University Of Alberta

This study looked at whether it is safe and helpful to reduce blood pressure medication in frail older adults living in long-term care. Over 500 residents with low blood pressure took part. In one group, doctors and pharmacists slowly lowered their blood pressure pills, while the…

This study tested a cream called Nefopam to see if it can prevent or reduce bad scars in burn patients. About 50 adults with burns received small, controlled cuts on their hips. One cut was treated with the cream, the other with a placebo. Researchers measured scar size, thicknes…

This study tested whether doxycycline, an antibiotic also used for gum disease, could prevent heart damage after a heart attack. 174 adults who had a severe heart attack took either doxycycline or a placebo twice a day for one week. Researchers used MRI scans three months later t…

This pilot study tested a plan for a larger Canada-wide trial. It looked at whether using a patient's own blood during heart surgery is as good as using donated blood products to reduce bleeding and complications. 64 adults at high risk for bleeding were randomly assigned to rece…

This study tested whether interval training or moderate continuous exercise could improve exercise capacity in 47 adults with congenital heart disease. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two exercise programs or usual care. The main goal was to see if exercise training…

This study looked at whether a short burst of electrical stimulation after surgery can help nerves in the arm grow back better. 136 adults with severe nerve injuries were randomly assigned to receive either the electrical stimulation or standard care. Researchers measured hand fu…

This study looked at whether specific neck exercises could reduce pain and improve daily function in women with long-term jaw joint and muscle disorders (TMD). 113 women with chronic jaw pain were split into two groups: one did 8 weeks of neck motor control exercises, while the o…

This study compared robot-assisted walking training (Lokomat) with standard physical therapy and a combination of both for 68 children with cerebral palsy aged 5-18. The goal was to see which approach best improves walking skills, balance, and quality of life. Results will help f…

This study looked at whether adding a digital remote monitoring system to a standard pulmonary rehabilitation program is practical for people with COPD. 78 participants were split into two groups: one received the enhanced program with digital monitoring, and the other received t…

This study looked at whether a mix of in-person and online physiotherapy sessions is practical for children aged 4 to 17 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Ten children and their parents tried the program, which used an online platform for exercises and education. The goal was to…

This study tested whether an artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced social robot could help children aged 5 to 11 feel less pain and distress during an IV insertion. The robot used distraction techniques like conversation and games, while the standard care group received usual sup…

This study looked at whether a 12-week program of gentle exercises combined with advanced compression sleeves can reduce arm swelling in breast cancer survivors. The swelling, called lymphedema, can happen after surgery. The study enrolled 60 women to see if they could stick with…

This study looked at whether a short-term, plant-based low-calorie diet (called a fasting mimicking diet) could improve depressive symptoms in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 42 adults with mild to moderate depression and IBD completed three 5-day diet cycles. Resea…

This study looked at whether giving children with migraines just intravenous (IV) fluids (salt water) in the emergency department can help reduce their headache pain. 46 children took part. The goal was to see if fluids alone, without extra medicine, could ease symptoms.

This study tested a 12-week online program that combines gentle movement, breathing exercises, and coping skills for adults with chronic conditions like heart failure, liver disease, or cancer. The goal was to see if it could reduce anxiety and depression. Over 800 people took pa…

This study tested a 10-week online wellness program for women with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a chronic liver disease. The program included guided breathing, meditation, gentle movement, and optional nutrition advice. Researchers wanted to see if the program was easy to f…

This study tested whether a steroid injection into the thumb joint can reduce pain and improve hand function for people with thumb arthritis. 61 adults with thumb arthritis received either a steroid shot or a placebo (salt water) shot, both with numbing medicine. Researchers meas…

This study tested if metformin, a common diabetes medicine, can help improve language, behavior, and weight control in people with Fragile X syndrome. 125 participants aged 6 to 35 were randomly assigned to receive metformin or a placebo for 4 months. The main goal was to see if …

This study tested whether a mobile app exercise program is practical and helpful for women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. 32 women participated. The program included guided exercises and education delivered through the app. Researchers measured how many women stuck w…

This study looked at how reducing sedentary behavior and using brain imaging can help personalize rehabilitation after a stroke. 55 adults who had a stroke within the past 3 months wore activity monitors and were randomly assigned to a program to sit less and move more. The goal …

This study looked at 30 adults having wrist fracture surgery to compare how much waste and carbon dioxide different anesthesia methods produce. Participants received either general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, or both. Researchers weighed the trash and measured emissions to f…

This study looked at whether eating at least two eggs a day can help cancer patients regain lost muscle and improve their nutrition after finishing treatment. Only 2 people took part, and half started the egg diet right away while the other half waited 4 weeks. The goal was to se…

This study gathered information from 32 people to better understand cytolytic vaginosis, a poorly understood condition. Researchers aimed to identify risk factors, common symptoms, and how to diagnose it, as well as whether baking soda rinses help. The goal was to collect data to…

This study tested whether a smartphone app (MyREADY Transition CHD) helps 16-17 year olds with congenital heart disease learn to manage their own health as they move from pediatric to adult care. 207 teens used either the app for 18 months or had a single session with a nurse. Re…

This study tested two different methods for setting a dental sleep appliance to treat obstructive sleep apnea. One method uses speech sounds to find the jaw position, while the other uses the standard forward-push technique. Eleven adults with sleep apnea completed the trial to s…

This study looked at how speech production helps reading in adults with and without dyslexia. Participants did reading tasks while sucking a lollipop, holding a bite bar, or having their mouth numbed with lidocaine. The goal was to see if these motor changes affect reading speed …

This study tested a set of tablet games called VibrantMinds in 26 older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. The games are designed to measure thinking skills like memory and attention in a fun, engaging way. Researchers want to see if these games can work as well a…

This study looked at whether having people on dialysis fill out regular questionnaires about their symptoms and well-being helps them communicate better with their healthcare team. Over 3,900 patients from dialysis centers in Alberta and Ontario took part. Some patients completed…

This study looked at whether the design of a common ADHD screening questionnaire influences how people answer. Researchers tested different versions of the form with 587 adults in a family medicine clinic. The goal was to see if shading or grouping certain answer choices made it …

This study tested whether using common asthma inhalers for 4 weeks can affect blood vessels and heart function in healthy people aged 18 to 40. Participants used either Ventolin, Symbicort, or a placebo inhaler and underwent lung tests, exercise tests, and ultrasound scans. The g…

This study tested whether a breathing technique called volume-targeted ventilation is practical for very premature infants (born between 23 and 28 weeks) who need help breathing right after birth. 52 babies were randomly assigned to receive either standard pressure-based breathin…