University Of Wisconsin, Madison

This study looked at whether an extra COVID-19 booster shot can strengthen the immune response in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with inflammatory bowel disease or organ transplant recipients. About 21 participants received the booster and were monitored for 6…

This study tested different ways to help daily smokers quit by comparing two medications (varenicline and nicotine patches/lozenges), how long to take them before quitting, how long to continue after quitting, and the level of counseling. Over 500 smokers from primary care partic…

This study tested whether giving small weekly cash rewards for tracking what you eat and losing weight helps adults with obesity shed pounds. Over 700 participants were followed for 18 months. The goal was to see if these incentives lead to at least 5% weight loss at 26 weeks and…

This study tested a program called Comprehensive Chronic Care (CCC) that uses regular phone calls, texts, and mailings to encourage smokers to quit. Nearly 1,000 adult smokers from primary care clinics were randomly assigned to receive either CCC or standard care (one annual offe…

This study tested two smartphone apps designed to reduce risky drinking and its effects during the COVID-19 pandemic. One app focused on the drinker, the other on their family partner. About 400 pairs (a drinker and a family member) joined the 12-month study. The goal was to see …

This study tested whether the drug abaloparatide could reduce bone loss after total knee replacement in people with osteoporosis or low bone density. Fifty-eight adults aged 55 and older received the drug before and after surgery. The main goal was to measure changes in bone dens…

This study tested a new way of coordinating care for rural patients with diabetic foot ulcers, who are at higher risk of major leg amputation. The model connects rural clinics with specialists to ensure patients receive timely, guideline-based treatment. Researchers compared outc…

This study tested a special type of radiation therapy (SBRT) for early-stage prostate cancer. The goal was to give a high dose of radiation directly to the tumor while protecting nearby healthy tissue like the urethra. 115 men took part, and researchers looked at side effects and…

This study tested a specific chemotherapy combination given before surgery for people with triple-negative breast cancer. The goal was to see if the treatment could completely eliminate the cancer from the breast and lymph nodes. 29 participants received the drugs, and the main o…

This early-phase study tested the safety of combining the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab with precise, high-dose radiation (SBRT) to the liver in 15 adults with colorectal cancer that had spread only to the liver. The goal was to see if this combination could prevent the cancer…

This study tested two different smoking cessation programs in 52 adults diagnosed with cancer in the past 3 years. One program offered 12 weeks of medication and 7 coaching calls focused on cancer, while the other offered 2 weeks of nicotine patches and 3 calls. The goal was to s…

This early-phase study tested an experimental drug, CLR 131, that delivers radiation directly to cancer cells, combined with standard external beam radiation. The goal was to see if this combination is safe and can deliver a high dose of radiation to tumors in people whose head a…

This study tested four different approaches to encourage adult smokers who weren't ready to quit to start smoking cessation treatments. Over 1,600 participants received combinations of financial incentives, personalized outreach, phone coaching, and free nicotine patches or medic…

This study tested a new rapid test called SPOTFIRE ST for people with sore throats in urgent care. The test uses PCR to find up to 13 different viruses and bacteria in about 20 minutes. Researchers wanted to see if doctors find it useful, how accurate it is, and whether patients …

This study checked if an AI program called Rho AI can correctly identify osteoporosis from X-ray images. Researchers used 800 de-identified images from people who had joint or spine surgery. The goal was to see how well the AI's bone density scores match known cases of osteopenia…

This study tested whether a special PET/MRI scan using a tracer called FFNP can accurately measure progesterone receptors in invasive breast cancer. Twenty-one women with breast tumors at least 1 cm in size took part. The goal was to see if the scan results match the standard lab…

This study tested a community-based education program to help prevent strokes in Wisconsin Native Americans at high risk. The program trained health coaches and held events to teach about healthy living and stroke warning signs. 120 participants were followed for two years to see…

This study tested whether a 4-week meditation app called the Healthy Minds Program can reduce depression symptoms in 1157 US adults with elevated depression. Participants were randomly assigned to use the app, a psychoeducation control, or a waitlist. The main goal was to see if …

This study tested a short video and a 3-week text messaging program for adults who recently experienced sexual assault. The goal was to see if these tools could help prevent or reduce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and opioid misuse. Fifty participants received the video du…

This study looked at whether a 10-week supervised physical activity program is practical and well-liked by mothers of children with developmental disabilities. Nineteen mothers were enrolled to attend three 60-minute group exercise sessions per week. The goal was to see if the pr…

This study looked at whether an 8-week mindfulness program delivered through a phone app can help people recover better after hip preservation surgery. 128 adults aged 18-45 took part. The goal was to see if mindfulness training could improve quality of life, reduce pain, and les…

This study tested whether a virtual-reality video game could help teenagers in the juvenile justice system better control their emotions. About 74 youth aged 13 to 17 played up to 6 VR sessions. Researchers measured how much participants enjoyed the experience and tracked changes…

This study tested whether doing moderate aerobic exercise right before a therapy session helps people with major depression get more out of their treatment. Forty adults either exercised or rested before each of 8 weekly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions. The goal was t…

This study tested whether a 6-week group therapy program led by people with lived experience of incarceration can help reduce PTSD symptoms. 59 adults who had completed a prison or jail sentence and had PTSD took part. The goal was to see if this approach is feasible and helpful …

This study tested a group therapy called Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for incarcerated men and women with PTSD. 117 participants were either given the therapy or placed on a waitlist. The main goal was to see if the therapy reduced PTSD symptoms, with secondary goals of red…

This study explored whether gentle electrical brain stimulation given during sleep, combined with short daily meditation, can improve how people think flexibly and manage their emotions. Researchers enrolled 64 healthy adults and tracked changes in mood, stress, and thinking skil…

This small pilot study tested whether osteopathic manual treatment (OMT) is safe and practical for stroke survivors with shoulder pain on their affected side. Three adults who had a first-time stroke in the past 5 years received either OMT or a sham treatment weekly for about 6 w…

This study tested two different laser systems to break up kidney stones during a procedure called ureteroscopy. About 178 adults with kidney stones took part. The goal was to see which laser clears stones more completely and safely.

This study tested whether a brain-computer interface (BCI) system could help stroke survivors recover arm function. 84 participants with arm weakness after a stroke used the BCI to control muscle stimulation with their brain signals. The study measured improvements in arm movemen…

This study tested a 6-month in-home cycling program followed by 3 months of health coaching for 14 people with Parkinson's disease. The goal was to see if the program helped them perform daily tasks and improve sleep. Researchers measured changes in how well participants felt the…

This study tested a smoking cessation program for caregivers of children admitted to American Family Children's Hospital. 23 caregivers received a 20-minute counseling session and used nicotine patches and lozenges for 2 weeks. The goal was to see if caregivers would use the prog…

This study tested a physical activity program for breast and endometrial cancer survivors who were not getting enough exercise. The program used technology like fitness trackers and electronic health records to provide support, with extra help for those who needed it most. The go…

This study tested whether a 12-week training program (called the Integrated Stress Toolbox) could help healthcare workers in Mexico feel less stressed and burned out. Over 2,300 participants were randomly assigned to either the training or a waitlist. The training included an app…

This study tested new swallowing exercises for 76 people with Alzheimer's or related dementias who had trouble swallowing. The goal was to reduce leftover food in the throat after swallowing, which can lead to pneumonia. Participants worked with caregivers and therapists to impro…

This completed early-phase study looked at how sex and stress influence blood flow in the brain. Researchers gave 42 healthy young adults indomethacin (an anti-inflammatory drug) or a placebo to test whether a specific mechanism (COX signaling) explains differences between men an…

This study tested a communication tool called 'Best Case/Worst Case' for older adults with advanced kidney disease. Doctors were trained to discuss best, worst, and most likely outcomes for treatment options. The goal was to see if this approach helps patients receive more pallia…

This completed study looked at 62 people with patellar tendon injuries to see if a special MRI technique called diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can better measure tendon structure. Participants had MRI and ultrasound scans, did knee function tests, and filled out questionnaires. T…

This small pilot study tested whether special PET scans could predict how well melanoma patients respond to immunotherapy drugs like pembrolizumab or nivolumab. Five people with stage IV melanoma received PET scans and tumor biopsies before and after starting treatment. The goal …

This study looked at whether the natural pigments in different colored carrots (red, purple-red, and purple) affect how well the body absorbs nutrients like vitamin A and whether they have any effect on blood sugar control. Twelve healthy adults drank different carrot juices over…

This study tested whether a tool called DRIVESC can detect alcohol-related impairment in healthy adults. 22 participants completed driving tasks at different alcohol levels. The goal was to see if the tool could reliably measure changes in driving ability.

This early-phase study with 5 adults looked at how two cannabis compounds (delta-9-THC and delta-8-THC) affect driving ability. Participants took the compounds and then used a driving simulator and field sobriety tests. The goal was to see if it's possible to measure impairment a…

This study tested how different lower-limb prostheses and orthoses affect movement during daily life. Twenty participants with lower-limb amputation or drop foot wore each device for a period while sensors tracked their walking. The goal was to compare devices and improve how we …

This study explores how parents' own language skills influence the quality of early language interactions with their children, especially those with language delays or autism. Researchers trained 156 parents using a program called Enhanced Milieu Teaching, which teaches responsiv…

This study tested whether a thin, flexible tube with pressure sensors (high-resolution manometry) can pinpoint where the airway gets blocked during sleep in people with obstructive sleep apnea. 18 adults and children underwent both the standard scope test and the new tube method.…

This study looked at whether using a voice-controlled smart display helps older adults (age 60+) with at least five chronic conditions use a health management program more often than a text-based system. The program, called Elder Tree, provides tools and support to help people ma…

This study looked at whether measuring swallowing pressures with a thin tube can help predict how well people with swallowing problems will respond to treatment. Researchers followed 4 adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia and compared them to healthy controls using pressure measur…

This study looked at how exercise changes body image, mood, and certain blood markers in young women aged 16-25 with restrictive eating disorders. Researchers measured responses during lab-based exercise and rest. The goal is to better understand driven exercise—a common symptom—…

This study looked at whether children who grow up on farms, with more exposure to microbes, have fewer severe colds and breathing problems. Researchers tracked 290 children aged 4 to 12, including farm kids and city kids with and without asthma. The goal was to understand how ear…

This study looked at whether using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is better than standard finger-prick checks for managing blood sugar in pregnant women with type 2 diabetes. Sixteen women participated, and researchers measured how well blood sugar stayed in a healthy range a…

This study tested whether gentle electrical stimulation during naps can increase certain brain waves linked to emotional health. 72 healthy adults who nap regularly took part. Researchers measured brain activity, mood, and alertness to see if the stimulation helped. The goal was …

This study tested whether a parent-led program could reduce racial biases in White children ages 5 to 8. Over 700 families took part, with parents receiving training and tools to address bias. Researchers measured changes in both parents' and children's attitudes and behaviors.

This study compared two different eye imaging machines (Clarus and Optos) to see how well they measure geographic atrophy, a form of vision loss from age-related macular degeneration. Researchers enrolled 62 patients and took images with each device, then compared the measurement…

This study explored whether teaching forgiveness can improve psychological health in first- and second-year college students. Researchers measured changes in well-being, self-esteem, anger, anxiety, hope, and bullying experiences. The study involved 40 students who completed surv…

This study looked at whether a lung ultrasound score can help doctors decide when to safely remove a breathing tube from newborn babies with breathing problems. 71 infants in the NICU had an ultrasound before and after their breathing tube was removed. The goal was to see if the …

This study tested a program called MOVIN that encourages older hospital patients (65+) to walk more during their stay. Researchers wanted to see if this simple change could prevent loss of function and reduce hospital readmissions. The study involved 765 patients and nurses on ge…

This study tested a program to help people leaving prison get connected to medical care for HIV, hepatitis C, or substance use. 219 people took part, receiving support from a nurse before and after release. The goal was to see if the program was practical and well-liked, not to d…

This study tested how well vitamin A is absorbed from fortified bouillon cubes compared to an oil-based supplement. Fifty-eight healthy women consumed different vitamin A formulations in broth, and researchers measured vitamin levels in their blood. The goal is to see if adding v…

This study tested a program called TECH-Prep designed to help African American high school students and young adults with developmental disabilities explore careers in technology. The program included training and internships to increase interest in tech jobs, confidence, and rea…

This study tested whether a tool called "Best Case/Worst Case" helps doctors have better conversations with severely injured older adults (age 50+) and their families about treatment options. Researchers compared communication quality before and after surgeons learned to use the …

This study tested a program called REASSURE to help low-risk breast cancer survivors feel more prepared for their follow-up care. About 104 survivors took part for up to 18 months. The goal was to see if the program improved their confidence and reduced unnecessary care.

This study talked to older adults who visited the emergency department and were identified by a computer system as being at high risk for future falls. Researchers wanted to learn why some patients did not schedule or attend follow-up appointments at a falls clinic. The goal is t…

This early study looked at how two approved constipation drugs, plecanatide and linaclotide, affect a chemical called cGMP in the small intestine. Researchers compared tissue samples from 43 adults with Barrett esophagus or GERD who took either drug or no drug. The goal was to me…

This study developed a computer program that can scan hospital records to find patients who may be misusing drugs or alcohol. Researchers tested it on nearly 65,000 adults admitted to the hospital. The goal was to see if the tool could help doctors offer counseling and support to…

This study looked at how stroke risk factors affect the brains of Native American adults aged 55-90. Nineteen participants from the Oneida community had brain scans, carotid ultrasounds, and thinking tests. The goal was to learn more about why stroke risk is higher in this group.