Va Office Of Research And Development

This study tested a nurse-led program to help veterans with HIV control their blood pressure and reduce their risk of heart disease. 305 veterans took part. The program used video visits and care coordination to improve blood pressure treatment. The goal was to see if this approa…

This study tested whether a small wearable sensor, combined with a computer model, could detect early signs of worsening heart failure and alert doctors. The goal was to adjust treatment early and avoid hospital stays. The study enrolled 176 veterans with heart failure and random…

This study tested whether a program of diet, aerobic exercise, and balance training could improve nerve function and balance in people with prediabetes or early type 2 diabetes. About 61 participants were assigned to either the program or standard care. The goal was to see if the…

This study tested a program of weight loss, exercise, and the diabetes drug metformin in 114 older veterans (ages 65-85) who were obese and frail. The goal was to see if this combination could improve physical function, strength, and mobility better than lifestyle changes alone. …

This study looked at whether long-term aerobic exercise can slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. Researchers enrolled 57 adults aged 40 and older with mild to moderate Parkinson's. Participants exercised regularly to improve fitness, and the team measured changes in movem…

This study tested a weight management program called CoachToFit for 257 people with serious mental illness (like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) who were obese. The program used a mobile app and support from peer specialists to help participants eat healthier and be more activ…

This study tested whether repeated sessions of passive heating (like sitting in a warm room or bath) could reduce inflammation and improve heart and blood vessel health in people with spinal cord injury. Ten participants with stable spinal cord injury underwent heating sessions t…

This study looked at whether veterans with serious mental illness (like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) can benefit from a program led by peer specialists—people who also have a serious mental illness and are trained to help others. The program teaches skills to correct unhelp…

This study looked at whether adding the antibiotic rifampin to usual treatment can prevent foot or leg amputations in people with diabetes who have a bone infection (osteomyelitis). Over 800 veterans took part. The goal was to see if the combination works better than standard ant…

This study looked at 1,424 veterans with heart problems who had major surgery. It compared giving blood when hemoglobin drops below 10 (liberal) versus below 7 (restrictive) to see which approach reduces the risk of death, heart attack, kidney failure, or stroke within 90 days. T…

This pilot study tested whether combining electrical muscle stimulation with vitamin D supplements could improve bone quality in veterans with chronic spinal cord injury. Six participants received the treatment over 9 months, and researchers measured changes in bone structure usi…

This study tested whether people with arm paralysis from a spinal cord injury could control hand movements using their own brain signals. One participant used a brain implant to command small electrodes in the arm and hand, which stimulated muscles to form different grasp pattern…

This study tested a new group therapy program called Project Life Force (PLF) against standard care for veterans at high risk of suicide. PLF helps veterans build and improve their personal safety plans over 10 sessions using skills like emotion regulation and coping. The goal wa…

This study tested a simple, portable virtual reality system to measure balance in veterans with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, a spine condition that affects walking and stability. Eight participants completed balance tasks under different visual and surface conditions. The goa…

This small study tested whether a type of laser treatment (fractional CO2 laser) can reduce pain and discomfort from scars on the residual limb of veterans with lower-leg amputations. Ten participants received the laser therapy and were monitored for changes in prosthetic use, wa…

This study tested whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) — a noninvasive treatment that uses a powerful magnet to stimulate specific brain regions — can improve daily functioning in veterans with PTSD. Researchers compared real TMS to a sham (fake) treatment in 59 vetera…

This study tested a virtual mindfulness-based program to help Veterans with depression and difficulty adjusting to civilian life. 36 Veterans who served after 2001 took part. The goal was to see if the program could reduce depressive symptoms and improve community reintegration.

This study tested a new program for veterans who have both PTSD and a smoking habit. It combined a proven PTSD therapy (Cognitive Processing Therapy) with extra support to quit smoking, including counseling, medication, and rewards for staying smoke-free. The goal was to see if t…

This study tested two different group exercise programs delivered by video call to help people with multiple sclerosis manage leg spasticity (muscle tightness). 232 participants with MS who had leg spasticity interfering with daily life took part. The goal was to see if these vid…

This study looked at ways to reduce diabetes distress—the feeling of being overwhelmed by daily diabetes tasks—in veterans with type 2 diabetes. Researchers first asked veterans to take photos of their experiences to better understand their struggles. Then, they tested a phone-ba…

This study tested whether morning bright light therapy could improve sleep, reduce pain, and boost quality of life in 77 veterans with chronic mild traumatic brain injury. Participants used a light box each morning for several weeks. The goal was to see if better sleep leads to l…

This study tested a home-based, technology-delivered program to help older veterans (65+) with a past traumatic brain injury improve their thinking skills, like attention and planning. 29 veterans took part. The goal was to see if doing these exercises at home could boost daily f…

This study looked at whether a 16-week program of aerobic and resistance exercise could improve heart and muscle function and reduce inflammation in 33 HIV-infected veterans aged 50 and older. Participants exercised on treadmills and did strength training. The goal was to see if …

This study tested whether repeated doses of ketamine could speed up the benefits of prolonged exposure therapy for veterans with PTSD. 75 veterans received either ketamine or a placebo alongside their therapy sessions. The goal was to see if ketamine could reduce PTSD symptoms fa…

This study tested whether a non-invasive magnetic brain stimulation technique can reduce apathy—a severe lack of motivation—in older Veterans with mild memory problems. About 100 participants received either real or fake stimulation over 20 sessions. The goal was to see if the tr…

This study tested a type of talk therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) designed to help veterans with PTSD improve their social support and relationships. 107 veterans took part, and the therapy focused on reducing avoidance and building connections with family, …

This study looked at two ways to help Veterans with chronic insomnia get brief behavioral therapy in primary care clinics. One approach trained providers to deliver the therapy, and the other added extra support to help them use it. The goal was to see if more Veterans would get …

This study tested two different 2-month training courses to see which one better helps people with psychosis improve their daily social interactions and quality of life. 113 veterans took part. The goal was to find a more effective way to boost social functioning.

This study tested two sleep medications, trazodone and eszopiclone, in 673 veterans with PTSD and insomnia. The goal was to see if these drugs could improve sleep quality over 12 weeks. Researchers measured changes using the Insomnia Severity Index and also tracked PTSD symptoms.

This study tested whether neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can help veterans with blood cancers maintain physical function and reduce fatigue during stem cell transplant. 46 participants used NMES while hospitalized. The goal was to see if this alternative exercise app…

This study tested a workshop called STEP-Home for 221 post-9/11 Veterans struggling with reintegration after service. The workshop teaches practical skills like emotional control, problem-solving, and attention to improve daily life and reduce anger. It is designed as a non-stigm…

This study tested a personalized version of Cognitive Rehabilitation and Exposure/Sorting Therapy (CREST) for Veterans with hoarding disorder. 60 Veterans received either the personalized therapy or standard case management. The goal was to see if the therapy could improve daily …

This study tested whether an internet-based walking program with a pedometer could help veterans with COPD who cannot attend hospital rehab become more active. 146 veterans took part, and their daily step counts were measured. The goal was to see if this approach could improve ph…

This study tested whether a natural steroid called pregnenolone can improve PTSD symptoms in 96 Iraq/Afghanistan veterans. Over 10 weeks, participants took either pregnenolone or a placebo and had regular check-ins and mental health assessments. The goal was to see if the supplem…

This study looked at whether adding CBD (a non-psychoactive cannabis compound) to standard talk therapy (Prolonged Exposure) could improve PTSD symptoms in military veterans. 136 veterans took part in a randomized trial comparing CBD plus therapy to a placebo plus therapy. The go…

This study tested a web-based decision support tool called MyPath, designed to help women veterans discuss their reproductive goals—like planning a pregnancy or choosing birth control—with their VA doctors. About 465 women took part, with half receiving a link to the tool before …

This study explored whether brain activity and thinking skills can predict how well veterans with cocaine use disorder respond to a behavioral treatment called contingency management (CM). 63 veterans participated, receiving either CM or standard care. Researchers measured brain …

This study tested a new approach called Patient Priorities Care in 420 older veterans with multiple health problems. Instead of just following standard medical guidelines, doctors worked with patients to identify what matters most to them—like staying independent or spending time…

This study tested a special manual wheelchair that lets people with spinal cord injuries stand up while moving around. The goal was to see if using this chair at home and in the community helps veterans stand more and feel more satisfied with their daily activities. Twenty-five v…

This study tested a program to help VA doctors and nurses practice mindfulness—a way to focus and reduce stress—by using hand washing as a reminder. About 343 hospital staff took part. The goal was to see if this approach could improve their well-being and increase proper hand hy…

This study looked at different methods for screening male veterans for osteoporosis (weak bones) to find the most effective approach. Over 3,500 high-risk veterans took part. The goal was to see which screening model leads to more people getting tested and treated, helping preven…

This study tested a program called SLAC that helps Veterans who drink heavily and have PTSD or depression get connected to alcohol care. About 140 Veterans took part and were randomly assigned to either the SLAC program plus usual care or usual care alone. The goal was to see if …

This study tested whether public messages can encourage veterans who recently left the military and are thinking about suicide to seek mental health care. Researchers enrolled 355 veterans who had suicidal thoughts but were not in treatment. They sent different messages and track…

This study looked at whether trained peer specialists—fellow Veterans who have faced similar challenges—can help reduce suicide risk. 17 Veterans with depression and high suicide risk received support focused on building hope, connection, and a sense of purpose. The goal was to s…

This study looked at how well people with ankle arthritis functioned after different types of surgery. Researchers used surveys, step counts, and walking tests to measure outcomes. The goal was to find out which surgery leads to better function and quality of life. The study incl…

This study explored how different physical activities impact short-term pain flares and long-term recovery in people with low back pain. Researchers followed 416 veterans to identify which activities help or worsen symptoms. The goal was to provide clearer guidance for managing b…

This study looked at whether taking calcium before exercise could help bones get stronger. Blood calcium drops during exercise, and the body pulls calcium from bones to compensate, which might reduce the bone-building benefits of exercise. Researchers tested this idea in 18 Veter…

This study looked at how mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) affects a person's ability to control impulses, focus, and manage emotions. Researchers used brain scans (fMRI) to see how memory and self-regulation work in the brains of 55 veterans with mTBI. They also tested whether …

This study tested whether smartphone data—like activity, sleep, and social patterns—could help track the mental health of veterans with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or PTSD. 87 veterans used a special app that passively collected this data. Th…

This study looked at brain activity in people with and without Parkinson's disease while they moved their legs. Researchers wanted to see if two types of partnered dance could change brain signals. About 87 people took part, and the goal was to learn more about how the brain cont…

This study created and tested a mobile app called VetEd to help student veterans with mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety do better in college. Researchers worked with 13 veterans to design the app and check if it was easy to use and helpful. The goal was …

This study looked at whether measuring the skin's electrical activity can give an early warning before a dementia patient becomes agitated or aggressive. Researchers monitored 21 patients in a VA hospital to see if these signals could predict outbursts. The goal is to help caregi…

This study tested a 12-week program where older veterans with multiple health conditions received diet and exercise guidance from trained peer leaders. The goal was to see if this approach could improve their diet quality, mobility, and endurance. Thirty veterans took part, and t…

This study looked at how often thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency occurs in hospitalized veterans who do not abuse alcohol. Researchers measured blood thiamine levels in 206 participants and also checked for links to inflammation, diet, and food insecurity. The goal was to better u…

This study looked at how veterans with HIV use My HealtheVet, an online health tool from the VA. Researchers reviewed medical records and interviewed veterans and providers to understand how the tool helps with self-management. They then developed and tested a program to encourag…

This study tested a new way to control a robot arm mounted on a power wheelchair. The arm uses a camera to help guide movements, making it easier for people with spinal cord injuries to do everyday tasks like picking up a glass or opening a fridge. 21 adults who use power wheelch…