Ku Leuven

This study compared two procedures for treating achalasia, a condition where the esophagus doesn't relax properly. One is a balloon dilation (pneumodilation) and the other is a surgery called POEM done through a scope. 132 adults with achalasia were randomly assigned to one treat…

This study tested a cold air breathing challenge in 60 healthy volunteers and people with asthma to see if it can safely tell the difference between asthma types and exercise-induced breathing problems. Researchers measured lung function and symptoms before and after the test. Th…

This study looked at how to make fall prevention programs more effective for older adults living at home. About 550 people aged 65 and older who had fallen or had balance issues took part. The goal was to see if better training and support for program leaders could help more peop…

This study tested an intensive motor rehabilitation program that uses advanced technology to help adults with chronic stroke or spinal cord injury improve their daily functioning. 102 participants were randomly assigned to either the intensive tech-assisted program or a control g…

This study tested whether a split-belt treadmill (where each leg moves at a different speed) can reduce freezing of gait during turning in people with Parkinson's disease. 26 participants completed a 4-week training program that included practicing everyday turning scenarios. The…

This study tested a new approach that combines brainwave training (neurofeedback) with meditation to help people manage stress. Eighty adults with mild to severe stress symptoms completed 10 sessions of this training. The goal was to see if it could improve stress regulation and …

This study tested whether giving prucalopride before pancreas surgery can reduce inflammation and help the gut recover faster. 31 adults having pancreas tumor surgery took part. The goal was to see if the drug could mimic nerve stimulation and improve recovery from postoperative …

This pilot study tested a new robot-based therapy to help people with chronic stroke improve arm movement and daily function. Ten participants used a robot for training, combined with a home program. The goal was to see if this approach is feasible and potentially effective for r…

This study tested a screening method using a special dye (Lugol) during endoscopy to find early cancer signs in 39 adults who have had achalasia for over 15 years. People with achalasia have a higher risk of esophageal cancer, but early detection is difficult. The goal was to see…

This study looked at whether taking a ketone supplement after exercise and before sleep helps cyclists recover from physical and mental fatigue during a multi-day race. 18 experienced cyclists took part, and researchers measured muscle soreness, sleep quality, and thinking skills…

This study looked at how short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) get into the blood when delivered in different parts of the gut. Thirteen healthy volunteers took capsules that released SCFAs in either the small intestine or the colon. Researchers then measured SCFA levels in blood sampl…

This study tested a wearable device called the MOX activity monitor in 40 older adults (70+) recovering from hip fracture, stroke, or frailty in a hospital rehab ward. The goal was to measure how much they walk, stand, or sit during the day and see if that data helps track recove…

This study looked at how short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) affect gut hormones when delivered to different parts of the gut. 28 healthy adults took capsules that released SCFAs in either the small intestine or the colon. Researchers measured hormone levels in blood samples to see i…

This study looked at how people with Parkinson's disease learn and remember fine motor tasks, like writing. Researchers compared simple practice versus more complex practice that involved doing two things at once. They used brain scans to see which method helped the brain learn b…