Duke University

This study looked at whether it is safe to give young children (6 months to under 5 years) the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines. About 344 children took part. Researchers compared kids who got all shots together versus those who got them …

This pilot study tested whether a blood test could help choose personalized supplements for people with ALS. 50 participants were grouped into four categories based on their blood work and received a specific supplement for 6 months. The goal was to see if this approach could slo…

This study compared two water pills (torsemide and furosemide) in nearly 3,000 adults hospitalized with heart failure. The goal was to see which medication better prevents death or the need for another hospital stay over one year. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the…

This study looked at whether using mobile monitoring devices along with nurse support can help people better manage type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. 220 adults with poorly controlled diabetes and high blood pressure took part. Researchers measured changes in blood sugar a…

This study looked at the best timing for antibiotics in adults having knee replacement surgery. About 1,770 people took part. The goal was to see if a single dose before surgery works as well as a full day of antibiotics to prevent joint infections.

This study looked at 173 adults on ventilators to see if combining advanced molecular tests (which detect bacteria and antibiotic resistance) with host-response profiling (which measures the body's reaction) could improve diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia. The goal was…

This study looked at whether it's safe for pregnant women to receive the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time or a week or two apart. About 100 pregnant women took part, and researchers tracked side effects and pregnancy outcomes like preterm birth. The goal was to find the…

This study tested a mobile app called PainPac designed to help people with colorectal cancer manage their pain. Researchers wanted to see if the app was easy to use and acceptable to patients. The study involved 62 adults with stage I-IV colorectal cancer who used the app to lear…

This study tested a program called LiveWell, which teaches practical skills to help people with metastatic lung cancer manage stress, anxiety, and sadness. One participant completed the 8-session video-based program. The goal was to see if the program is usable and helpful for im…

This study tested a new program to help teens and young adults (ages 15-29) with advanced cancer better manage their symptoms and find meaning in their lives. The program combined standard symptom management with therapy techniques focused on acceptance and finding purpose. Resea…

This study looked at two common ways to give epidural steroid injections for nerve pain in the arm that starts in the neck. One injection is given in the back of the neck, the other near the nerve root. The goal was to see which method works better and is safer. 74 adults with th…

This study looked at whether 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance training can improve physical function, mental health, and quality of life in people who have had a stem cell transplant for blood cancer. It also examined how this exercise program af…

This study tested whether a rectus sheath block (a type of nerve block) using liposomal bupivacaine can reduce pain and the need for opioid painkillers after gynecologic cancer surgery. Thirty adults having surgery through a vertical belly incision received the block and were com…

This study tested whether moderate intensity breathing exercises are safe and doable for people with ALS. Nine adults with ALS did four 3-week cycles of progressive respiratory muscle training at home, with weekly check-ins via video call. The goal was to see if the training was …

This pilot study tested a program to help cancer survivors quit smoking and manage pain. Nineteen participants took part in sessions and surveys to see if the program was helpful and doable. The goal was to see if this approach could work for a larger group.

This study tested ways to improve pain treatment after outpatient surgery while reducing the need for opioid painkillers. The goal was to lower side effects and the risk of addiction. Over 900 adults took part, and researchers compared different anesthesia methods to find the bes…

This study looked at whether a type of talk therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help people struggling with the emotional distress of infertility. Nine adults with infertility took part in 12 therapy sessions. Researchers measured changes in stress, mood, a…

This study tested a program called acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help people who had a stem cell transplant feel better physically and emotionally. 33 patients and their caregivers took part. The program included therapy, physical and cognitive tests, and using activ…

This study tested a mobile health program that teaches pain coping skills to breast cancer patients living in areas with limited healthcare access. 180 women with persistent pain joined video sessions with a therapist and used simple phone tools to practice skills at home. The go…

This study tested whether a personalized exercise program is safe and doable for older adults with sickle cell disease. Thirty participants tried the program, which aimed to improve physical health and quality of life. The main goal was to see how many could complete at least hal…

This study tested different treatments to help people with Long COVID who have trouble exercising or feel very tired after activity. It involved 660 adults who had a past COVID-19 infection. The goal was to find ways to improve their ability to be active and their overall quality…

This study tested two different programs to help children aged 5 to 9 with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), a condition where kids can't eat enough or a wide enough variety of food. The goal was to see if these programs could reduce severe symptoms and improve n…

This study tested different treatments to help people with Long COVID who have sleep problems like feeling very sleepy during the day or trouble sleeping at night. About 830 adults took part. The goal was to see if treatments matched to specific sleep issues could improve symptom…

This study tested two telehealth programs for preschoolers with ADHD. Caregivers, doctors, and health experts gave feedback to improve the programs. The goal was to help children sleep better and reduce attention problems. The study included 46 children ages 3 to 5.

This study looked at 18 people scheduled for hip replacement surgery. Researchers compared a simple, safe ultrasound of the thigh muscle to a standard CT scan to see if they could measure muscle quality just as well. The goal was to find a way to check muscle health without using…

This study tested a school-based program to increase vaccination among middle school students in rural North and South Carolina. Researchers wanted to see if the program was practical and could improve HPV vaccine rates. Only 2 schools took part, so the results are very limited.

This study looked at whether genetic testing can help doctors choose safer and more effective medicines for depression, acute pain, and chronic pain. Over 4,200 people took part. Some got genetic testing right away to guide their treatment, while others got standard care. The goa…

This study looked for new genetic changes that might explain diseases in people who already have a genetic disorder but unclear genetic test results. Researchers studied 56 participants, including patients and their unaffected family members. The goal was to find missing genetic …

This study looked at 149 adults with high blood pressure and insomnia to understand why poor sleep raises heart disease risk. Participants received cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) to improve sleep. Researchers measured changes in nighttime blood pressure and sle…

This study looked at 45 super obese women (BMI over 50) having a planned C-section to find the best dose of spinal anesthesia. The goal was to ensure the block worked well without needing extra pain medicine. Results help doctors tailor anesthesia for safer, more effective surger…

This study created and tested a short play (ethnodrama) to change how communities view young women who take PrEP, a daily pill to prevent HIV. Researchers gathered feedback from 63 people, including young women, their partners, peers, healthcare workers, and community leaders. Th…

This study looked at whether giving people of African ancestry with high blood pressure early access to a genetic test for kidney disease risk (APOL1) helps improve their blood pressure and care. About 6,800 adults were randomly assigned to get the test results right away or late…

This study looked at how well people aged 60 and older recover physically and mentally after a planned knee replacement. Researchers measured things like daily steps, pain, thinking skills, and immune responses in 297 participants. The goal was to understand what helps some peopl…

This study looked at what helps or stops Black/African American adults from getting tested for COVID-19. Researchers worked with beauty salons and barber shops to share culturally relevant videos and messages from trusted community leaders. The goal was to understand attitudes an…

This study tested a mobile app called CLARE designed to train and support family caregivers of older adults. Fifty caregivers aged 35 or older used the app to get daily tasks and resources. Researchers measured how many people used the app and completed tasks, and whether caregiv…

This study tested whether a ketone-rich food product could delay central nervous system oxygen toxicity in divers. Twenty healthy adults performed simulated dives in a pressure chamber while breathing pure oxygen. Researchers measured how long it took for symptoms like dizziness …

This study tested a new software called HoloDBS that helps doctors plan deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery for Parkinson's disease. Researchers compared the new tool to standard planning methods using medical records from 20 patients. The goal was to see if HoloDBS gives surgeo…

This study enrolled 1,000 adults aged 30 and older from North Carolina to track their physical and mental abilities over two years. Researchers collected biological samples and measured things like strength, walking speed, and memory. The goal is to better understand how aging af…

This study tested a program where doctors talked with patients about their medications during regular clinic visits. The goal was to see if this approach was practical and helpful for people with chronic rheumatic diseases like arthritis. 102 patients took part, and the study mea…

This study tested whether showing hospital patients a short educational video improves how well they follow chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing instructions. CHG baths help prevent serious bloodstream infections from central lines. About 1000 adults took part. The goal was to s…

This study tested a program to help African American families expecting a baby in late 2024. The goal was to see if the program was practical and well-liked by parents. 44 families from North Carolina took part in group sessions online. Researchers measured how acceptable and hel…

This study looked at whether taking additional images during a standard exercise stress echocardiogram can help doctors figure out if chest pain or shortness of breath is caused by a stiff heart condition called HFpEF. Researchers enrolled 30 adults aged 50 and older who were alr…

This study tested a new way to help women living with HIV get screened for HPV, a virus that can cause cervical cancer. The approach used simple messages and videos to address fears and misunderstandings. About 982 women in Kenya took part, and the goal was to see if more women w…

This study tested whether a wearable sensor could detect changes in how the knee moves and bears weight after a temporary injection of fluid into the knee joint. Fourteen healthy adults participated, and researchers measured their walking patterns before and after the injection. …

This study explored why Hispanics with Parkinson's disease often have more thinking and memory problems. Researchers looked at heart-related risks like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity in 40 participants from California and North Carolina. The goal was to understand how…