University Of Pittsburgh

This study tested a 16-week online program called Sleep GOALS to help new mothers lose weight by improving their sleep, diet, and physical activity. Forty postpartum women with a BMI over 25 and poor sleep were enrolled. The program provided strategies and self-monitoring tools t…

This study tested a program called Family Check-Up Heart, which adds heart-health coaching to regular home visits for new moms and their babies. About 150 mothers who had Medicaid and recently gave birth took part. The goal was to see if the program could help moms manage weight,…

This study tested two team-based care models for 657 adults with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or ulcerative colitis) who also had mild to severe behavioral health symptoms. One model used in-person visits with a team including a gastroenterologist, nurse, nutritionist, and…

This study tested a 1-year online program designed to help adults aged 40-70 who are at risk for heart disease become more physically active. Participants either received a fitness tracker plus online coaching and goal-setting sessions, or just a fitness tracker with standard act…

This study tested a program called Creating Peace that helps teens aged 14-19 learn to prevent violence and address racism. Over 500 teens took part in community groups. The program aimed to reduce physical, sexual, and emotional violence, as well as weapon carrying, by teaching …

This study tested whether a 12-week healthy lifestyle program could prevent depression in older adults who recently lost a spouse. Participants used digital tools to track sleep, meals, and activity, plus received weekly health coaching. The goal was to see if this approach reduc…

This pilot study tested a 6-week family-based program called Juntos to prevent dating violence among Latine adolescents aged 12-16 and their caregivers. 41 families in Pittsburgh were randomly assigned to the program or a resource guide. The study measured how acceptable and feas…

This study looked at how common mild cognitive impairment is among adults aged 50-65 in Kerala, India, and tested a one-month program combining nutrition advice, exercise, brain games, social support, and heart health management. The goal was to see if this approach is practical …

This study tested a group telehealth program called TREAT-ED for young adults aged 18-26 with type 1 diabetes. The program used video sessions led by a diabetes educator to teach self-management skills. The goal was to see if this approach could improve participation in diabetes …

This study tested a program to reduce anticholinergic medications (like benztropine) in 53 adults with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other serious mental illnesses who had been taking these drugs for at least 6 months. The goal was to safely taper or stop these medications …

This study tested two types of talk therapy for teenagers with anorexia nervosa, delivered at home instead of a clinic. 77 teens and their families participated to see if home-based treatment is effective and acceptable. The goal was to improve weight, eating habits, and family s…

This study tested whether letting people put weight on their hip as soon as they can after hip labral repair and femoroplasty helps them recover faster. 49 participants were followed after surgery to see if early weight bearing improved hip function and quality of life without ca…

This study tested a behavioral sleep program for 16 depressed teenagers who slept less than 7 hours on school nights or had irregular sleep schedules. The program included one session with a provider and used smartphone tools to help teens create a plan for longer and more regula…

This study tested a sleep improvement program for people with cancer and their intimate partners who also have sleep problems. The goal was to reduce insomnia and improve sleep quality. Only 2 couples took part, so results are very limited.

This study tested a metacognitive strategy training for 45 stroke survivors who have trouble paying attention to one side of their world (called neglect). The training aimed to improve their self-awareness and ability to do daily tasks. Results will show if this approach reduces …

This study tested a program called Maximizing Energy to help women who finished breast cancer treatment manage their fatigue. Fifteen women took part, either in the program or a general health education group, over six online sessions. Researchers checked if women stayed in the s…

This study tested whether a program called Strategy Training can help older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) manage everyday tasks like shopping, paying bills, and taking medication. The training, delivered by occupational therapists, teaches goal-setting, scheduling, …

This study tested whether an 8-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in pregnant women at risk for psychological distress. 84 women participated, with some receiving MBCT and others getting usual care. The goal was to u…

This study tested whether an Apple Watch paired with a special app and weekly health coaching could help dementia caregivers improve their sleep and mood. Twenty-one caregivers wore the watch to track their activity and sleep, and received personalized feedback and motivational c…

This small pilot study tested whether giving night shift nurses access to a napping/relaxation room and blue/green light blocking glasses is practical and might improve their health and reduce burnout. Five nurses from one hospital took part. The study focused on whether nurses w…

This study tested a modified telehealth program called MAAT-YS for young adult survivors of childhood cancer (ages 18-39) who have memory or attention problems from their past treatment. Seven participants completed 8 weekly video sessions and homework to improve their cognitive …

This small study tested a 10-week online mindfulness program in 15 young adults (ages 18-29) who experienced childhood trauma. Participants took group mindfulness classes online and reported their stress levels and gave blood samples before and after the program. The goal was to …

This study explored whether a 6-week online yoga program could help women who had a mild concussion experience post-traumatic growth — positive psychological changes like finding new meaning or strength. 27 women from a Facebook group took part. The yoga sessions included gentle …

This pilot study tested whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS could improve balance and thinking in older women who had chemotherapy for breast cancer. 48 women aged 50-85 took part. The results will show if this approach can help with common side effects…

This study looked at whether washing fat with saline before injecting it into the face improves skin appearance more than using unwashed fat. Twenty-six healthy women aged 35 to 70 with visible signs of aging received fat grafts on both sides of their face. Researchers measured c…

This study tested whether daily text messages and small financial rewards could motivate overweight teens and young adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes to be more physically active. 75 participants wore a Fitbit and received different combinations of texts and incentives o…

This study tested a personalized treatment plan for people with mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) that targets specific symptoms like anxiety, headaches, vision problems, and sleep issues. 169 adults with recent concussions were assigned to either the targeted treatment or…

This study tested whether doctors can use simple decision guides to better manage opioid misuse behaviors in patients on long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain. Researchers worked with 49 clinicians at community clinics to see if the guides were easy to use and helpful. The go…

This study looked at how older adults (65+) adapt their walking when one leg moves faster than the other on a split-belt treadmill. Researchers measured brain activity and balance to understand the link between automatic walking and mobility. The goal was to learn more about how …

This study tested a training program for prenatal healthcare providers to help them use medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder during pregnancy. Researchers looked at data from over 1,000 patients to see if the program increased use of MAT and improved health…

This study tested a digital suicide prevention program for teens in pediatric primary care. Thirty at-risk youth aged 12-17 and their parents used the tool, which helps doctors identify and address suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The goal was to see if the program is practical a…

This pilot study gave 100 families of infants a kit with a thermometer, pulse oximeter, ear scope, and swab tests to use during telemedicine visits. The goal was to see if families would use the kit and find it helpful. Researchers measured how many families stayed in the study a…

This study tested whether a remote training program helps rehabilitation professionals teach manual wheelchair users how to use their chairs more safely and effectively. 235 clinicians took part and were split into three groups: one received remote feedback, one did structured se…

This completed study looked at how the brain controls the bladder in older women with urgency urinary incontinence. Researchers used MRI scans to compare brain activity during bladder filling and emptying in 207 women, both young and old, with and without incontinence. The goal w…

This study tested whether a custom video game called Night Shift can improve how emergency physicians follow trauma triage guidelines. 800 board-certified doctors who work in non-trauma center ERs across the US participated. Some played the game for 2 hours initially and then 20 …

This study looked at whether adding specialty palliative care early on to standard intensive care can improve the experience for critically ill older adults (age 60+) and their families. Over 1,000 patients and their family members took part. The goal was to see if this approach …

This study tested a web-based tool to support family members who make medical decisions for critically ill older adults unable to speak for themselves. The tool provided information about the ICU, helped families prepare for meetings with doctors, and shared their questions and c…

This study looked at whether manual therapy, exercise, and acupuncture can reduce pain and improve walking in older adults with lumbar spinal stenosis, a common cause of back and leg pain. Researchers enrolled 60 participants to see if a larger trial is possible. The goal is to f…

This study looked at 52 adults with dizziness and balance problems from a one-sided inner ear disorder. Researchers measured how well people functioned before and after a standard balance therapy program. The goal was to see if things like dizziness severity or personal factors c…

This study looked back at the medical records of 38 people who have a specific genetic form of propionic acidemia, a rare metabolic disorder. The goal was to describe how the condition progresses over time, especially heart problems, and to create a better plan for preventive car…

This study looked at two ways to help people with advanced cancer plan their future medical care: one-on-one talks with a trained nurse or social worker (in person or by phone), or using a website on their own. Over 600 patients took part to see which method helped them think abo…

This study followed 600 lung transplant recipients at the University of Pittsburgh to see how common viral and bacterial infections are and how they affect long-term health. Researchers focused on whether a specific infection (C. pneumoniae) is linked to a condition called bronch…

This completed study looked at 557 newborns with brain injury to see if advanced MRI scans can predict their future thinking and learning abilities. Researchers compared MRI results with developmental tests taken over time. The goal is to find better ways to screen and treat brai…

This study compared two types of liquid food (Pediasure and Nourish) to see how they affect the gut bacteria in 32 critically ill children ages 1-17 in the ICU. Researchers collected stool and saliva samples to track changes in the microbiome. The goal was to understand how diffe…

This study tested a smartphone app to collect quality-of-life reports from children who had a liver transplant and their parents. The goal was to see if using the app could help doctors better understand and support these children. About 200 children aged 8 to 20 and their parent…

This pilot study tested a program called PICTURE-THIS, designed to help people who survived a stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and their families transition back home. The program includes care coordination, check-ins over three months, and rehabilitation support. The study …

This study looked at whether aerobic exercise can improve thinking skills and brain structure in older adults who have recovered from late-life depression. Forty-six participants aged 60 and older completed supervised exercise sessions over 6 months. Researchers measured changes …

This study looked at how stressful childhood experiences affect the ability of teens aged 12-15 with depression symptoms to learn a coping skill called cognitive restructuring. The skill helps teens notice and challenge negative thoughts. Researchers measured skill learning and r…

This study looked at how the brain pays attention to negative images in teenage girls at risk for depression. Researchers used EEG to measure brain waves and tested if a type of feedback training could change attention patterns and reduce sad moods. The goal is to find new ways t…

This study tested whether using Fitbits and daily smartphone surveys after bladder cancer surgery can help doctors catch problems early and reduce hospital readmissions. 38 patients participated, with half receiving the remote monitoring program. The goal was to see if this appro…

This study looked at brain scans of 195 young adults (ages 18-30) with moderate to severe congenital heart disease to find signs of brain injury. The goal was to see if these brain changes could help predict memory or thinking problems later in life. No new treatments were tested…

This study looked at whether a special teamwork-focused training helps rural child advocacy centers better screen children for mental health problems after trauma. 147 staff members from these centers took part. The goal was to see if this approach makes it easier for centers to …

This study tested whether using online tools like videos and resources on Discord could help sexual and gender minority youth (ages 14-19) seek help for depression and anxiety. 81 participants joined groups on Discord with different combinations of tools for 4 weeks. The goal was…

This study looks at how chemotherapy changes sperm DNA in men with cancer. Researchers collect semen samples before treatment and one week after the first round of chemo. They compare the DNA and quality of the sperm to understand short-term effects. The goal is to learn more abo…

This study tested whether a computer system that alerts pharmacists about patients at risk for drug-related kidney injury can help doctors make safer medication decisions. The trial involved 698 hospitalized adults across eight hospitals. Pharmacists reviewed alerts and made reco…

This study looked at two community-based wellness programs for adults with disabilities like spina bifida, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury. Researchers measured changes in health, mood, quality of life, and healthcare costs over up to 24 months. The…

This study looked at how the brain's temporal lobe processes speech in 48 people with epilepsy who were already undergoing brain monitoring for their condition. Participants listened to sounds with varying pitch and timing while their brain activity was recorded. The goal was to …