The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

This pilot trial tests a telephone-based coaching program for adults living with two or more cardiometabolic conditions, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or heart disease. The program combines motivational interviewing, self-affirmation, and problem-solving to help p…

This pilot trial tests a personalized AI platform called PIPE-AI, enhanced by DiabetesGPT, to see if it can help adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes improve their self-management and knowledge. Participants are randomly assigned to either use the AI platform for three mont…

This pilot trial tests whether a 4-week group education program that blends Chinese medicine concepts—like body constitution, dietary therapy, and acupressure—with standard diabetes self-management training is feasible and acceptable for adults with type 2 diabetes in Hong Kong. …

This pilot study tests whether combining a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS with aerobic exercise can improve cognitive functions like memory and attention in people with schizophrenia. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the combined treatment …

This trial tests whether a parent-child physical activity program can increase exercise levels in children aged 9–18 with leukemia who are on maintenance therapy. Children and parents attend weekly exercise sessions together for three months. The study compares this approach to c…

This study tests whether oral dietary supplements can improve the health of the back of the eye in children with nearsightedness (myopia). About 156 children aged 8-13 will take either a supplement or a placebo for a period, and researchers will measure changes in the thickness a…

This study tests whether a 10-week digital mindfulness program, combined with dietary advice, can help people with type 2 diabetes and obesity lose weight and improve blood sugar control. Participants learn mindful eating techniques through videos and home exercises. The trial me…

This study tests whether a 6-week telephone-based therapy called acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help young adults aged 18-35 who drink heavily to quit or reduce drinking. About 288 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either ACT or a supportive phone cal…

This study tests a new, non-invasive treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common cause of vision loss in older adults. About 94 people aged 50 and older with dry AMD will use a red-light device at home twice daily for three months. Researchers will check if…

Researchers are testing a new device called SmartEyes that measures refractive errors, which are vision problems like nearsightedness. The study involves 200 children and teens aged 6 to 17 who need eye exams. The trial compares SmartEyes with standard equipment and subjective re…

This study tests whether an enhanced version of the Intensive Diabetes Prevention Program (IDPP) works better than the standard program at recruiting and keeping participants in district health centres. Researchers will compare the two approaches in 170 adults with prediabetes, l…

This trial tests a program called OUTDOOR-FIT, designed to help mildly frail older adults become more physically active. Participants attend weekly workshops, use senior-friendly outdoor exercise equipment, and get support from volunteers and a mobile app. The goal is to see if t…

This study focuses on middle-aged and older spousal caregivers, who often face high stress and health decline. Researchers are developing a tool to predict frailty risk and testing a virtual social robot that guides caregivers through 20-minute sessions three times a week for six…

Researchers are testing whether a group-based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) program can improve the psychological well-being and quality of life of parents of children with cerebral palsy. The trial enrolls 76 parents who attend eight weekly 90-minute group sessions led…

Colorectal cancer patients who live with a stoma often face stigma, social anxiety, and loneliness. Researchers are testing a six-week mindfulness and self-compassion program adapted for these patients. The pilot trial enrolls 20 adults who have finished active treatment and spea…

This trial tests whether a midwife-led cognitive behavioral intervention can reduce depression, boost social support, and lower stress in pregnant women in Ethiopia. Pregnant women in their third trimester who screen positive for depression will receive either the seven-session g…

This study tests whether a gamified virtual reality (VR) program can help children with ADHD improve their social skills. Children aged 6 to 12 will be randomly assigned to either the VR training, traditional social skills training, or a waitlist. Both training groups will attend…

This trial tests whether adding mindfulness training to a standard respiratory symptom management program can reduce anxiety and ease breathlessness, cough, and fatigue in people with lung cancer. About 189 patients will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: the combined m…

This trial tests whether a gentle brain stimulation technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve bladder control in people who have had a stroke. Participants will receive either real or sham tDCS alongside standard pelvic floor muscle training, thr…

This study tests whether a year of music training can improve thinking, memory, and quality of life in children who have recovered from brain tumors. About 236 children aged 7-16 will either receive regular care or join a ukulele program with weekly group and online sessions. Res…

This study tests if a phone-based therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help young adults aged 18-35 who drink heavily to quit or reduce alcohol use. Participants will receive weekly phone sessions for 6 weeks and track their drinking. The study compares ACT …

This pilot trial tests whether a chatbot powered by large language models can help adolescent and young adult cancer survivors address reproductive concerns. Participants will be randomly assigned to use the chatbot or read an electronic brochure with similar information. The stu…

This study aims to develop and pilot a digital version of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) specifically for suicide prevention in Chinese-speaking adults. Researchers are working with people who have experienced suicidal thoughts to design the program, then testing whether…

This trial tests whether a web-based, game-like training program can strengthen the connection between the ears and the brain in older adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Over 12 weeks, participants complete listening and thinking exercises designed to improve speech under…

This trial tests whether a six-week personalized behavioral sleep program, called ISleepFAST, can improve sleep and daily functioning in adults who have had a stroke and still struggle with sleep or circadian problems. Forty participants will be randomly assigned to either the sl…

This study tests a mobile app designed to encourage physical activity in adolescents aged 12-18 who have completed treatment for blood cancers like leukemia or lymphoma. Thirty participants will either use the app or receive usual care. The main goal is to see if a larger study i…

This trial tests a smartphone app called E-breathing that detects when a teen is feeling distressed and prompts them to practice slow-paced breathing. The study includes 100 adolescents aged 11 to 17 in Hong Kong who have at least mild symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress. …

This study tests whether a simple breathing exercise—inhaling against resistance using a handheld device—can reduce knee pain in people aged 55 and older with knee osteoarthritis. Participants will do the exercises at home for 8 weeks, with gradually increasing resistance. The tr…

This study tests whether a simple, low-cost sleep hygiene education program can improve insomnia as effectively as a standard cognitive behavioral therapy app. About 264 adults with insomnia will be randomly assigned to the education program, the app, or a control group. The goal…

This study tests a 4-week AI chatbot program called AI-EGG that teaches emotional skills to young and middle-aged colorectal cancer survivors. The goal is to see if it helps them build resilience and improve quality of life. Fifty-four participants will be randomly assigned to ei…

This study tests whether an artificial intelligence (AI)-guided sleep program is practical and well-liked by adults aged 60 and older who have both insomnia and mild memory concerns. Researchers will enroll 60 participants to check how many people join, stick with the program, an…

This study tests a structured sleep hygiene education program for adults with insomnia. Ten Hong Kong Chinese participants will learn behavior-change techniques to improve their sleep. The goal is to see if this low-cost, non-drug approach is feasible and effective for reducing i…

This study tests whether a social robot named KaKa can reduce depressive symptoms in family caregivers of people with dementia. 148 caregivers will either use the robot at home for 6 weeks or receive weekly reading materials. The robot is designed to boost inner strength and copi…

This study is testing a new AI chatbot designed to answer questions from people with sarcoma, a type of cancer. The chatbot will be available 24/7 by voice or text for one month. Researchers want to see if using the chatbot helps patients feel more satisfied with the information …

This study tests whether a combination of gentle brain stimulation and visual exercises can improve vision and daily function in people with glaucoma who have lost some side vision. About 56 adults with open-angle glaucoma will receive both real and sham treatments in a crossover…

This study looks at whether a therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help fathers of children with special needs feel more flexible in their thinking and improve their mental health. About 50 fathers will take part, with half getting ACT and the other half rec…

This pilot study tests whether pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy can reduce pain and improve function in people with inflammatory knee osteoarthritis. Fifty participants will receive either active PEMF or a sham treatment twice a week for 8 weeks. The study measures pai…

This study tests whether using a heart rate sensor to personalize home exercise can reduce pain and improve daily function better than a standard exercise program. About 240 adults aged 45+ with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis will follow a 12-week program, with follow-up at…

This study tests a death education program for family caregivers of people with advanced cancer. The program includes four one-on-one sessions to help caregivers communicate about death, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve spiritual well-being. About 30 caregivers will tak…

This study tests if a gentle, non-invasive electrical stimulation on specific acupoints can reduce nerve pain caused by chemotherapy in children aged 10-17 with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The treatment is given for 8 weeks, and researchers will check if it helps with pain, mov…

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve walking in people with Parkinson's disease. 81 participants with mild to moderate Parkinson's who have trouble starting to walk will receive …

This study tests whether virtual reality (VR) hypnosis can improve sleep in Chinese teens who have survived cancer. 186 participants will be randomly assigned to VR hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), or VR relaxation. The goal is to see if VR hypnosis is…

This study tests whether gentle electrical stimulation on acupoints or acupressure on the ear can reduce nerve pain caused by chemotherapy in children with leukemia. 132 children aged 8-17 will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: electrical stimulation, acupressure, or s…

This study tests a 12-week nurse-led program for childhood cancer survivors aged 13-18 and their parents. The program includes face-to-face and online sessions to help manage symptoms, improve self-care, and connect families with other health professionals. Sixty-eight families w…

This pilot study tests a tool called CSNAT-I that helps healthcare workers identify and address the needs of family caregivers looking after palliative cancer patients at home. Sixty caregivers in Hong Kong will be randomly assigned to receive the tool or usual care. The study wi…

This study is testing a new, investigational eye scanner that uses light waves to measure the eye before cataract surgery. Researchers want to see if its measurements match those of a standard device, and whether an artificial intelligence model can better predict the correct len…

This study aims to create a therapy program using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for fathers of children with special needs in Hong Kong. Researchers will interview 20 fathers and social workers to understand their challenges and what kind of support would help. The goal…

This study tests an AI tool called EyeAgent that helps eye doctors make decisions. About 300 people visiting eye clinics in Hong Kong and mainland China will take part. The AI reviews patient images and history to suggest diagnoses and treatments. The goal is to see if using the …

This study tests a smartphone app that sends personalized happiness exercises to college students when they are feeling down. Researchers will compare the app to other methods to see if it improves well-being, happiness, and life satisfaction. The study involves 354 healthy colle…