University Of British Columbia

This study looked at non-surgical treatments for a condition called gastrocutaneous fistula (GCF) in children. GCF is a persistent opening between the stomach and skin that can occur after a feeding tube is removed. The study tested a bundle of non-surgical options to see if they…

This study tested whether a resistance exercise program (like lifting weights) could help maintain brain health and thinking skills in older adults with vascular cognitive impairment—a condition where small blood vessel damage in the brain causes memory and thinking problems. 91 …

This study tested whether an oral antibiotic (moxifloxacin) works as well as IV antibiotics for people with moderate skin infections (cellulitis) in the emergency department. About 390 adults took either a daily pill or daily IV treatment for 3-5 days. Researchers measured how ma…

This study tested whether people with ulcerative colitis can avoid symptom flare-ups by regularly testing a marker of gut inflammation (fecal calprotectin) at home. Over 700 adults in remission used a smartphone-based test kit to detect inflammation early, allowing doctors to adj…

This study tested a new blood test called HEARTBiT that may detect when the body is rejecting a transplanted heart. Currently, patients need many invasive heart biopsies to check for rejection. The test looks at 9 RNA markers in the blood and could be faster, cheaper, and less pa…

This study tested whether offering genetic testing for familial hypercholesterolemia (an inherited form of very high cholesterol) to people hospitalized for a heart attack could help doctors diagnose the condition earlier. Researchers enrolled 140 patients under age 60 who had a …

This study looked at whether a modified Mediterranean-ketogenic diet is safe for the gut microbiome in people with Parkinson's disease. Fifty-two adults with mild to moderate Parkinson's followed the diet for 8 weeks. Researchers measured gut inflammation and other markers to see…

This study tested a dietary supplement made from medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat found in coconut oil, in 43 people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease or a related language disorder. The main goal was to see if the supplement was safe and tolerable, and to…

This study tested whether a set of exercises called FAST (Fast muscle Activation and Stepping Training) can improve walking balance in people who had a stroke. 55 participants who had their first stroke less than 6 months ago and had weakness on one side took part. They did 12 se…

This study looked at how well a smartphone app that uses breath biofeedback helps people with overweight or obesity lose weight over two years. Over 11,500 adults used the app as part of their normal routine, and researchers analyzed their weight data. The goal was to see how muc…

This study tested a 7-week program that teaches people with spinal cord injury how to manage their chronic pain using brain-based education, coaching, and tools like movement and massage. Twelve adults in Canada took part in group sessions and one-on-one coaching to learn pain se…

This study tested a program called OPERAS for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Participants used a web app to track symptoms and medication, and received remote coaching from a physiotherapist using a Fitbit. The goal was to see if this approach helps people feel more confident …

This study tested whether playing a video during an eye exam helps young children (ages 1 to 4) stay still and cooperate. The goal was to make it easier for doctors to see the back of the eye, which is important for checking brain health. About 100 children took part, and researc…

This study tested if applying an ice compress to the neck before Botox injections can reduce pain for people with spasmodic dysphonia, a chronic voice disorder. 116 adults receiving Botox injections in the larynx completed pain questionnaires right after the procedure. The goal w…

This study tested a non-drug treatment called myoActivation for chronic pain in 41 people from marginalized communities. The treatment involves a structured assessment and hands-on therapy to reduce pain and improve daily life. Researchers measured pain levels, function, and qual…

This study tested whether using a Fitbit activity tracker, a smartphone app, and brief coaching from a physical therapist could help people with knee osteoarthritis become more active and sit less. Fifty-one adults with knee arthritis took part. The goal was to see if these tools…

This study tested whether letting children watch a short video during an eye exam helps doctors see the back of the eye more easily. 60 children aged 1-8 took part. The goal was to see if videos improve success and speed of the exam.

This study looked at whether different types of exercise—aerobic (like walking) and resistance (like lifting weights)—can improve thinking and memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, a condition that can lead to dementia. Researchers enrolled 226 adults in Vancouve…

This study looked at how much methionine, a building block of protein, pregnant women need during early and late pregnancy. Researchers used safe, non-invasive breath tests to measure this in 69 healthy women. The goal is to improve dietary recommendations, which are currently ba…

This study gathered movement data from 100 older adults (65+) using wearable sensors and video. The goal was to create a computer algorithm that can predict future falls. By identifying those at high risk, doctors can offer help sooner.

This study looked at how people with spinal cord injury experience bladder catheterization, both physically and emotionally. Researchers measured heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety levels in 22 adults during self-catheterization and when a nurse performed it. The goal was to…

This study tested whether a ketone supplement can alter appetite-related hormones in adults with obesity compared to those without. Twenty-six participants received either a ketone drink or a placebo with a meal, and researchers measured hunger and fullness hormones over several …

This study tested a modified behavioral parent training program for parents of children with ADHD who also have their own ADHD or depression symptoms. The goal was to see if changes to the program help parents engage more and improve their parenting skills. Thirty-three parents t…

This study tested whether artificial intelligence (AI) can create multiple-choice exam questions for first-year medical students as well as humans can. 258 students took a mock exam with either AI-generated or human-written questions. Researchers compared test scores and question…

This study looked at how lactose, the sugar found in milk, affects blood sugar, insulin, and fat levels compared to other sugars like glucose and sucrose. Sixteen healthy men participated by drinking different sugar solutions and having their blood tested afterward. The goal was …

This study followed over 1,700 women for up to 10 years to see if testing for the HPV virus alone is as safe and effective as using both an HPV test and a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer. Participants provided a cervical sample for both tests. The goal was to measure rates…

This study looked at whether a special guide for doctors can improve how they manage mental health problems after a mild concussion. 537 adults who went to the emergency room within 72 hours of their injury took part. The goal was to see if the guide helps doctors identify and tr…

This study tested whether using low-intensity focused ultrasound on a brain area called the zona incerta (ZI) can reduce tremors in people with Parkinson's disease. Twenty participants completed the study, which compared this new target to the standard target. The goal was to und…

This study looked at whether women need different amounts of leucine—a key protein building block—at different times of their menstrual cycle. Researchers studied 13 women with regular cycles, using breath and urine tests after special meals. The goal is to create better nutritio…

This study tested a multi-day training course called Transfusion Camp for graduating medical students and first-year interns in Rwanda. The goal was to improve their knowledge and confidence in using blood products safely in district hospitals. Researchers measured learning throu…

This study looked at how appetite and food intake change across the menstrual cycle in healthy women aged 18-35. Researchers measured eating habits, metabolism, and body composition at two different points in the cycle. The goal was to better understand how hormones might influen…

This study looked at a community-led outreach program for women and youth who have experienced gender-based violence. Over two years, 86 participants received help connecting with health and social services. The goal was to see if the program could build trust, improve safety at …

This study aimed to find out how much tryptophan (an amino acid found in food) healthy pregnant women need. Researchers used a safe, noninvasive technique that tracks a special tracer in breath and urine. 29 pregnant women participated to help improve dietary recommendations for …

This study looked at whether a simple home exercise program (the Otago Exercise Program) could reduce fall risk in older adults (65+) who have mild memory problems and recently broke a hip from a fall. About 60 participants were followed for 6 months. The goal was to see if the e…

This small study tested whether simple breath and urine tests can measure how well muscles produce energy in children with metabolic myopathies. Three participants completed a 12-week at-home physiotherapy program. Researchers used these non-invasive tests before and after the pr…

This study looked at 300 people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to see if certain genes make some patients more likely to develop liver injury from the drug beta-interferon. Researchers compared those who had liver problems to those who did not. The goal was to find genetic clues th…

This study looked at whether a two-step screening process could identify postmenopausal women at higher risk for endometrial (uterine) cancer. First, researchers used a risk model to find women with a 10-year risk of 2% or more or a BMI over 34.9. Those women then took a short co…