Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

This study looks at whether drinking water before meals helps adults aged 50 and older with overweight or obesity lose weight. 375 participants will be split into three groups: one drinks water before each meal, one drinks water throughout the day, and one follows a diet without …

This study provides intensive, play-based therapy for children with motor impairments from conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, or brain injury. The therapy involves up to 6 hours a day of guided practice to improve use of weaker arms and hands. Researchers will analyze data f…

This study tests whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) can help reduce chronic back pain, opioid cravings, and anxiety in adults aged 18-65. Participants will receive LIFU and be monitored for side effects, changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and mood. The goal is to…

This study tests whether a mindset management program called Organic Conceptions can lower stress levels in women dealing with infertility. About 66 women who are new patients at a fertility clinic will take part. Half will complete the program and all will fill out surveys to me…

This study tests a telehealth program called RELAX for teens with ADHD and their parents. The goal is to help families manage strong emotions and reduce arguments. About 60 families will take part, with half getting the RELAX program and half receiving educational materials. Some…

This study looks at whether two common artificial sweeteners, aspartame and sucralose, affect blood sugar control in adults aged 40 and older who have prediabetes. Researchers will provide all meals for 8 weeks and use continuous glucose monitors to track blood sugar levels. The …

This study tests how smokers might change their buying habits when faced with different tax plans on regular and low-nicotine cigarettes. About 316 daily smokers will shop in a virtual store to see which products they choose. The goal is to find out which tax approach could best …

This study measures how touch signals move from the finger through the nervous system to the brain. Researchers will compare young adults and stroke survivors to see how stroke changes touch perception. Participants will feel different force levels on their finger while brain sca…

This study looks at why ultra-processed foods (like chips and sugary snacks) make us overeat. Researchers will measure how these foods affect blood sugar, insulin, and metabolism in 74 healthy adults, and use brain scans to see how much people value them. The goal is to understan…

This study looks at how people with depressed mood, loss of interest, or anxiety respond to rewards and losses. Researchers will use computer games and brain scans to see if these responses are linked or separate. The goal is to better understand the brain processes behind these …

This study looks at how very-low-nicotine cigarettes and different prices for e-cigarettes and illegal cigarettes change what smokers buy in a simulated online store. About 70 adult smokers will take part. The goal is to understand how these rules might affect illegal product use…

This study looks at whether popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs (like Wegovy or Zepbound) cause muscle loss or affect balance in adults aged 50 and older. Thirty participants who just started taking these drugs will undergo 14 weeks of strength training. Researchers will measure chan…