Virginia Commonwealth University

This study tested a program that brings fetal ultrasound and care coordination directly into the community for pregnant women with substance use disorder. The goal was to help them attend more prenatal visits and substance use treatment sessions. 103 pregnant women participated, …

This study tested whether a weight loss program delivered through informal house chats could help African American adults in Petersburg, VA, improve their health. Twenty-two participants took part in the program, which focused on increasing physical activity, eating better, and l…

This study looked at how parents can help teenagers with obesity maintain weight loss. Over 400 teens and their parents took part in a program that included nutrition education, exercise, and behavioral support. The goal was to see which parent-focused approach worked best for ke…

This study tested a new way to treat childhood obesity by replacing some in-person doctor visits with video telehealth sessions. Ten families with children ages 9-13 participated. The program used health coaches to provide real-time counseling and skill-building at home. The goal…

This study tested a smartphone app called PatientBuddy to see if it could help people with cirrhosis avoid being readmitted to the hospital within 30 days after discharge. The app was designed for both patients and their caregivers who live together. The goal was to reduce preven…

This study tested a school-based program to help rural 7th graders eat more fruits and vegetables. Over 1,100 students from ten Virginia middle schools took part. The program included goal setting, peer leaders, and workshops. Students in the program ate more fruits and vegetable…

This study tested a special counseling program called CALM (Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully) for people with brain cancer. 60 participants were split into two groups: one received CALM plus usual care, the other just usual care. The goal was to see if CALM is practical an…

This small pilot study tested whether gradually extending sleep time, combined with good sleep habits, is possible and can improve quality of life in people with a type of heart failure called HFpEF. Ten adults with heart failure who slept less than 7 hours a night and had poor s…

This early-phase study looked at whether adding a drug called AUVELITY (a mix of dextromethorphan and bupropion) to standard treatment with buprenorphine/naloxone is safe and might help reduce cravings, withdrawal, and negative feelings in people with opioid use disorder. 18 adul…

This study tested whether using virtual reality (VR) headsets could reduce anxiety in children aged 6-15 during medical procedures. Researchers measured heart rate, blood pressure, and fear levels before and after the VR experience. They also looked at whether parents felt less a…

This study tested whether weighted blankets can help prevent or reduce delirium (sudden confusion) in adult ICU patients. 49 patients from urban and rural hospitals used the blankets, and researchers surveyed patients, family members, and nurses about their experience. The goal w…

This study tested a remote exercise training program for 27 men with prostate cancer who were receiving hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy). The goal was to see if the program was practical and acceptable, and to measure physical activity levels. The study did not test…

This study tested a wearable device called PDVibe2 that delivers gentle vibrations to improve walking and balance in people with Parkinson's disease. Twelve adults with Parkinson's who had trouble walking, such as freezing or shuffling, tried the device. Researchers measured chan…

This study tested whether using immersive virtual reality (VR) combined with task-specific training could help people who had a stroke move their affected arm better. Thirteen adults who had a stroke at least six months earlier and had limited arm movement took part. The approach…

This study tested whether a mobile app called "Mamma Mia" could help pregnant women and new mothers feel better emotionally. Over 1,900 women joined the study. Researchers measured changes in depression, anxiety, stress, and overall well-being.

This study looked at whether a type of talk therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can help people with brain tumors who have trouble sleeping. About 70 patients took part to see if the therapy was practical and helpful. The goal is to improve sleep and …

This study looked at 124 women having planned C-sections to find the best spot for a forced-air warming blanket. Half got an upper-body blanket, half got an underbody one. Researchers measured core body temperature using a special catheter to see which group stayed warmer after s…

This study looked at how a person's genes might influence their thinking and behavior after drinking alcohol. Nine healthy adults completed tasks measuring aggression after consuming alcohol versus a non-alcoholic drink. The goal was to better understand the cognitive factors beh…

This study looked at whether e-cigarettes containing alcohol (ethanol) can change the results of breath, blood, or field sobriety tests. Twelve adults who use e-cigarettes and drink alcohol took part. Researchers measured alcohol levels and sobriety over six hours to see if vapin…

This study tested whether two smartphone tools (PatientBuddy and EncephalApp) could help people with cirrhosis and their caregivers track symptoms and avoid preventable hospital readmissions within 30 days. Over 200 patients and their caregivers participated across multiple hospi…

This study looked at how different e-cigarette liquids—varying in sweetness and nicotine form—affect nicotine levels in the blood, puffing habits, and user feelings. Thirteen healthy adults who use cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or both took part. Researchers measured blood nicotine, …

This study tested a training program to help autistic adults use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft. 13 autistic adults took part to see if the training was acceptable and if it improved their ability to travel safely and independently. The goal was to give them more freedom to…

This study looked at whether a weight loss program led by trained community members, called "house chats," could work in a low-income area. It involved 71 African American adults in Petersburg, VA. The goal was to see if the program was practical and well-liked, not to measure we…

This study tested a new telehealth program called C-SMART for people with brain tumors who have mild memory or thinking problems. The goal was to see if the program was practical and acceptable for patients and their caregivers. 32 people took part, and researchers measured how m…

This study looked at how limiting e-cigarette flavors (like menthol or tobacco) changes smoking habits, toxin exposure, and addiction risk in 71 African American menthol smokers. Participants used their usual cigarettes and study-provided e-cigarettes while researchers tracked ci…

This study looked at how changing the nicotine strength in e-cigarettes affects nicotine levels in the blood and smoking habits. Thirty-three healthy adult smokers used e-cigarettes with different e-liquid strengths while researchers measured nicotine delivery, puffing behavior, …

This study aimed to understand the quality of life of Black girls aged 12-17 in Richmond, Virginia, focusing on their strengths and community assets rather than problems. Researchers surveyed and interviewed 339 participants about topics like identity, safety, health, and spiritu…

This study looked at how a chemical called TMAO, made by gut bacteria, affects heart and blood vessel health in people who have had a liver transplant. Researchers measured TMAO levels and checked blood vessel function in 19 adult liver transplant recipients. The goal was to bett…

This study looked at how stress and smoking habits differ between African American and white male smokers. Researchers measured stress responses using a psychological test and tracked daily cortisol patterns. The goal was to understand biological and social factors that influence…

This study tested a new program in one school to help students drink more water and avoid sugary drinks. Over 500 students and staff took part to see if the program was easy to use and liked by everyone. The goal was to improve hydration and reduce health issues like cavities and…

This study involved 116 people with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD), a group of rare muscle-weakening disorders. Researchers measured muscle strength, mobility, breathing, and daily activities using standard tests. The goal was to identify the best ways to track disease pro…

This study followed 52 teachers and 72 students to see if teachers continued using the BEST in CLASS program a year after training. Researchers measured how faithfully and skillfully teachers used the program, and tracked changes in student behavior. The goal was to understand wh…

This study looked at how different e-cigarette flavors and nicotine strengths influence how much smokers want to use them. 32 adult smokers participated, comparing tobacco and menthol flavors. The goal was to understand which products might be more addictive, helping guide future…