each module combines written material, video, visual guides, checklists and short knowledge checks. A rule-based chatbot embedded in the platform supports participants by prioritising content, suggesting review of relevant material and responding to questions within a pre-approved educational content set; it does not provide diagnosis, treatment advice or clinical decision support. All content was evaluated for content validity by an expert panel before implementation. The study is a two-arm, parallel-group randomised controlled trial conducted in the stomatherapy unit of a university hospital. Forty-two adults (21 per group) with a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy of at least three months' duration and a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) global score greater than 5 will be allocated in a 1:1 ratio using permuted block randomisation with variable block sizes, stratified by sex and stoma type. Allocation is concealed through a central, password-protected web-based system, and statistical analyses are performed by a statistician blinded to group codes. The intervention group receives AI-MNI in addition to standard care; the control group receives standard care alone and is offered access to the programme after the final assessment (delayed-access design). Assessments are conducted at baseline (T0), at the first month (T1) and at the third month (T2). The primary outcome is the change in PSQI global score from baseline to the first month, with the third-month assessment used to examine whether any improvement is maintained. Secondary outcomes are objective sleep parameters (total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep stage indicators and sleep onset latency) recorded with a consumer wrist-worn device on three consecutive nights at each assessment point, and stoma-specific quality of life. Module completion, session duration and level of interaction are reported as process outcomes. Analyses follow the intention-to-treat principle and are based primarily on linear mixed-effects models.

A Sleep Hygiene Intervention to Improve Sleep Health in Urban, Latino Middle School Children

The main goal of this study is to evaluate the "SIESTA" intervention, a culturally and contextually tailored sleep hygiene intervention that has the potential to exert greater improvements in sleep hygiene and sleep outcomes for group that may be more vulnerable to poor sleep health. The main question is: do SIESTA participants have improved sleep outcomes, sleep hygiene behaviors and less sleep-related impairment compared to Control Group participants? Participants randomized to the SIESTA intervention will: 1. Attend 4 remotely administered group sleep hygiene education sessions 2. Complete along with a parent/guardian, two individualized sessions administered by a SIESTA intervention facilitator 3. Complete study survey at baseline, end of treatment, and at 4, 8 and 12 months post-intervention. 4. Wear electronic sleep watches (actigraphy) throughout the protocol to objectively measure sleep duration and quality. Participants randomized to the Child Health Control condition will: 1. Attend 4 remotely administered group sessions covering general health topics 2. Complete along with a parent/guardian, two individualized sessions administered by a SIESTA intervention facilitator 3. Complete study survey at baseline, end of treatment, and at 4, 8 and 12 months post-intervention. 4. Wear electronic sleep watches (actigraphy) throughout the protocol to objectively measure sleep duration and quality. A secondary goal of the study is to conduct a process evaluation to prepare for future larger scale use of the intervention in other urban school settings. This will entail assessing Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) of the program through several methods, such as by conducting in-depth interviews with research participants and their parents/guardians, as well as school staff and by looking at rates of participation in the program.

The Impact of 12-week Ashwagandha Supplementation Induced by Resistance Training on Strength, Levels of Neurotrophic and Stress Response Proteins, Oxidative and Psychological Stress, and Cognitive Function in Physically Active Male Adults

This clinical trial will study the effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), a natural plant extract, on physical and mental health in adult men. Ashwagandha is known for its potential to reduce stress, support hormonal balance and improve sleep and physical performance. The study will explore how taking Ashwagandha for 12 weeks, with resistance training, affects various health markers such as stress hormones, brain function, muscle strength, body composition, sleep quality, and cognitive abilities. Participants will be healthy, non-smoking men aged 25-40, with regular resistance training experience. They will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) weight training + Ashwagandha, (2) weight training + placebo. The study is double-blinded, meaning neither participants nor researchers will know who is receiving Ashwagandha or placebo. Participants will: * Take Ashwagandha or a placebo every day for 12 weeks * Train in the gym three times a week Researchers will assess changes in blood markers (like cortisol, testosterone and BDNF - brain-derived neurotrophic factor), physical performance (muscle strength and endurance), sleep quality, stress perception and cognitive function before and after the 12-week period. The goal is to better understand how Ashwagandha works.

Kava Aging and Mobility Study

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if AB-free kava works to improve mobility and physical function in older adults with sleep difficulties. It will also learn about the safety of AB-free kava. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does AB-free kava improve physical function and/or mobility? * Does AB-free kava effect sleep, stress, or cellular signaling? Researchers will compare AB-free kava to a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) to see if AB-free kava works to improve mobility and physical functioning.

Self-Acupressure and Social Jet Lag in Female Health Sciences Students

This randomized, sham-controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of self-administered acupressure on social jet lag, sleep patterns, and sleep quality in female health sciences students. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a self-acupressure intervention group or a sham self-acupressure control group. The intervention will be performed daily for 12 weeks. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention period, with the primary outcome being the change in social jet lag. Secondary outcomes include changes in sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and participant blinding assessment.

Telemedicine-Based Education for Improving Sleep Quality Among Medical Students

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of an educational intervention on sleep quality, sleep hygiene practices, and physical activity among medical students at Cairo University. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups that received sleep-related education through different delivery methods. Sleep quality and related behaviors were assessed before and after the intervention using validated questionnaires. The study aimed to determine whether the educational intervention could improve sleep quality and promote healthier sleep practices among medical students.

A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Safety and Effects of Various Cannabinoids on Sleep Quality

This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study will assess the safety and effects of different combinations of CBN, CBG, and THC, with and without CBD and melatonin, for enhancing sleep quality, other factors related to sleep, daytime fatigue, and mood symptoms related to sleep (i.e., depression, anxiety, irritability, and perceived stress).

Effect of Eye Mask Use on Sleep Quality and Delirium After CABG Surgery

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is an effective treatment for coronary artery disease; however, sleep disturbances and delirium are common during the postoperative period and may adversely affect recovery. Environmental factors, particularly light exposure, can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle and contribute to poor sleep quality. Eye masks offer a simple, safe, and non-pharmacological method of reducing light exposure and supporting sleep. This study aims to determine the effect of eye mask use on sleep quality and delirium levels in patients following CABG surgery.