University Of Wisconsin, Madison

This study looked at whether an extra COVID-19 booster shot can strengthen the immune response in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with inflammatory bowel disease or organ transplant recipients. About 21 participants received the booster and were monitored for 6…

This study tested two smartphone-based programs to help people reduce risky drinking and its effects on their families after COVID-19. About 400 pairs of drinkers and a family member each used either a standard app, a drinker-focused app, or a family-focused app. The goal was to …

This study tested a new way of coordinating care for rural patients with diabetic foot ulcers, who are at higher risk of major leg amputation. The model connects rural clinics with specialists to ensure patients receive timely, guideline-based treatment. Researchers compared outc…

This study tested whether the drug abaloparatide could reduce bone loss after total knee replacement in people with osteoporosis or low bone density. Fifty-eight adults aged 55 and older received the drug before and after surgery. The main goal was to measure changes in bone dens…

This study tested a special type of radiation therapy (SBRT) for early-stage prostate cancer. The goal was to give a high dose of radiation directly to the tumor while protecting nearby healthy tissue like the urethra. 115 men took part, and researchers looked at side effects and…

This study tested a comprehensive care program to help smokers quit. About 979 adults who smoke daily took part. The program offered extra support and was compared to standard care over 18 months to see if more people quit and stayed smoke-free.

This study tested a specific chemotherapy combination given before surgery for people with triple-negative breast cancer. The goal was to see if the treatment could completely eliminate the cancer from the breast and lymph nodes. 29 participants received the drugs, and the main o…

This early-phase study tested the safety of combining the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab with precise, high-dose radiation (SBRT) to the liver in 15 adults with colorectal cancer that had spread only to the liver. The goal was to see if this combination could prevent the cancer…

This study looked at whether giving small weekly rewards for tracking what you eat and losing weight helps people with obesity lose more weight. Over 700 adults took part for 18 months. The main goal was to see if at least 5% weight loss was achieved at 26 weeks, with longer-term…

This study tested two different smoking cessation programs in 52 adults diagnosed with cancer in the past 3 years. One program offered 12 weeks of medication and 7 coaching calls focused on cancer, while the other offered 2 weeks of nicotine patches and 3 calls. The goal was to s…

This early-phase study tested an experimental drug, CLR 131, that delivers radiation directly to cancer cells, combined with standard external beam radiation. The goal was to see if this combination is safe and can deliver a high dose of radiation to tumors in people whose head a…

This study tested four different approaches to encourage adult smokers who weren't ready to quit to start smoking cessation treatments. Over 1,600 participants received combinations of financial incentives, personalized outreach, phone coaching, and free nicotine patches or medic…

This study tested a new rapid test called SPOTFIRE ST for throat infections in urgent care. About 200 people with sore throat symptoms were tested, and researchers looked at how well the test worked, how doctors and patients liked it, and whether it helped guide treatment decisio…

This study checked if an AI program called Rho AI can correctly identify osteoporosis from X-ray images. Researchers used 800 de-identified images from people who had joint or spine surgery. The goal was to see how well the AI's bone density scores match known cases of osteopenia…

This study tested whether a special PET/MRI scan using a tracer called FFNP can accurately measure progesterone receptors in invasive breast cancer. Twenty-one women with breast tumors at least 1 cm in size took part. The goal was to see if the scan results match the standard lab…

This study tested a community-based education program to help prevent strokes in Wisconsin Native Americans at high risk. The program trained health coaches and held events to teach about healthy living and stroke warning signs. 120 participants were followed for two years to see…

This study looked at whether a 10-week supervised physical activity program is practical and helpful for mothers of children with developmental disabilities. 19 mothers participated, either in the exercise group or a waitlist group. The goal was to see if the program could reduce…

This study tested whether a free smartphone app called the Healthy Minds Program can help reduce symptoms of depression. Over 1,100 adults with mild to moderate depression used the app for 4 weeks. Researchers compared the app to a basic mental health education program and a wait…

This study tested whether a 6-week group therapy program led by people with lived experience of incarceration can help reduce PTSD symptoms. 59 adults who had completed a prison or jail sentence and had PTSD took part. The goal was to see if this approach is feasible and helpful …

This study looked at whether an 8-week mindfulness program, done remotely via a smartphone app, can improve quality of life, reduce pain, and ease anxiety and depression in adults after hip preservation surgery. 128 people aged 18-45 took part. The goal was to see if learning min…

This study tested a group therapy called Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for incarcerated men and women with PTSD. 117 participants were either given the therapy or placed on a waitlist. The main goal was to see if the therapy reduced PTSD symptoms, with secondary goals of red…

This study explored whether gentle electrical brain stimulation given during sleep, combined with short daily meditation, can improve how people think flexibly and manage their emotions. Researchers enrolled 64 healthy adults and tracked changes in mood, stress, and thinking skil…

This small pilot study tested whether osteopathic manual treatment (OMT) is safe and practical for stroke survivors with shoulder pain on their affected side. Three adults who had a first-time stroke in the past 5 years received either OMT or a sham treatment weekly for about 6 w…

This study tested two different laser systems to break up kidney stones during a procedure called ureteroscopy. About 178 adults with kidney stones took part. The goal was to see which laser clears stones more completely and safely.

This study looked at whether doing moderate exercise right before a therapy session makes the therapy work better for depression. Forty adults with major depression took part. Some exercised before their weekly therapy, while others rested. The goal was to see if exercise helps p…

This study tested whether a brain-computer interface (BCI) system could help stroke survivors recover arm function. 84 participants with arm weakness after a stroke used the BCI to control muscle stimulation with their brain signals. The study measured improvements in arm movemen…

This study tested a 6-month in-home cycling program followed by 3 months of health coaching for 14 people with Parkinson's disease. The goal was to see if the program helped them perform daily tasks and improve sleep. Researchers measured changes in how well participants felt the…

This study tested a smoking cessation program for caregivers of children admitted to American Family Children's Hospital. 23 caregivers received a 20-minute counseling session and used nicotine patches and lozenges for 2 weeks. The goal was to see if caregivers would use the prog…

This study tested a physical activity program for breast and endometrial cancer survivors who were not getting enough exercise. The program used technology like fitness trackers and electronic health records to provide support, with extra help for those who needed it most. The go…

This study tested a virtual reality video game designed to help teenagers who have been exposed to violence learn to control their emotions. 74 youth aged 13-17 from the juvenile justice system took part. The goal was to see if the VR game was a feasible and enjoyable way to impr…

This study tested whether a 12-week training program (called the Integrated Stress Toolbox) could help healthcare workers in Mexico feel less stressed and burned out. Over 2,300 participants were randomly assigned to either the training or a waitlist. The training included an app…

This study tested new swallowing exercises for 76 people with Alzheimer's or related dementias who had trouble swallowing. The goal was to reduce leftover food in the throat after swallowing, which can lead to pneumonia. Participants worked with caregivers and therapists to impro…

This study looked at 62 adults with patellar tendon problems or ACL reconstruction to see if a special MRI scan (DTI) can show tendon damage better than standard methods. Participants had MRI and ultrasound scans, did knee function tests, and filled out questionnaires. The goal w…

This study tested whether a tool called DRIVESC can detect alcohol-related driving impairment. 22 healthy adults completed driving tasks at different alcohol levels. The goal was to see if the tool is practical and acceptable for measuring fitness to drive.

This pilot study looked at 5 people with advanced melanoma to find biological markers that could predict how well they respond to immunotherapy drugs like nivolumab or pembrolizumab. Researchers used special PET scans and blood tests before and during treatment to track immune ac…

This study looked at whether measuring swallowing pressures with a thin tube can help predict how well people with swallowing problems will respond to treatment. Researchers followed 4 adults undergoing swallowing therapy or a procedure to relieve throat blockage, comparing them …

This study explored whether teaching forgiveness can improve psychological health in first- and second-year college students. Researchers measured changes in well-being, self-esteem, anger, anxiety, hope, and bullying experiences. The study involved 40 students who completed surv…

This study tested whether gentle electrical stimulation during naps can increase certain brain waves linked to emotional health. 72 healthy adults who nap regularly took part. Researchers measured brain activity, mood, and alertness to see if the stimulation helped. The goal was …

This study looked at how sex and stress change blood flow in the brains of 42 healthy young adults (ages 18-40). Researchers used MRI and breathing tests to compare how men and women respond to low oxygen and high carbon dioxide. The goal was to understand these differences to he…

This study used wearable sensors to compare how different leg braces and artificial limbs affect movement during daily activities. Twenty people with lower-limb amputation, drop foot, or other leg impairments wore each device for several weeks. The goal was to understand which de…

This study looked at whether children who grow up on farms, and are exposed to many different microbes, have fewer and less severe respiratory illnesses. Researchers tracked cold symptoms and breathing problems in 290 children aged 4-12, comparing farm children with city children…

This study looked at how eating different colored carrots (red, purple-red, and purple) affects how well the body absorbs beneficial plant pigments called carotenoids and anthocyanins. Twelve healthy adults drank carrot juice from each color over several weeks, and researchers me…

This study tested a tool called "Best Case/Worst Case" to help older adults with advanced kidney disease talk with their doctors about future care. 407 patients and their doctors took part across ten clinics. The goal was to see if the tool helped more patients receive palliative…

This study looked at whether a lung ultrasound score can help doctors decide when to safely remove a breathing tube from newborn babies with breathing problems. 71 infants in the NICU had an ultrasound before and after their breathing tube was removed. The goal was to see if the …

This study tested a short video shown during a sexual assault medical exam, followed by text messages over the next month, to see if it could help prevent PTSD and opioid misuse. 50 adult survivors took part. The goal was to learn whether this approach is helpful and feasible, no…

This early-stage study tested whether it's possible to measure how two cannabis compounds (delta-9-THC and delta-8-THC) affect driving skills. Five adults who had used cannabis before took part. Researchers measured drug levels in blood and saliva and checked driving performance …

This study tested a program called MOVIN that encourages older hospital patients (65+) to walk more during their stay. Researchers wanted to see if this simple change could prevent loss of function and reduce hospital readmissions. The study involved 765 patients and nurses on ge…

This study tested a program to help people leaving prison get connected to medical care for HIV, hepatitis C, or substance use. 219 people took part, receiving support from a nurse before and after release. The goal was to see if the program was practical and well-liked, not to d…

This study explored how parents' own behaviors affect the quality of early language interactions with their children, especially for kids with language delays or autism. Researchers observed 156 parent-child pairs and measured how parents used language strategies like responsive …

This study tested how well vitamin A is absorbed from fortified bouillon cubes compared to an oil-based supplement. Fifty-eight healthy women consumed different vitamin A formulations in broth, and researchers measured vitamin levels in their blood. The goal is to see if adding v…

This study tested a program called TECH-Prep designed to help African American high school students and young adults with developmental disabilities explore careers in technology. The program included training and internships to increase interest in tech jobs, confidence, and rea…

This study tested whether a tool called "Best Case/Worst Case" helps doctors have better conversations with severely injured older adults (age 50+) and their families about treatment options. Researchers compared communication quality before and after surgeons learned to use the …

This study tested a program called REASSURE to help low-risk breast cancer survivors feel more prepared for their follow-up care. About 104 survivors took part for up to 18 months. The goal was to see if the program improved their confidence and reduced unnecessary care.

This study tested whether a thin pressure-sensing tube (high-resolution manometry) can accurately detect where the airway gets blocked during sleep in people with obstructive sleep apnea. Researchers compared it to the standard method, drug-induced sleep endoscopy, in 18 adults a…

This study talked to older adults who visited the emergency department and were identified by a computer system as being at high risk for future falls. Researchers wanted to learn why some patients did not schedule or attend follow-up appointments at a falls clinic. The goal is t…

This study looked at whether using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is better than standard finger-prick checks for pregnant women with type 2 diabetes. Sixteen participants were followed for about 26 weeks to see how well they managed their blood sugar and how they felt about …

This early study looked at how two approved constipation drugs, plecanatide and linaclotide, affect a chemical called cGMP in the small intestine. Researchers compared tissue samples from 43 adults with Barrett esophagus or GERD who took either drug or no drug. The goal was to me…

This study developed a computer program that can scan hospital records to find patients who may be misusing drugs or alcohol. Researchers tested it on nearly 65,000 adults admitted to the hospital. The goal was to see if the tool could help doctors offer counseling and support to…

This study looked at how young women with restrictive eating disorders respond to exercise, including changes in body image, mood, and blood markers. Researchers measured these responses in a lab and compared them to everyday activity. The goal is to better understand driven exer…

This study looked at how stroke risk factors affect the brains of Native American adults aged 55-90. Nineteen participants from the Oneida community had brain scans, carotid ultrasounds, and thinking tests. The goal was to learn more about why stroke risk is higher in this group.