University Of Alabama At Birmingham

This study tested a new phone-based program called GODART that uses artificial intelligence and game-like rewards to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their condition. It was designed specifically for rural areas where access to regular healthcare coaching can be limited. T…

This early-stage study tested a combination of three drugs given to postmenopausal women before breast cancer surgery. The goal was to see if the drugs—two approved and one experimental—could safely shrink tumors by attacking the cancer in different ways. Researchers enrolled 15 …

This small pilot study tested whether combining two drugs—veliparib and lapatinib—could help control metastatic triple negative breast cancer in patients who had already tried other treatments. The main goal was to check if the combination was safe and tolerable, while also looki…

This early-stage study aimed to find out if adding a new drug called LDE225 to standard chemotherapy (paclitaxel) was safe for women with recurrent ovarian cancer that had stopped responding to platinum-based drugs. The main goal was to check for side effects and determine the be…

This study tested which of two diet coaching methods works better for weight loss. Over 200 overweight adults followed a program that either gave them a fixed daily calorie goal or a goal that changed from day to day. Researchers measured weight loss, body composition, and how pa…

This study tested whether the oral drug crizotinib could slow or reduce the growth of vestibular schwannoma tumors in people with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2). Twelve participants with NF2 and confirmed tumor progression took crizotinib daily in 28-day cycles, for up to one yea…

This study tested whether having a peer coach helps people lose more weight than trying to manage weight on their own. It involved 375 adults with obesity who were patients at primary care clinics in the Southeast. Researchers compared a structured program with regular support fr…

This study tested a new diabetes education and nutrition program designed specifically for adults with physical disabilities and Type 2 diabetes. Researchers compared different support methods, including weekly coaching calls and technology access, to see which worked best. The g…

This study tested a new training method to help people with macular degeneration, a leading cause of central vision loss. Researchers taught 21 participants to become more aware of their blind spot and use a different, healthier part of their eye to see. The goal was to see if th…

This study tested whether 10 weeks of exercise could improve brain health and lower blood pressure in adults with high blood pressure and a higher body weight. Researchers compared the effects of moderate versus high-intensity workouts. The goal was to see if exercise could help …

This study tested a new home exercise program for children with cerebral palsy. Kids followed a fun, music-based workout designed for wheelchair users, delivered via video calls. Researchers wanted to see if this enjoyable, accessible program could improve heart health, fitness, …

This small, early-stage study tested whether a daily pill called deucravacitinib could improve nail psoriasis. Adult patients with significant nail and skin psoriasis took the pill for 48 weeks. Researchers tracked changes in nail appearance and pain to see if the treatment was h…

This study tested a new program that uses AI and phone coaching to help people with type 2 diabetes and a physical disability, like a spinal cord injury, manage their condition. For six months, 90 participants received either the coaching calls or were in a comparison group. The …

This study examined whether telemedicine visits work as well as in-person appointments for people with rheumatic diseases like arthritis and lupus. Researchers compared patient satisfaction and preferences between virtual and traditional office visits during the COVID-19 pandemic…

This small pilot study tested two different health coaching strategies for Black adults with obesity and related conditions like high blood pressure or prediabetes. One approach focused on weight loss, while the other focused on increasing physical activity without emphasizing we…

This small, early-stage study tested a new compound placed under the tongue to see if it could safely lower blood pressure in healthy volunteers. Researchers wanted to see if this method could deliver a blood vessel-relaxing molecule into the bloodstream more effectively than som…

This study tested a flexible lifestyle program for people with conditions like insulin resistance, obesity, or prediabetes. It started with either nutrition or exercise counseling. If a person's insulin resistance didn't improve enough after 8 weeks, the program could switch them…

This study tested whether a 20-hour computer brain training program could help older adults with HIV who have thinking and memory problems. Researchers enrolled 119 participants, mostly from the Deep South, to see if the training was practical and could improve their mental sharp…

This study tested two types of counseling for adults in Zambia living with HIV who also struggle with unhealthy alcohol use and mental health issues. It compared a single-session talk, a more involved multi-session therapy program, and standard HIV care to see which best helps pe…

This small pilot study tested whether delivering healthy meals to new mothers' homes is a practical way to help them manage their weight after having a baby. Eleven low-income women with obesity received 10 meals per week for 8 weeks. The main goal was to see if participants like…

This study tested whether giving higher doses of a specialized, targeted radiation treatment over five sessions was safe and effective for patients with larger brain tumors that spread from other cancers. It involved 13 patients with brain metastases to find the maximum dose the …

This study tested whether artificial intelligence (AI) could help radiologists accurately identify breast tumors on MRI scans that use a much lower dose of contrast dye. Twenty women, half with benign conditions and half with cancer, received both a standard and a low-dose scan. …

This study tested a handheld device called the Infrascanner to see if it could quickly detect when a brain bleed is getting worse. Researchers enrolled 399 patients with traumatic brain injuries to compare the scanner's speed and accuracy against standard hospital monitoring. The…

This study tested a new, faster HIV test for babies and young children in Zambia. The goal was to see if getting test results right away, at the community clinic, would help more HIV-positive infants start life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) sooner. Researchers also wanted t…

This study tested whether teaching pregnant women about hygiene and virus transmission could reduce the chance of passing a common virus called CMV to their babies. Researchers provided counseling and educational materials to about 200 pregnant women, focusing on behaviors like h…

This study tested a program in Kenya designed to encourage more couples to get tested for HIV together during pregnancy. The program involved male-female pairs of community health workers visiting couples at home to offer support and home-based testing. The goal was to increase t…

This study tested whether specially trained community health workers could help Black women who experienced pregnancy complications like preeclampsia. The program aimed to improve blood pressure control after delivery and promote long-term heart health. Researchers worked with 61…

This study tested whether two programs could improve health and prevent problems in struggling neighborhoods. Researchers worked with over 900 residents in specific Alabama communities. One program offered family support for parents of teens, and the other helped residents improv…

This study tested whether regular phone counseling could help people in rural Alabama become more physically active to help prevent cancer. 245 adults who weren't getting enough exercise received either the phone counseling program right away or were placed on a waiting list. Res…

This study tested whether applying two prescription creams (diclofenac and DFMO) could prevent new non-melanoma skin cancers in people who have had them before. 64 participants with sun-damaged skin and a history of skin cancer were randomly assigned to use the real creams or pla…

This study tested a hospital checklist designed to help people who inject drugs get better care. It aimed to connect 60 rural patients with addiction treatment and HIV prevention medications like PrEP during their hospital stay. The goal was to see if this simple reminder system …

This small pilot study tested whether digital health tools and community health workers could help improve pregnancy care for Black mothers in underserved Alabama communities. Researchers enrolled 40 pregnant women to try different support combinations and measured whether partic…

This study tested a soccer-based program in Zambia to improve health for teenage girls. It aimed to increase HIV testing and use of contraception and other health services. The program also provided support for girls living with HIV to help them stay in care and on treatment.

This community-led project aimed to prevent paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) in Southeast Alaska. Researchers partnered with local tribes and schools to create an educational program for middle school students. The program taught safe shellfish harvesting practices, cultural t…

This study tested whether applying a topical medication called diclofenac could reduce certain markers in the skin linked to the development of non-melanoma skin cancers. It involved 24 adults with a history of these skin cancers and pre-cancerous spots. The goal was to find the …

This study tested a training program for doctors in Alabama to help them better prevent HIV in young women. The program taught doctors how to have comfortable conversations about sexual health and prescribe PrEP, a daily pill that prevents HIV. Researchers wanted to see if the tr…

This study tested a program to help young Black men who have sex with men start taking PrEP, a daily pill that prevents HIV. Researchers created a phone app and had some participants also join weekly group sessions led by Black women from their community. The goal was to see if t…

This study tested a communication tool designed to help doctors talk with women at risk for HIV about prevention medication (PrEP). The goal was to see if better conversations could lead to more women getting referred to clinics that provide PrEP. The project focused on women vis…

This study aimed to find better ways to offer HIV prevention medication (PrEP) to women during their regular gynecology appointments. Researchers surveyed and interviewed doctors and patients at a women's health clinic to understand their experiences and preferences. The goal was…

This study tested whether a home exercise program is practical and helpful for children with inner ear problems that affect their balance. Children aged 4-17 did balance and vision tests and then followed an 8-week program of exercises at home, with weekly check-ins from a physic…

This study compared two sedation drugs (remimazolam and propofol) used during a heart ultrasound test called a TEE. Researchers wanted to see if the newer drug, remimazolam, worked as well as the standard drug but caused fewer drops in blood pressure. The study involved 105 adult…

This study tested whether a 6-week exercise program could help improve memory in adults with a common type of epilepsy. Researchers compared people who did the exercise program to a group that did not. They also used brain scans to see if exercise caused changes in the brain link…

This study tested a coaching program called PRISM, designed to help women with breast cancer build resilience and manage stress. It involved 43 participants who received skills-based coaching focused on stress management, goal-setting, and positive thinking. The main goal was to …

This study tested a 12-week exercise program delivered by video call for adults with cystic fibrosis. The goal was to help participants start and stick with regular exercise to improve their health. Researchers provided personalized workouts and coaching to see if this remote app…

This study tested whether starting a structured exercise program combined with behavioral counseling during a hospital stay could help people with cystic fibrosis. The goal was to see if beginning during this time made it easier for patients to stick with exercise long-term to he…

This small pilot study tested whether an 8-week SKY breath meditation program could reduce stress and improve well-being in healthy adults. Researchers enrolled 45 participants to measure changes in stress levels, sleep, mood, and even biological markers in the blood before and a…

This study tested if a specific nerve block could better manage pain after a common pelvic surgery. It involved 70 women having surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. Researchers compared standard pain care to the same care plus a nerve block to see which led to less pain and lower o…

This study tested if adding mindfulness techniques to diabetes education could help people who find managing their condition very stressful. It compared a new mindfulness-based program to standard diabetes self-management classes for adults with type 2 diabetes and high levels of…

This study tested if wearing a specific knee sleeve (Reparel™) helps people with knee osteoarthritis feel less pain and move better in daily life. 40 participants who were not planning surgery were randomly given either the test sleeve or a placebo sleeve to wear. Researchers mea…

This study tested two different 8-week exercise programs delivered remotely to adults with spinal cord injury. One program used music-based movement, while the other was a standard exercise routine. Researchers compared these to a control group to see which approach better increa…

This study tested whether combining a gentle, non-invasive electrical stimulation to the ear (targeting the vagus nerve) with supervised physical therapy could improve movement, balance, and daily life for people with Parkinson's disease. Twenty-five participants were randomly as…

This study tested a distance-learning program to train family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's dementia or traumatic brain injury (TBI). The goal was to teach strategies to reduce care-resistant behaviors—like agitation or aggression during bathing or taking medicine—to impr…

This study tested whether a single 4-hour therapy workshop could help women with obesity start and maintain healthier eating and exercise habits. Researchers compared 52 women who attended the workshop to a waitlist group, measuring changes in their mindset, body image, and behav…

This study tested a new phone-based support program for older adults living with moderate to severe COPD and the family or friends who help care for them. A trained nurse coach provided guidance over the phone to help manage symptoms, plan for the future, and improve daily life. …

This study tested whether a 4-week group program could help older adults (age 50+) living with HIV build resilience and better manage daily stress. Researchers enrolled 106 participants who had recent challenges with their HIV care. The program aimed to teach skills like positive…

This study tested a telehealth education program designed to help Black adults with chronic kidney disease and their care partners work together on health decisions. The program taught skills in communication and using social support. Researchers wanted to see if the program was …

This small study tested whether a non-drug, at-home treatment could help breast cancer patients with insomnia. Twenty participants with stage I-IV breast cancer used a device that delivers gentle electrical stimulation to the ear (called taVNS) nightly for a week. The main goal w…

This study tested whether a 12-week exercise program called 'movement-to-music' (M2M) could improve fitness and well-being in adults with physical disabilities like spinal cord injury, stroke, or multiple sclerosis. 108 participants were randomly assigned to either start the prog…

This small, completed pilot study explored whether an 8-week virtual reality gaming program could help children recovering from cancer. The program combined exercise and mindfulness activities. Researchers measured if it increased daily physical activity and improved participants…

This study tested whether a virtual reality (VR) training program could teach important real-world safety skills to people with low vision. 117 participants learned skills like judging when to cross a street, either from a VR system, a human specialist on real streets, or from ed…

This study tested whether a school-based mindfulness program could improve mental health and reduce stress for middle school students, particularly those with learning disabilities. Researchers worked with 68 students in 5th and 6th grades at schools serving underserved communiti…

This study tested a new telehealth platform that uses artificial intelligence to help adults with physical disabilities and chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes better manage their health. Participants tried different versions of the program, some with scheduled coac…

This study tested different monthly payment amounts to help breast cancer patients cover the costs of participating in clinical trials. Researchers worked with 33 women already in a breast cancer trial to find what payment amount best reduced their financial stress. They started …

This study aimed to understand how widespread Hepatitis B is among adults in Zambia and who is most at risk. Researchers tested over 5,000 people from randomly selected households to measure infection rates and identify factors linked to the disease. The goal was to gather inform…

This study aimed to create a more accurate kidney function test specifically for people with sickle cell disease. Researchers tested 120 children and adults with sickle cell to compare a new calculation method against the standard one. The goal is to improve how doctors monitor k…

This study aimed to create a safe, controlled model of influenza infection to better understand how the body fights the virus. Researchers gave a live nasal flu vaccine to 33 healthy adults to simulate an infection. They then collected samples from participants' noses to measure …

This study aimed to understand why some people with COVID-19 get much sicker than others. Researchers measured levels of specific proteins in the blood of 75 adult patients who tested positive for COVID-19. They wanted to see if these protein levels were linked to severe outcomes…

This study aimed to learn more about special repair cells found in gum tissue. Researchers collected small gum samples from seven patients during routine dental graft surgery to compare cells from the front and back of the roof of the mouth. The goal was to understand which cells…

This study aimed to understand how patients with metastatic breast cancer and their healthcare teams make treatment decisions together. Researchers interviewed 200 patients, nurses, and doctors to learn what information matters most when choosing treatments. The goal was to creat…

This small pilot study explored whether a brief exercise program could improve brain function and blood vessel health in older adults with high blood pressure. Researchers measured changes in fitness, eye blood vessels, thinking skills, and blood markers before and after exercise…

This study tested a new computer-based decision aid designed to help people with lupus and their doctors make treatment choices together. Researchers worked with 15 clinics and nearly 1,900 patients to see how well the tool could be put into regular practice. They measured how ma…

This study tested a new website called RecTech Match, designed to help adults with physical disabilities find accessible local exercise opportunities and connect with others. Seven participants tried the website and received health coaching calls to see if it could help them over…

This study aimed to understand how insomnia affects pain sensitivity, physical function, and inflammation in people living with HIV. Researchers followed 171 participants—some with HIV, some without, and some with insomnia—measuring their sleep patterns, pain responses, and blood…

This study aimed to better understand and document voice and swallowing problems that can occur after a patient needs a second neck surgery. Researchers followed 200 patients who were having a repeat procedure, checking their vocal cords and swallowing ability before and after su…

This study investigated whether the time of day people eat salt affects their blood pressure and body clock. Researchers tested 53 adults with obesity to see if avoiding high-salt foods before sleep could improve nighttime blood pressure and the body's natural daily rhythms. The …

This study aimed to understand how often severely ill COVID-19 patients on breathing machines develop dangerous fungal lung infections. Researchers observed 219 adult patients who were on ventilators for at least 3 days, using standard tests to look for infections. The goal was t…

This small, early study aimed to understand how a common antibiotic, amoxicillin, is processed by the body during pregnancy. Researchers measured drug levels in the blood of 13 healthy pregnant women to see how much medicine reaches the baby. The goal is to use this information t…

This study aimed to understand how much pressure different hospital beds put on a person's tailbone area when lying flat or with the head slightly raised. Researchers measured this pressure on 18 healthy volunteers for 15 minutes on each bed. The goal was to gather basic informat…

This study aimed to understand if certain variations in a person's Vitamin D receptor genes are linked to a higher risk of common skin cancers like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. Researchers enrolled 200 people in Alabama, aged 50 and older, including those with and with…

This study investigated whether the specific language used in MRI reports for lower back pain influences patients' pain levels and treatment choices. Researchers worked with 18 adults who had back pain and were getting an MRI. They wanted to see if clearer, less alarming report w…

This study tested if giving people a specific type of harmless gut bacteria could help their bodies handle a substance called oxalate, which is linked to kidney stones. Researchers gave 26 healthy adults the bacteria and measured oxalate levels in their urine and stool before and…

Acute exacerbations (AE) are a dreaded manifestation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) that presents with rapidly worsening respiratory function over days to weeks. AE account for about 1/2 the deaths in IPF patients, and are refractory to all medical therapies attempted to …