Boston University Charles River Campus

This study tested whether listening to liked, non-lyrical background music during virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy helps people with acrophobia (fear of heights) more than VR alone. Sixty Boston University students took part. The goal was to see if music reduces anxiety and …

This completed study tested whether one virtual reality (VR) session could help reduce public speaking anxiety in 1,542 college students. Participants gave a speech in VR after either a positive or negative mood boost. Researchers measured anxiety levels and looked at whether tra…

This study tested whether a wearable robotic suit (called an 'exosuit') could make physical therapy easier and safer for people with low back pain. 44 adults aged 18 to 70 took part. Researchers measured how usable and safe the suit was, and how it affected movement and pain. The…

This small study tested whether a wearable device that uses electrical stimulation can help people who had a stroke walk farther and more efficiently. Four participants completed 12 training sessions over 4-5 weeks. The goal was to see if the device is practical and improves walk…

This study tested a wearable device that uses mild electrical stimulation to help people who have had a stroke walk better. Ten participants with chronic stroke walked on a treadmill and overground with and without the device. The goal was to see if the stimulation could improve …

This study tested a smartphone app designed to help people who have both chronic pain and heavy drinking habits. Researchers wanted to see if the app was easy and acceptable to use, especially for people in rural areas. The study involved 32 participants who used the app for 8 we…

This study tested whether a 6-session online class called HEARTS helps autistic adults feel more satisfied with their friendships and dating relationships, compared to a 6-week online discussion group. Ninety-two autistic adults took part over three months, completing surveys abo…

This study looked at how deaf children ages 18 to 60 months learn new words in American Sign Language (ASL). Researchers used eye-tracking and behavior tests to see if kids assume each object has only one sign (mutual exclusivity) or if bilingual deaf children expect two words—on…

This study created and tested a program called Families FORWARD to help parents of autistic teens (ages 14-21) plan for their child's future. 27 families in Massachusetts took part. The program focused on improving family readiness for the teen's transition to adulthood. Research…

This study looked at whether watching a video that highlights how exercise improves mood can increase motivation to work out, compared to a video that focuses on fitness benefits. 48 stressed college students participated. The goal was to see which approach leads to more exercise…

This study looked at 22 people who had a stroke at least 6 months ago and still had trouble walking. Researchers tested two devices: a soft robotic exosuit and an electrical stimulation system, to see which helped improve walking speed and energy use. The goal was to learn which …

This completed observational study looked at how people with Parkinson's disease perceive the world, including unusual experiences like visual hallucinations. Researchers surveyed 54 participants online to see how these perceptual experiences relate to cognition, mood, and sleepi…

This completed online study looked at whether natural environments like parks, gardens, and lakesides can improve mood and cognition in people with and without Parkinson's disease. 97 participants filled out surveys about their connection to nature, depressive symptoms, sleep, an…