Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Hip-Assist Exoskeleton Torque on Gait Parameters

This study aims to evaluate the impact of assistive torque from a hip-assist exoskeleton on gait patterns in healthy adults. The investigators will analyze how different torque settings affect spatiotemporal parameters, joint kinematics, muscle activity (EMG), and foot pressure during walking.

Physiological Benefits From the Removal of Tracheostomy Tubes (Obtained Via Wearable Devices)

The population included in this study consists of tracheostomy patients admitted to the pulmonary department of Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, undergoing decannulation rehabilitation treatment. After the patient is admitted, the research team evaluates whether they are suitable to enter the decannulation process. For enrolled patients, a 24-hour wearable device is worn upon admission to record physiological parameters. Patients, following clinical and rehabilitation treatment, can start using a "speaking valve" as soon as their condition permits. Within the first 24 hours prior to the initial use of the speaking valve, wearable devices may be utilized a second time to gather data. Patients successfully completed the decannulation process, tolerating the speaking valve for 4 hours (PEF/PCF ≥ 100liters/min).The wearable device was utilized to gather 24 hours physiological parameters for the third time within the 24 hours leading up to decannulation. Patients who underwent successful decannulation had physiological parameters collected for the forth time using wearable devices within 24 hours prior to discharge. This study preliminarily compares the differences in physiological parameters at four time points (within 24 hours of admission, within 24 hours prior to using a speaking valve, within 24 hours prior to decannulation and within 24 hours before discharge), predicts the physiological benefits of decannulation for patients, and advocates for the concept of "early decannulation." Decannulation criteria: If the patient can tolerate wearing the speaking valve continuously for 4 hours (gradually increasing the duration: 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours), and if PEF/PCF ≥ 100 liters/min, planned removal of the tracheostomy tube can be considered. Criteria for successful decannulation: Patients who successfully completed the decannulation process and had their tubes removed, with no reinsertion of the tracheostomy tube or endotracheal intubation within 48 hours after decannulation.

Feasibility of Wearables in Dementia Care in Rural Taiwan

Taiwan is becoming a super-aged society, and more older adults are living with Alzheimer's disease. Many people with Alzheimer's experience behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as agitation, sleep problems, or mood changes. These symptoms often lower their quality of life and increase stress for their family caregivers. This study will test two wearable devices in people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. One device, called Geneactiv, is a wristwatch that tracks daily activity and sleep. The other device, called Re-Timer, is a light therapy eyewear that may help improve sleep and mood. Researchers will look at how easy the devices are to use, whether participants are willing to wear them for several weeks, and whether the light therapy helps reduce sleep problems or caregiver stress. The study will also compare information from questionnaires with information collected by the devices. The results may help researchers design future studies using wearable tools to better support people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Smartwatch Accuracy for Measuring Vitals and Anxiety Before Disc Surgery

This study aims to verify the accuracy of blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, anxiety level, and sleep cycle data measurements obtained from Samsung smartwatches compared to the currently accepted method used in patients with disc herniation undergoing the preoperative period.

Wearable Technology and Machine Learning for Early Detection and Risk Assessment of Unacceptable Toxicities in a Paediatric Oncology Cohort

Data collection study to establish a predictive model of infection observed during childhood cancer therapy using data captured by wearable technology.

Development of a Wearable Device for Osteoporosis Prevention and Fracture Risk Reduction in Women

This project aims to determine the impact on bone health of: A lifestyle intervention promoting impact-based activities and physical activity for nine months. The same program enhanced with home-based strength training. A control group without supervision, continuing with standard care. The study will evaluate the persistence of changes after these interventions during a 12-week follow-up. By employing diverse strategies, the project seeks to identify barriers and facilitators to using technology for promoting healthy lifestyles in this demographic. Additionally, it will, for the first time in Spain, establish predictive models to assess the efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions in osteoporosis prevention, in collaboration with the public health system. These models will also predict adherence to technology-based behavioral interventions. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Eligible Participants: Postmenopausal women aged \>40 years, within 8 years post-menopause. Sedentary lifestyle. Willingness to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Surgically induced menopause or cancer treatment. Low BMI (\<18 kg/m²). Excessive alcohol consumption (≥3 drinks/day). Smoking. Unstable cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease. Diagnosed conditions altering bone metabolism (e.g., hyperthyroidism). Recent fractures or mobility limitations. Recent engagement in structured physical activity programs. Recent use of glucocorticoids or hormone replacement therapy. VARIABLES TO BE MONITORED Body Composition: Lean mass, fat mass, bone mass, and waist circumference. Bone Health: Bone density of lumbar vertebrae and femur via densitometry and microarchitecture evaluation using quantitative CT. Biomarkers: Assessment of bone resorption and remodeling markers. Physical Function: Functional assessments (e.g., gait speed, jumping ability, lower limb strength). Physical Activity: Objectively monitored with accelerometers, analyzing sedentary, light, and moderate-to-vigorous activities. Nutritional Intake: Monitored using dietary recall tools. Quality of Life: Assessed using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). TRAINING PROTOCOL A. Impact-Based Physical Activity Program: Participants will utilize a validated biosensor (Muvone®) to track steps and impacts, targeting 50 multidirectional jumps and 10,000 steps per day, emphasizing brisk walking. B. Home-Based Strength Training Program: Two weekly sessions, progressing from 20 to 42 minutes, targeting major muscle groups (e.g., squats, hip extensions). Sessions include warm-ups, multi-joint exercises, and recovery periods. C. Control Group: Participants receive general advice on physical activity and nutrition without supervised programs or app access. FOLLOW-UP After 36 weeks, participants will resume daily routines without app feedback. At the 12-week follow-up, they will return for questionnaires and physical assessments. This structured approach ensures rigorous evaluation and facilitates integration of findings into public health strategies.

The Lasting Change Study

The study approach is to leverage the most cutting-edge techniques of multi-omics biology, wearable physiology, and digital real-time psychology profiling and using machine learning models to understand the mechanisms underlying the strategies and techniques that enable participants the power to initiate and maintain sustainable behavior change. Over the years, millions of people worldwide have attended immersive personal development seminars aiming to improve participants' health behaviors and wellness. Nevertheless, there's a scarcity of large-scale studies to assess their effects on behavior change and investigate their mechanism of action. A recent publication by the Science of Behavior Change Program (SOBC), launched by the National Institute of Health (NIH), recognized that: "science has not yet delivered a unified understanding of basic mechanisms of behavior change across a broad range of health-related behaviors, limiting progress in the development and translation of effective and efficacious behavioral intervention." As such, understanding the mechanisms underlying sustainable behavior change is key.