Virginia Commonwealth University

This study looked at how parents can help teenagers with obesity keep off weight after losing it. Over 400 teens and their parents took part in a program that included healthy eating, exercise, and support. The goal was to see which way of involving parents worked best for long-t…

This study tested a new way to treat childhood obesity by replacing some in-person doctor visits with video telehealth sessions. Health coaches worked with families in their homes to build healthy skills. Ten children aged 9-13 with overweight or obesity took part. The goal was t…

This study tested whether using a health app (PatientBuddy) and a brain-function test (EncephalApp) could help prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions within 30 days for people with cirrhosis. The study involved 232 patients and their caregivers. The goal was to see if tracking…

This early-phase study tested whether adding a medication called AUVELITY (a mix of dextromethorphan and bupropion) to standard buprenorphine/naloxone treatment is safe for people with opioid use disorder. 18 adults on stable buprenorphine treatment took part. Researchers monitor…

This study tested a wellness coaching program called 'house chats' to help African American adults in Petersburg, Virginia, lose weight and improve their health. Twenty-two participants received coaching on physical activity, diet, and weight management. The goal was to see if th…

This study tested whether a smartphone app called PatientBuddy could help people with cirrhosis and their caregivers prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions within 30 days after discharge. The app provided tools and support for managing the condition at home. The trial included…

This study tested a school program to help rural middle school students eat more fruits and vegetables. Over 1,100 seventh graders from ten Virginia schools took part. The program included goal setting, peer leaders, and workshops. Students in the program ate more fruits and vege…

This small pilot study looked at whether gradually extending sleep time, combined with good sleep habits, is possible and helpful for people with a type of heart failure called HFpEF. Ten adults with stable heart failure and poor sleep quality wore activity trackers and kept slee…

This study tested a wearable device called PDVibe2 that delivers gentle vibrations to improve walking and balance in people with Parkinson's disease. 12 participants completed the trial, which measured changes in gait and movement symptoms. The goal was to see if the device is sa…

This study looked at whether a type of talk therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) can help people with brain tumors who have trouble sleeping. The study included 70 adults with various brain tumors who also had insomnia. The goal was to see if the thera…

This study tested a mobile program called "Mamma Mia" to see if it helps pregnant women and new mothers feel better emotionally. Over 1,900 women joined the study during early pregnancy. The program provided skills and information on topics like stress, anxiety, and well-being. R…

This study tested if using virtual reality (VR) can reduce anxiety in children aged 6-15 during medical procedures like blood draws. Researchers measured heart rate, blood pressure, and fear levels before and after VR. They also looked at how VR affected parents' anxiety and nurs…

This study tested a counseling program called CALM (Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully) for people with malignant brain cancer. The goal was to see if it's practical and helpful for reducing distress like depression and anxiety about death. 60 participants were offered eithe…

This study tested whether using an immersive virtual reality (VR) headset along with practice of real-world arm tasks could improve arm movement in people who had a stroke at least six months earlier. Thirteen adults with limited arm motion took part. Researchers measured arm act…

This study looked at whether weighted blankets can help prevent or reduce delirium in adult ICU patients. Delirium is a state of confusion that can happen during a hospital stay. 49 patients, along with their nurses and family members, shared their experiences using the blanket. …

This study tested whether a remote exercise training program is practical for medically underserved men receiving hormone therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer. Twenty-seven participants were enrolled to see if they would stick with the program and complete assessments. The goal was …

This study followed 52 teachers and 72 students to see if teachers continued using a program called BEST in CLASS one year after training. The program helps manage student behavior and improve social skills. Researchers measured how closely teachers stuck to the program and how s…

This study looked at how different nicotine levels in e-cigarettes affect nicotine delivery and smoking behavior. Thirty-three healthy smokers aged 18-55 used e-cigarettes with constant device settings but different e-liquid strengths. Researchers measured nicotine in the blood, …

This study tested a program in elementary schools to encourage kids to drink more water. Researchers worked with school staff and students to make hydration easier. They measured how well the program worked and if it improved water bottle use and health markers like cavities and …

This study tested whether a telehealth program called C-SMART is practical and well-liked by people with primary brain tumors who have mild memory or thinking problems. Researchers enrolled 32 participants (18 patients and 14 caregivers) to see if they could complete the program …

This study enrolled 71 African American menthol smokers to see how limiting e-cigarette flavors (like menthol or tobacco) changes their smoking habits, toxin exposure, and addiction risk. Participants used different flavored e-cigarettes while researchers tracked cigarette use, c…

This study tested a rideshare training program for autistic adults ages 18 and older. The goal was to see if the training was acceptable and helped participants use rideshare services more independently and safely. 13 people took part, and researchers measured how well the progra…

This study tested whether different e-cigarette flavors and nicotine strengths change how much smokers want to use them. 32 adult smokers compared tobacco and menthol e-cigarettes with their own brand cigarettes. Researchers measured how much they'd pay and how price changes affe…

This study looked at how stress affects smoking in African American and white men. Researchers measured stress responses using a psychological test and tracked daily cortisol patterns. The goal was to understand racial differences in stress and smoking behaviors. 95 male smokers …

This study looked at whether using e-cigarettes that contain alcohol (ethanol) can change the results of breath, blood, and field sobriety tests. Twelve adults who use e-cigarettes and drink alcohol took part. Researchers measured alcohol levels and sobriety over six hours to see…

This study involved 116 people with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD), a group of rare genetic disorders causing progressive shoulder and hip muscle weakness. Researchers measured changes in mobility, muscle function, breathing, and daily activities over time. The goal was to…

This study explored whether offering fetal ultrasound in community settings, along with care navigation and motivational counseling, helps pregnant women with substance use disorder attend prenatal care and substance use treatment. 103 pregnant women between 22-32 weeks gestation…

This study aimed to understand the quality of life of Black girls aged 12-17 in Richmond, Virginia. Instead of focusing on problems, researchers used surveys and interviews to highlight the girls' strengths and the community resources that support them. The goal was to create a r…

This study looked at how different e-cigarette liquids—varying in sweetness and nicotine form—affect nicotine levels in the blood, how people puff, and how they feel. Thirteen healthy adults who use cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or both took part. Researchers measured puff volume, du…

This study looked at whether a weight loss program led by local community members (called House Chat Leaders) could work in a real-world setting. It involved 71 African American adults from Petersburg, VA, who were interested in making healthy lifestyle changes. The goal was to s…

This study looked at 124 women having planned C-sections to find the best place to put a forced-air warming blanket (like a Bair Hugger) to keep them warm. Half got an upper-body blanket, half got an underbody blanket. The goal was to see which group had a better core body temper…

This study looked at how a person's genes might influence their thinking and behavior after drinking alcohol. Nine healthy adults completed tasks measuring aggression after consuming alcohol versus a non-alcoholic drink. The goal was to better understand the cognitive factors beh…

This study looked at how a chemical called TMAO, made by gut bacteria, affects heart and blood vessel health in people who have had a liver transplant. Researchers measured TMAO levels and checked blood vessel function in 19 adult liver transplant recipients. The goal was to bett…