Va Office Of Research And Development

This study tested whether orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) — simple tongue and throat exercises done during the day — can improve breathing during sleep in people with mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea. 209 adults with sleep apnea were assigned to either OMT or a sham…

This study tested a nurse-led program to help veterans with HIV control their blood pressure and reduce their risk of heart disease. 305 veterans took part, receiving either the nurse-led support or educational materials only. The goal was to see if the program could significantl…

This study tested whether combining a weight-loss diet, exercise, and the diabetes drug metformin could reverse frailty in older veterans with obesity. 114 veterans aged 65-85 with mild to moderate frailty took part. The goal was to improve physical performance, strength, and mob…

This study looked at whether testosterone therapy can improve bone strength in men who have both type 2 diabetes and low testosterone. 92 male veterans aged 35-70 took part. Researchers measured bone strength using special scans and blood tests over 12 months. The goal was to fin…

This study tested whether long-term aerobic exercise can slow the progression of Parkinson's disease in 57 adults aged 40 and older. Participants exercised regularly to see if it improved movement, thinking, and driving safety. The goal is to find a low-cost, accessible treatment…

This study tested whether a 12-week high-intensity exercise program could slow aging and reduce inflammation in 89 older veterans living with HIV. Participants exercised using video calls, without needing special equipment. The goal was to improve fitness and quality of life, not…

This study tested whether probenecid, a medicine usually used for gout, can help veterans with a type of heart failure called heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The goal was to see if taking probenecid twice a day for 180 days could improve heart function, exer…

This study tested a 12-month remote lifestyle program for 696 veterans with obstructive sleep apnea and obesity. Participants watched videos, tracked food and activity, and had access to a coach. The goal was to improve sleep-related quality of life and reduce weight. The program…

This study tested a weight management program called CoachToFit for 257 people with serious mental illness (like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) who were obese. The program used a mobile app and support from peer specialists to help participants eat healthier and be more activ…

This study tested whether repeated sessions of passive heating (like sitting in a warm room or bath) could reduce inflammation and improve heart and blood vessel health in people with spinal cord injury. Ten participants with stable spinal cord injury underwent heating sessions t…

This study looked at 1,424 Veterans with high heart risk who had major surgery. It compared giving blood transfusions when hemoglobin drops below 10 (liberal strategy) versus below 7 (restrictive strategy). The goal was to see which approach better prevents serious problems like …

This study tested whether a small wearable sensor, combined with a computer model, could detect early signs of worsening heart failure and alert doctors. The goal was to adjust treatment early and avoid hospital stays. The study enrolled 176 veterans with heart failure and random…

This study tested whether a program of diet, aerobic exercise, and balance training could improve nerve function and balance in people with prediabetes or early type 2 diabetes. About 61 participants were assigned to either the program or standard care. The goal was to see if the…

This study looked at whether veterans with serious mental illness (like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder) can benefit from a program led by peer specialists—people who also have a serious mental illness and are trained to help others. The program teaches skills to correct unhelp…

This study looked at whether adding the antibiotic rifampin to usual treatment can prevent foot or leg amputations in people with diabetes who have a bone infection (osteomyelitis). Over 800 veterans took part. The goal was to see if the combination works better than standard ant…

This pilot study tested whether combining electrical muscle stimulation with vitamin D supplements could improve bone quality in veterans with chronic spinal cord injury. Six participants received the treatment over 9 months, and researchers measured changes in bone structure usi…

This study tested whether people with arm paralysis from a spinal cord injury could control hand movements using their own brain signals. One participant used a brain implant to command small electrodes in the arm and hand, which stimulated muscles to form different grasp pattern…

This study tested a new group therapy program called Project Life Force (PLF) against standard care for veterans at high risk of suicide. PLF helps veterans build and improve their personal safety plans over 10 sessions using skills like emotion regulation and coping. The goal wa…

This study tested whether new 3D-printed nasal swabs work as well as standard swabs for diagnosing COVID-19. About 1,179 people who had COVID-19 symptoms or were recently exposed took part. Researchers compared the accuracy and safety of the alternative swabs to the usual ones.

This study tested a simple, portable virtual reality system to measure balance in veterans with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, a spine condition that affects walking and stability. Eight participants completed balance tasks under different visual and surface conditions. The goa…

This study looked at whether an electronic self-report screening system (eScreening) helps find mental health problems like depression, PTSD, and suicide risk more quickly in veterans who recently joined VA care. Researchers compared eScreening to the usual screening process in 7…

This study tested a program called PEACE, which combines a mobile app and short counseling sessions, to help prevent suicide in veterans after they leave a psychiatric hospital. 92 veterans took part. The goal was to see if the program reduces suicidal thoughts better than standa…

This study tested whether a behavioral sleep treatment could improve daily functioning and sleep quality in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep apnea, and insomnia. 36 veterans participated. The treatment focused on changing sleep habits and thoughts. The go…

This study tested a rehabilitation program called Live Long Walk Strong in 151 veterans aged 50 and older who had trouble walking. The goal was to see if the program could improve their walking speed and leg strength. Participants did exercises and were monitored to find out whic…

This study tested a home-based cognitive rehabilitation program for veterans aged 65 and older who had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) at least six months earlier. The goal was to improve attention, memory, and daily functioning using telehealth technology. Twenty-nine veterans pa…

This pilot study tested a specially adapted sleep therapy, called Sleep-SMART, for 30 older veterans who have both mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and insomnia. The therapy combines standard insomnia treatment with memory-support strategies to help veterans learn and stick with t…

This study tested whether adding Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating cannabis compound, to standard talk therapy (Prolonged Exposure) helps reduce PTSD symptoms in 136 military Veterans. Participants received either CBD or a placebo alongside therapy. The goal was to see if CBD…

This study tested a non-invasive brain training method called neurofeedback in 87 veterans who had a mild traumatic brain injury and still suffered from chronic headaches, insomnia, and attention problems. Participants were randomly assigned to receive neurofeedback or a control …

This study tested a 10-week telehealth program that combines cognitive training with problem-solving therapy for veterans who have major depression and a history of suicide attempts. The goal was to see if the program is practical and helpful. Only 9 veterans took part, so result…

This study tested a new approach to help veterans at high risk for suicide. It combined a type of brain stimulation (TMS) with a short form of talk therapy. The goal was to see if this combination could reduce suicide attempts and thoughts more than current treatments. The study …

This study tested a special type of talk therapy, called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Loneliness (CBT-L), delivered by phone or computer to veterans with chronic pain who felt lonely. About 40 veterans were randomly assigned to receive either CBT-L or standard CBT for chronic…

This study tested whether a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS, when combined with physical therapy, can improve walking in people who had a stroke. 44 stroke survivors at least 6 months past their first stroke took part. The goal was to see if adding tDCS to gait tra…

This study tested a mobile website called LIMIT to help veterans with chronic pain safely reduce their opioid use. 44 veterans who had been on long-term opioid therapy participated. The tool provided interactive support to taper opioids while managing pain, aiming to make the pro…

This study tested whether morning bright light therapy could improve sleep, reduce pain, and enhance quality of life in 77 veterans with chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Participants had ongoing sleep problems and moderate-to-severe pain. The goal was to see if a simpl…

This study tested a workshop called STEP-Home for 221 post-9/11 Veterans who had trouble readjusting to civilian life. The workshop taught practical skills like emotional control, problem-solving, and attention to improve daily function and reduce anger. The goal was to help Vete…

This study tested a program called Whole Health STEPS for 82 Veterans with mental health concerns who were not already getting mental health care. The program uses a peer support specialist to help Veterans set and work toward personal wellness goals, with extra support added as …

This study tested two different group exercise programs delivered by video call to help people with multiple sclerosis manage leg spasticity (muscle tightness). 232 participants with MS who had leg spasticity interfering with daily life took part. The goal was to see which progra…

This study tested a therapy called behavioral activation (BA) for veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) who also have depression. BA helps people set goals and plan meaningful activities to improve mood. 46 veterans were split into two groups: one received BA plus usual care…

This study tested a new talk therapy called Impact of Killing (IOK) for 100 veterans with PTSD caused by moral injury—distress from killing or being responsible for a death in war. The goal was to see if IOK improves quality of life and PTSD symptoms better than a standard therap…

This study tested a phone-based program called Caregiver SOS for employed people caring for veterans with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or brain injury. About 199 caregivers participated to see if the program could lower their stress and improve their work …

This study tested a type of therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) designed to help veterans with PTSD improve their social support and relationships. About 107 veterans took part, and the therapy focused on reducing avoidance and building connections with family,…

This study looked at 53 veterans with PTSD, sleep apnea, and insomnia who were not using their CPAP machines regularly. Researchers compared adding a sleep medication (eszopiclone) to brief behavioral therapy versus therapy alone. The goal was to see if the combination improved s…

This study tested a virtual mindfulness program to help veterans with depression readjust to civilian life. 36 veterans who served after 2001 took part. The program aimed to reduce depressive symptoms and improve community reintegration.

This study tested whether video calls with a pharmacist could help older veterans with multiple health conditions manage their many medications more safely. 304 veterans took part. The goal was to reduce risky medication use and improve how well they understood and followed their…

This study looked at whether health coaching can help Veterans with chronic pain and disability. 260 Veterans took part. The coaching was personalized to each person's goals and beliefs about their pain. The main goal was to see if it improved daily functioning and reduced pain.

This small study tested whether shining special LED lights on the head could help veterans and active-duty personnel who had a mild traumatic brain injury from blasts. Eight people took part, and researchers measured changes in thinking, memory, mood, and sleep. The goal was to s…

This study tested whether weekly social groups called Veterans Socials could help older veterans with depression feel less lonely and more supported. 18 veterans took part by attending groups, filling out questionnaires, and being interviewed. The goal was to see if the program w…

This study tested whether a non-invasive treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could improve memory and thinking in 32 veterans aged 55+ with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Participants received magnetic pulses to the brain, and researchers …

This study tested a special wheelchair that lets people with spinal cord injuries stand up and move around while standing. The goal was to see if using this chair at home and in the community helps veterans stand more often and feel better. Twenty-five veterans used either the ne…

This study tested a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) delivered via telehealth to help veterans who feel lonely and struggle with substance use. 36 veterans took part to see if the therapy was acceptable and helpful. The goal was to reduce loneliness and substance use, with resu…

This study looked at whether Tai Chi and a wellness program could reduce pain and fatigue in 114 Gulf War Veterans with chronic multisymptom illness. The treatments were moved online due to COVID-19. The goal was to see if these mind-body approaches improve daily life.

This study tested whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) — a non-invasive treatment using magnetic pulses on the brain — can improve daily functioning in veterans with PTSD. Researchers compared real TMS to a sham (fake) treatment in 59 veterans. The goal was to see if T…

This study looked at whether two types of talk therapy—behavioral therapy and cognitive therapy—can help Gulf War veterans who have trouble sleeping. Fifty veterans took part, and researchers measured changes in their insomnia symptoms using a standard sleep questionnaire. The go…

This study looked at ways to reduce diabetes distress—the feeling of being overwhelmed by daily diabetes tasks—in veterans with type 2 diabetes. Researchers first asked veterans to take photos of their experiences to better understand their struggles. Then, they tested a phone-ba…

This study tested whether a combined speech and exercise program delivered via telemedicine could improve speech clarity in people with Parkinson's disease. Nearly 90% of people with Parkinson's have speech problems that make daily communication hard. The study involved 104 veter…

This study tested a home-based walking program for veterans with COPD who couldn't attend hospital rehab. 146 participants used a pedometer and online support to increase daily steps. The goal was to see if this approach could improve physical activity and quality of life.

This study looked at whether adding a smartphone app that teaches cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills helps veterans with depression recover better than standard CBT alone. Fifteen veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan took part. The goal was to see if the app improved…

This study tested a smartphone app designed to help Veterans reduce or stop long-term use of benzodiazepines (medications like Ativan or Xanax). Long-term use can lead to dependence and other risks. The app provided self-help tools to help participants cut down or quit. The study…

This study tested whether a natural brain chemical called pregnenolone can reduce PTSD symptoms in 96 Iraq/Afghanistan-era veterans. Over 10 weeks, participants took either pregnenolone or a placebo and completed mental and physical health checkups. The goal was to see if this su…

This pilot study tested a brief text-based intervention to help veterans with social anxiety reduce safety behaviors (like avoiding eye contact or rehearsing sentences) that get in the way of work and social life. Twenty-three veterans enrolled in a work therapy program participa…

This small study tested whether a type of laser treatment (fractional CO2 laser) can reduce pain and discomfort from scars on the residual limb of veterans with lower-leg amputations. Ten participants received the laser therapy and were monitored for changes in prosthetic use, wa…

This study tested a new program for veterans who have both PTSD and a smoking habit. It combined a proven PTSD therapy (Cognitive Processing Therapy) with extra support to quit smoking, including counseling, medication, and rewards for staying smoke-free. The goal was to see if t…

This study looked at whether a 16-week program of aerobic and resistance exercise could improve heart and muscle function and reduce inflammation in 33 HIV-infected veterans aged 50 and older. Participants exercised on treadmills and did strength training. The goal was to see if …

This study tested whether repeated doses of ketamine could speed up the benefits of prolonged exposure therapy for veterans with PTSD. 75 veterans received either ketamine or a placebo alongside their therapy sessions. The goal was to see if ketamine could reduce PTSD symptoms fa…

This study tested whether a non-invasive magnetic brain stimulation technique can reduce apathy—a severe lack of motivation—in older Veterans with mild memory problems. About 100 participants received either real or fake stimulation over 20 sessions. The goal was to see if the tr…

This study looked at two ways to help Veterans with chronic insomnia get brief behavioral therapy in primary care clinics. One approach trained providers to deliver the therapy, and the other added extra support to help them use it. The goal was to see if more Veterans would get …

This study tested two different 2-month training courses to see which one better helps people with psychosis improve their daily social interactions and quality of life. 113 veterans took part. The goal was to find a more effective way to boost social functioning.

This study tested two sleep medications, trazodone and eszopiclone, in 673 veterans with PTSD and insomnia. The goal was to see if these drugs could improve sleep quality over 12 weeks. Researchers measured changes using the Insomnia Severity Index and also tracked PTSD symptoms.

This study tested whether neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) can help veterans with blood cancers maintain physical function and reduce fatigue during stem cell transplant. 46 participants used NMES while hospitalized. The goal was to see if this alternative exercise app…

This study tested a personalized version of Cognitive Rehabilitation and Exposure/Sorting Therapy (CREST) for Veterans with hoarding disorder. 60 Veterans received either the personalized therapy or standard case management. The goal was to see if the therapy could improve daily …

This study looked at different methods for screening male veterans for osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases fracture risk. Over 3,500 high-risk veterans participated to see which screening approach worked best. The goal was to improve detection and treatment…

This study tested whether public messages could encourage veterans who recently left the military and are thinking about suicide to seek mental health care. 355 veterans who were not currently in treatment received different messages via a mobile app. The goal was to see if these…

This study tested a new type of therapy for veterans with suicidal thoughts and their romantic partners. The therapy, called TR&ST, combines suicide prevention techniques with couples counseling to improve communication and safety. Researchers worked with 104 veterans and their p…

This study surveyed nearly 1,000 transgender veterans to learn what helps or hinders them from getting gender-affirming treatments like hormone therapy and mental health care through the VA and community providers. The goal is to identify barriers and improve access to care that …

This study looked at whether offering PTSD therapy in a condensed, massed format (several sessions per week for about a month) helps Veterans stick with treatment better than the usual once-a-week schedule. Thirty Veterans took part, and researchers tracked how many completed the…

This study looked at how well people with end-stage ankle arthritis did after surgery. Researchers measured function using surveys, step counts, and walking tests. The goal was to see if different types of surgery lead to different results. 368 adults took part, and some were fol…

This study looked at brain activity and thinking skills in 63 veterans with cocaine use disorder to see if they could predict who would benefit most from a behavioral treatment called contingency management (CM). CM rewards patients for staying drug-free, but it doesn't work for …

This study tested whether trained peer specialists—fellow Veterans who have faced similar challenges—can help reduce suicide risk. 17 Veterans at high risk for suicide received support focused on building hope, meaning, and community connections. The results suggest that adding p…

This study brought together six pilot projects to help more Veterans get treatment for opioid use disorder. Researchers worked with 63 VA sites to find better ways to increase the use of effective medications and alternative pain therapies. The goal was to learn what strategies w…

This study tested a program to help veterans at risk for suicide by discussing safe storage of firearms and medications. Forty veterans from VA clinics took part. The goal was to see if the program was practical and well-received, not to measure if it prevented suicides.

This study tested a program called SLAC that helps Veterans who drink heavily and have mental health issues like PTSD or depression get connected to alcohol care. 140 Veterans from VA primary care took part, and half received the SLAC program plus usual care, while the other half…

This study aimed to create and test a career counseling program called Purposeful Pathways for veterans with psychiatric disorders who were unemployed or underemployed. Researchers worked with 67 veterans to design the program and then tested it in a small pilot study to see if i…

This study looked at whether veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and insomnia can measure their internal body clock from home. Thirty-one veterans wore a wrist device for a week and collected saliva samples at night to check melatonin levels. The goal was to see if these h…

This study tested a 12-week program where trained peer leaders guided older veterans with multiple health conditions through diet and exercise activities. The goal was to see if this approach could improve how well veterans eat and how much they move. Thirty veterans took part, a…

This study tested whether a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS, combined with cognitive training, could improve thinking skills and reduce relapse in veterans with alcohol use disorder. Forty-five veterans participated, receiving either real or sham stimulation while …

This study tested a special training platform designed to help older veterans and those with disabilities improve their balance and reduce fall risk. The platform challenged participants to reach as far as they could while standing, gradually increasing the difficulty as they imp…

This study looked at whether balance and walking problems in people with Parkinson's disease are caused by changes in the inner ear (vestibular system) rather than just a lack of dopamine in the brain. Researchers tested the inner ear function of 60 participants with Parkinson's.…

This study tested whether a type of talk therapy for chronic pain is helpful and acceptable for veterans who also have serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. 47 veterans took part. The goal was to see if the therapy is worth testing in a larger study and…

This study looked at brain activity in people with and without Parkinson disease while they moved their legs. Researchers also tested whether two types of partnered dance could change that brain activity. About 140 adults aged 40 to 70 took part at the Atlanta VA Medical Center a…

This study looked at whether it's possible and acceptable to screen for hearing loss in the emergency department (ED). Researchers tested 133 veterans with mild hearing problems to see if using a hearing device improved their communication with doctors and nurses. The goal was to…

This study looked at whether measuring the skin's electrical activity can warn of agitation or combative outbursts in people with dementia. 21 patients from a dementia unit took part. The goal was to see if a warning signal appears before an outburst, which could help caregivers …

This study tested a program called Recovery Bridge, where trained peer specialists help people leaving a psychiatric hospital adjust to life back in the community. The goal was to see if the program is practical and acceptable, and to explore whether it can reduce hospital readmi…

This study looked at how COVID-19 affects people with chronic lung disease. Researchers reviewed medical records and surveyed 622 VA patients to understand what makes COVID-19 worse and what recovery and rehabilitation help is needed. The goal was to learn, not to test a new trea…

This study tested a care method called Patient Priorities Care in 420 older veterans with multiple chronic conditions. The goal was to see if aligning care with what patients value most reduces the burden of treatments and increases use of home and community services. Participant…

This study created and tested a mobile app called VetEd to help student veterans with mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety do better in college. 13 veterans tried the app and gave feedback on how easy it was to use and how helpful it was. The goal was to se…

This study looked at how often word-retrieval therapy should be given to help stroke survivors with aphasia (trouble finding words). 32 Veterans who had a stroke at least 6 months earlier took part. Researchers tested different therapy schedules and used brain scans and language …

This small study tested whether real-time neurofeedback (a type of brain training) could improve memory-related brain activity in older veterans with mild cognitive impairment. Four veterans aged 60 and older participated. The goal was to see if this non-invasive approach could h…

This study tested whether smartphone data—like activity, sleep, and social patterns—could help track mental health in 87 veterans with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or PTSD. The goal was to see if passive phone monitoring could detect early war…

This study tested a web-based decision support tool called MyPath, designed to help women veterans discuss their reproductive goals—like planning a pregnancy or choosing birth control—with their VA doctors. About 465 women took part, with half receiving a link to the tool before …

This study tested a program to help VA doctors and nurses practice mindfulness—a way to focus and reduce stress—by using hand washing as a reminder. About 343 hospital staff took part. The goal was to see if this approach could improve their well-being and increase proper hand hy…

This study explored how different physical activities impact short-term pain flares and long-term recovery in people with low back pain. Researchers followed 416 veterans to identify which activities help or worsen symptoms. The goal was to provide clearer guidance for managing b…

This study looked at whether taking calcium before exercise could help bones get stronger. Blood calcium drops during exercise, and the body pulls calcium from bones to compensate, which might reduce the bone-building benefits of exercise. Researchers tested this idea in 18 Veter…

This study looked at how mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) affects a person's ability to control impulses, focus, and manage emotions. Researchers used brain scans (fMRI) to see how memory and self-regulation work in the brains of 55 veterans with mTBI. They also tested whether …

This study looked at how often thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency occurs in hospitalized veterans who do not abuse alcohol. Researchers measured blood thiamine levels in 206 participants and also checked for links to inflammation, diet, and food insecurity. The goal was to better u…

This study looked at how veterans with HIV use My HealtheVet, an online health tool from the VA. Researchers reviewed medical records and interviewed veterans and providers to understand how the tool helps with self-management. They then developed and tested a program to encourag…

This study tested a new way to control a robot arm mounted on a power wheelchair. The arm uses a camera to help guide movements, making it easier for people with spinal cord injuries to do everyday tasks like picking up a glass or opening a fridge. 21 adults who use power wheelch…