The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

This completed study tested whether bright light therapy, special glasses that create myopic defocus, low-dose atropine eye drops, or combinations of these can slow the progression of nearsightedness in schoolchildren. A total of 577 children aged 7-12 with myopia participated. T…

This study tested whether using Zoom for doctor visits (telecare) works as well as in-person visits for managing diabetes. 780 adults with diabetes in Hong Kong were assigned to either video consultations or usual face-to-face care. Researchers tracked blood sugar (HbA1c) and cho…

This study tested whether an online therapy program (acceptance and commitment therapy) combined with back exercises helps older adults with chronic low back pain. Fifty participants were split into two groups: one received online therapy plus exercises, the other received online…

This study tested a new online platform where caregivers can create digital paintings, share them with others, and check their emotions. 727 caregivers in Hong Kong used the platform for 8 weeks. The goal was to see if it helps them feel less depressed, anxious, or stressed and m…

This study tested whether a humanoid robot named HUMANE could help older adults living at home feel less lonely and more connected. Sixty people aged 50 and older used the robot for 6 weeks, interacting with it through music, news, games, and conversation. Researchers measured lo…

This study tested a 'Digital Strolling' program where people with severe mobility impairment use a virtual reality headset to walk in a digital world. 24 participants either used the VR walking or watched walking videos for 10 days. The goal was to see if this approach could impr…

This study tested whether training with rhythmic sounds (like a beat) could help people with Parkinson's disease move their arms better. 38 participants did arm exercises with or without the sounds for 21 days. Those who used rhythmic sounds showed lasting improvements in hand de…

This study tested a new online program to help people with spinal cord injury cope better and improve their mental health. Twelve adults with spinal cord injury and mild anxiety or depression took part in eight weekly online group sessions led by a nurse. The main goal was to see…

This pilot study tested whether using a voice-activated smart speaker (Apple HomePod mini) could improve psychosocial well-being in 48 people with Parkinson's disease. Participants in the intervention group received a user protocol, the device, training, and tech support for 8 we…

This study tested whether the time gap between two types of brain stimulation affects arm and hand recovery in people with chronic stroke. 62 participants received either a short or long interval between inhibitory and excitatory stimulation, followed by robot-assisted arm traini…

This study tested a new treatment called transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) for people with major depression. 80 adults received either real TPS or a fake (sham) version to see if it safely reduces depressive symptoms. The goal is to find out if this non-invasive brain therapy …

This study tested a 10-week program that combines resistance exercises with cognitive tasks (like memory games) in 38 frail older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The goal was to see if the program is feasible and can improve frailty and thinking skills. Participants wer…

This pilot study tested a 14-week Independent Life Skills Program (ILSP) for adults with autism. The program covers personal management, home skills, and community integration through group sessions led by occupational therapists. Thirty adults aged 18 and older with autism and b…

This study tested a new card game called 'Wai Ji Match Fun' designed for adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. 60 participants played the game in weekly group sessions for 8 weeks. Researchers measured how feasible and acceptable the game was, and whether it imp…

This study tested whether using a red-light device twice a day for a month can reduce visual fatigue in people aged 40 and older with presbyopia (age-related difficulty seeing up close). Sixty-six participants either used the real device or a sham device. Researchers measured cha…

This pilot study tested whether self-acupressure (pressing specific points on the body) or Zhan Zhuang (a gentle standing meditation) can reduce pain, fatigue, and sleep problems in breast cancer survivors. Fifty women who had finished early-stage breast cancer treatment and stil…

This study tested whether a 9-session group art program using Chinese calligraphy could reduce depressive symptoms and age-related self-stigma in older adults. 63 participants aged 60+ with mild depression risk were randomly assigned to the art program or usual care. The program …

This completed pilot study tested whether a type of brain stimulation called intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) can temporarily change activity in the prefrontal cortex of 40 healthy adults. Participants received either real or sham stimulation, and researchers measured …

This study tested whether a brain-computer interface (BCI) system, combined with electrical stimulation and virtual reality, can improve arm movement in chronic stroke survivors. Thirty participants were split into three groups, each receiving different combinations of BCI, elect…

This completed study looked at how well young and middle-aged colorectal cancer survivors can identify and describe their specific emotions—a skill called emotional granularity—and whether that helps them build resilience. Researchers surveyed 242 survivors online and interviewed…

This study looked at how a person's brain state (what they are thinking or doing) changes the brain's response to a type of non-invasive brain stimulation called rTMS. Thirty-six healthy adults received stimulation while their brain activity was measured with a special imaging te…

This study tested whether immersive virtual reality or a mobile online game better helps healthcare students learn teamwork and communication skills. About 271 nursing and physiotherapy students took part in a one-week training using either a VR program or a web-based game. Resea…

This study tested whether giving fathers and mothers weekly telephone counseling on breastfeeding could increase exclusive breastfeeding rates and improve parent-infant bonding. Over 600 new parents in Hong Kong took part, receiving four 20-30 minute sessions in the first month a…

This study tested whether an AI-powered voice chatbot is better than a traditional paper diary for tracking migraines in Hong Kong women. 49 women used both methods for one month each. The goal was to see which tool was more accurate, complete, and easy to use. The chatbot aims t…

This completed study tested whether a low-cost prosthetic foot works as well as traditional ones for people with a below-knee amputation. Six participants performed balance, walking, and jumping tests with both types of feet. The goal was to see if the cheaper option could improv…