Clinical trials

The purpose of this research is to determine the feasibility of an uneven terrain walking program for lower limb prosthesis users. The training is designed to induce step-to-step variability during walking within a safe environment, with the aim of improving walking skill and confidence.

Background: Cognitive impairment and psychological symptoms are highly prevalent in Parkinson's disease (PD) and significantly compromise daily functioning and quality of life. Occupation-based cognitive stimulation may enhance ecological validity and engagement, while motivational feedback could further improve adherence and neuroplasticity. However, the combined effects of these approaches have not been systematically examined in PD. Objective: To evaluate the effects of enjoyable occupation-based cognitive stimulation with and without motivational feedback on cognitive, psychological, and occupational outcomes in older adults with PD and cognitive impairment. Methods: This single-blind, three-arm randomized controlled trial will enroll 71 community-dwelling older adults with idiopathic PD. Participants will be randomly assigned to: (A) occupation-based cognitive stimulation with motivational feedback, (B) occupation-based cognitive stimulation without motivational feedback, or (C) gold standard of conventional occupational therapy. Interventions will consist of 12 supervised sessions over 6 weeks. The primary outcome is occupational performance measured by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Secondary outcomes include global and Parkinson's disease-specific cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment \[MoCA\], Parkinson's Disease-Cognitive Rating Scale \[PD-CRS\], SCOPA-Cognition, Stroop Test, Clock Drawing Test, Trail Making Test), intrinsic motivation (Intrinsic Motivation Inventory), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), apathy (Apathy Evaluation Scale, Lille Apathy Rating Scale, Dimensional Apathy Scale), quality of life (Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39), functional mobility (Timed Up and Go under single- and dual-task conditions), fear-related constructs (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, Fear-Avoidance Components Scale, Falls Efficacy Scale-International), and flow experience during activities (Flow Short Scale and related occupational and rehabilitation flow measures). Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. Data will be analyzed using linear mixed-effects models under an intention-to-treat framework. Discussion: This trial will clarify the additive value of motivational feedback in occupation-based cognitive rehabilitation for PD. Findings may inform client-centered, ecologically valid rehabilitation strategies targeting non-motor symptoms in PD.

Adults with Down syndrome (Ds) are often thought to have a lower risk of heart and blood vessel disease because they tend to have lower blood pressure and fewer heart attacks than people without Ds. However, recent research suggests that heart and blood vessel diseases, including stroke, are becoming a more common cause of death in adults with Ds as life expectancy increases. Despite these findings, studies examining heart and blood vessel health in adults with Ds have produced mixed results, making it difficult to determine their true risk and whether preventive strategies are needed. This study will investigate the health of blood vessels in adults with Ds and compare the results with those of adults without Ds. Healthy blood vessels are important because they help deliver blood and oxygen throughout the body. Changes in blood vessel function and stiffness can occur with aging and may increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and memory problems. The study aims to determine whether adults with Ds experience changes in blood vessel health that may place them at increased cardiovascular risk. Specifically, the study will: (1) Examine how well blood vessels function in adults with Ds; (2) Measure the stiffness of arteries in adults with Ds; (3) Compare two methods used to assess blood vessel function to determine whether a simpler exercise-based test provides results similar to a commonly used standard test. The findings may improve understanding of cardiovascular risk in adults with Ds and help guide future strategies to promote healthy aging in this population.

This study aims to evaluate the correlation between stroke volume measurements obtained by transthoracic echocardiography and bioreactance-based noninvasive cardiac output monitoring. The primary objective is to assess the level of agreement between these two modalities in critically ill patients.

The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the usability and feasibility of SOAR (Sleep Optimization to Aid Recovery), a brief and self-guided digital program designed to share evidence-based sleep hygiene information with individuals seeking treatment for an eating disorder. The SOAR program delivers well-established recommendations promoted by the National Sleep Foundation and other professional sleep health organizations. The purpose of this study is not to test a new treatment or intervention per se, but rather to examine how effectively this existing information can be delivered through a digital platform to people preparing for or engaged in eating disorder treatment. By providing these evidence-based strategies in a user-friendly and accessible format, SOAR aims to support healthy sleep habits that may enhance overall well-being and facilitate recovery. The investigators will compare SOAR against a control condition, which would be no intervention (treatment-as-usual). Participants randomized to the control will receive access to SOAR after the follow-up period has ended, if they wish to use it.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of function-based assessment and intervention to reduce problem behavior in children with developmental disability or delay in the context of IDEA Part C services. The investigators will conduct a single-case study to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention.

683,000 women are sexually assaulted annually in the United States, half of whom develop chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and thus have markedly increased risk for cannabis use disorder (CUD). The current proposal will test the acceptability, initial efficacy, and mechanisms underlying a novel digital therapeutic targeting risk for PTSD-CUD, which could address the critical need for PTSD-CUD prevention for the 100,000 women who annually present for emergency care after sexual assault. In this research context, the applicant will receive key training in multisite, emergency-care based randomized clinical trials (RCTs), advanced statistical analyses for RCTs and ecological momentary assessment data, biobehavioral mechanisms underlying PTSD-CUD prevention, and professional development, launching her independent research career focused on reducing the public health burden of PTSD-CUD among sexual assault survivors by leveraging digital therapeutics.

The goal of this single-arm feasibility, pilot study is to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of the Herbs and Spices Nutrition Education Program (HSNP-focusing on incorporating herbs and spices into the diet for adherence to the DGA's) for determining the scalability of implementing this intervention for a larger scale, more comprehensive study The main questions it aims to answer are: * What is the feasibility and acceptability of incorporating herbs and spices into the diet along with DGA-focused nutrition education through the HSNP in college students with poor dietary quality? * What are the preliminary effects of the HSNP on dietary intake/quality, cardiometabolic, and gut health in college students with poor dietary quality? * What are the barriers associated with HSNP implementation in college students with poor dietary quality? Participants will: * Be asked to come to the study site initially for a Screening Study Visit to confirm eligibility. * Be asked to come the clinical study site for a Pre-HSNP and Post-HSNP Study Visit (one week prior starting the HSNP and after week 6 of completing the HSNP) for assessments of cardiometabolic and gut health. * Be asked to come to the Nutrition Center for weeks 0 and 3 of the HSNP, where they will receive education on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the health benefits of herbs and spices, have a sensory evaluation of foods, be provided budget-friendly recipes and resources, and given take-home herbs, spices, and supporting materials * Be asked to complete 3-Day Food Records throughout the 6 week study period for assessment of dietary quality (4 total)

The goal of this clinical trial is to is to determine the effects of baked potato with the skin (BP) + nutrition education focused on adherence for a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern (MEDNE) on glycemic control, cardiometabolic health, and dietary quality in individuals with pre-diabetes from different demographic backgrounds. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does BP+MEDNE contribute to improvements in indices of glycemic control, vascular function, blood lipids, inflammation/oxidative stress, and body composition? * Does BP+MEDNE contribute to improvements to overall dietary intake and quality? Researchers will compare BP+MEDNE to MEDNE alone to see if BP+MEDNE can improve glycemic control, cardiometabolic health, and dietary quality in individuals with pre-diabetes from different demographic backgrounds. Participants will: * Be asked to come to the study site initially for a Screening Study Visit to confirm eligibility. * Be asked to come the study site for a Pre-Baseline and Pre-12-Week Study Visit (one week prior to Baseline and 12-Week Study Visits) for placement of placement of a continuous glucose monitor and wearable devices to be removed at Baseline and 12-Week Study Visits. * Be asked to come to the study site for Baseline, 6- and 12-Week Study Visits for assessments of glycemic control and cardiometabolic health. * Be asked to complete 3-Day Food Records throughout the 12 week study period for assessment of dietary quality (5 total) * Receive pre-recorded MEDNE ( which can be accessed via computer device/ipad/smartphone) after Baseline and 6-Week Study Visits. * If randomized to the BP+MEDNE group, participants will receive pre-prepared baked potatoes with the skin for the 12-week study period (every 3 weeks) at Baseline and 6-Week Study Visits and asked to come to the study site for picking up the pre-prepared baked potatoes at weeks 3 and 9 of the study period.

The goal of this proposed study is to examine the effects of dietary wild blueberries on gut microbiome, serum markers of inflammation, and joint function in adults. Each participant will consume 25g freeze-dried blueberries or matched placebo powder for 12 weeks, with a 2-week washout phase between.

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a Multi-Theory Model (MTM)-based behavioral intervention can effectively promote smoking cessation and support behavior change in young adult cigarette smokers aged 18 to 29 in the United States. This trial focuses on whether applying theory-driven strategies such as emotional transformation, behavioral confidence, and participatory dialogue can lead to higher smoking abstinence rates and improved psychosocial outcomes compared to a standard knowledge-based smoking education control group. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the intervention lead to a greater reduction in nicotine dependence scores (measured by the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence \[FTND\]) and an increase in quit rate among young adult smokers from baseline to 12-week follow-up? * Does the MTM-based intervention significantly improve 7-day point prevalence abstinence (PPA) at 12 weeks compared to a knowledge-based control group? * Does the intervention result in significant positive changes in MTM constructs such as participatory dialogue, behavioral confidence, emotional transformation, practice for change, and changes in the physical and social environment from baseline to 12-week follow-up? Researchers will compare the MTM-based intervention group (experimental arm) to a knowledge-based smoking education control group to determine whether the theory-driven program is more effective in supporting smoking cessation and behavior change among young adult smokers. Participants will: * Complete surveys at three time points: baseline (Week 0), post-intervention (Week 5), and follow-up (Week 12), covering demographics, smoking history, nicotine dependence (FTND), MTM constructs (via a validated 48-item scale), and self-reported quit rates. * Be randomly assigned to one of two groups: o MTM-Based Intervention Group: Attend four weekly 90-minute virtual group sessions covering: Week 1: Participatory dialogue, behavioral confidence, and process evaluation Week 2: Emotional transformation, environmental restructuring, and process evaluation Week 3: Practice for change, relapse prevention, and process evaluation Week 4: Social support, reward systems, and process evaluation o Knowledge-Based Control Group: Attend four weekly 90-minute didactic virtual sessions focused on: Smoking-related health risks Overview of FDA-approved smoking cessation tools * Undergo process evaluations using the RQFSM model (Reach, Quality, Fidelity, Satisfaction, and Management) at the end of the intervention to assess how well each program was delivered and perceived. * Have the optional opportunity for biochemical verification of smoking abstinence using exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) testing. This trial will be conducted entirely online and follows a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design with a 1:1 group allocation ratio. A total of 144 participants (approximately 72 per group) will be recruited, accounting for an expected attrition rate of up to 50%. This sample size was chosen to ensure sufficient power to detect statistically significant differences between the two groups (effect size f = 0.25, α = 0.05, power = 0.80). Although the intervention will be delivered virtually, the study is affiliated with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), which provides IRB approval, secure data storage infrastructure, and institutional oversight (IRB Protocol #2024-453). Informed consent will be obtained electronically, and all participant data will be securely stored using encrypted Qualtrics surveys and password-protected UNLV or Google Drive servers with limited access, ensuring full confidentiality and ethical compliance. This trial addresses a pressing public health challenge: the persistent difficulty young adults face in quitting smoking despite decades of tobacco control efforts. Young adults remain a high-risk population for relapse and are frequently underserved by conventional cessation programs. This MTM-based intervention seeks to fill this gap by targeting both behavioral and environmental barriers through structured, evidence-based strategies designed to build self-efficacy, emotional readiness, and environmental support. The use of MTM constructs such as emotional transformation, behavioral confidence, and restructuring the physical/social environment is a key innovation that may enhance long-term cessation outcomes. Moreover, delivering the program virtually increases its potential for scalability and real-world application, making it a promising model for public health programs nationwide. The findings of this clinical trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal articles, national public health conferences (APHA, SOPHE etc.), and shared with stakeholders like the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health. The results may help shape future funding priorities, guide the development of policy, and inform the design of tailored interventions for smoking cessation among young adults.

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two types of closure in patients with ostomies that are ready for closure. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Surgical site infection rates 2. Patient quality of life 3. Time to wound healing Participants will undergo either complete ostomy wound closure after washing out the wound with Prontosan, or their ostomy wound will be closed using the Pursestring method, where the wound will be left partially open and allowed to heal from the inside out. Researchers will compare these two groups' outcomes (questions to be answered) as listed above.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if this ergonomic protocol can improve performance and reduce ergonomic risk in esports athletes. It will also learn about the insight of esports athletes and their experience in implementing this new protocol. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does this ergonomic protocol improve performance? Does this ergonomic protocol reduce ergonomic risk? Researchers will assign the protocol to esports athletes who meet inclusion criteria and express interest in participating in the study. A pre-post design will be conducted to note any differences. Participants will: * Participate in a 6-week study with 4 in-person visits * Volunteers will be requested to participate in a focus group during Week 6. * Implement the strengthening protocol 3x a week and a warm up/cool down protocol before and after each gaming session. * Attend one educational session about gaming ergonomics during Week 1 * Complete the Rapid Entire Body Assessment, Kovaaks Asessment, and a Questionnaire during Week Zero, Week 3, and Week 6.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if dorsally applied kinesiology tape is an effective conservative treatment for symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and assess the potential performance effect of the tape color in first-person shooter esports games in esports gamers who exhibit symptoms that resemble carpal tunnel syndrome. The main questions it aims to answer are: Is dorsally applied kinesiology tape able to manage carpal tunnel syndrome-like symptoms in esports gamers? Does red kinesiology tape hinder or improve performance in first-person shooter esports games in esports gamers? Researchers will compare red kinesiology tape to skin tone kinesiology tape. Both will be applied on the dorsal aspect of the hand and wrist of the dominant upper extremity. Participants will visit the site 2 times to get kinesiology tape applied and complete a pre and post-test for pain and performance. Depending on randomization a participant will receive a random sequence of the study arm (ex: red then skin tone or skin tone then red tape)

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the RESPONSIBLEPLAY© intervention helps promote responsible gambling behaviors in University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) students aged 21 and older who have a Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) score of 3 or higher. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the intervention reduce harmful gambling behaviors? Does the intervention increase responsible gambling practices? Researchers will compare participants receiving the RESPONSIBLEPLAY© intervention with those receiving a knowledge-based intervention to see if the RESPONSIBLEPLAY© intervention is more effective. Participants will: Attend three face-to-face sessions on responsible gambling over three weeks. Complete surveys before, after, and eight weeks after the intervention to track their progress.

The overall goal of this research project is to investigate the effectiveness and the science of peer-based prosthetic skill training in individuals with leg amputation. Our belief is that amputee learners will show improved skill learning when observing demonstrations from other amputees, as opposed to observing nonamputee models. The investigators will accomplish the objective by answering the following two questions: Question 1: Does peer-based observation training works better for learning motor tasks for individuals with lower limb amputation (LLA)? Question 2: Are there differences in visual focus, behavior, and brain activation patterns when observing motor task demonstrations from amputee peers vs. non-amputees? Participants of this study will be asked to learn a balance and a fall recovery task by observing video demonstrations by amputee peers vs. non-amputees. The investigators will compare which setting produce better learning.

The 10,000 Step Club (10KSTC) is a 6-month community walking program for people with Parkinson's disease (PwP) and their caregivers in Las Vegas, Nevada (LV). This program will consist of several weekly, organized walking groups in local parks throughout the LV Valley. Participants in the program will use Nordic walking poles during the walks. Each walking group will meet once per week at a local park and will be supervised by walking group leaders from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. There will be three walking programs throughout the Las Vegas valley. Participants will be given a step watch to wear step counts will be tracked in real-time. The program is designed to get PwP out of their homes, cultivate a culture of connection with others with Parkinson's disease (PD), and to be collectively accountable for a common goal toward 10,000 steps per day.

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships of exercise on inflammation in the body of older adults and people with Parkinson's disease (PD). This is important research for older adults but is especially important for people with PD because neuroinflammation is the main pathological mechanism that is responsible for neuron cell death in this neurodegenerative disease. As PD is a progressive disease, halting or slowing the degeneration is an important research target. Halting or slowing the disease progress is known as neuroprotection. Exercise is an attractive therapeutic treatment for people with PD as it has a lot of multi-systemic benefits, but also there is a lot of evidence to suggest that it helps improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Exercise has been theorized to decrease inflammation and, therefore, has a lot of promise as a neuroprotective agent in slowing or halting the degeneration in PD. Unfortunately, there is not a lot of research that has looked into the effect of exercise on the biological processes of inflammation. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the biological evidence that underlies the positive effect of exercise in people with PD.

This study sought to investigate whether modulation of cortical excitability of the gluteal musculature, via tDCS paired with exercise, will reduce the amount the knee caves in during functional tasks in individuals with PFP. The objective is the explore if having tDCS target the area of the brain controlling hip muscles, when paired with exercise, will be more effective in reducing the amount the knee caves in for individuals with PFP versus those who receive exercise alone as their treatment. The aim is to contribute our findings to the growing knowledge in this area in order to help establish the possibility, and feasibility, of its use in clinical settings to strengthen traditional treatments for this patient population.

Although there are an increasing number of mental health treatment adaptations for older adults, there are still a number of factors to consider when making these adaptations. Cognitive decline is one such factor that places significant burden on older adults and can interfere with traditional mental health therapies. Engage is a behavioral treatment approach that has shown to be effective in treating late life depression. The investigators are testing the feasibility of Engage as a treatment method for late life depression in older adults with cognitive decline. The objective is to corroborate Engage as an alternative late life depression treatment method for a sub-population of older adults with cognitive decline. Cognitive decline poses a unique mental health treatment barrier that is often over looked in younger populations. With a relatively higher prevalence of cognitive decline in older adulthood, it is imperative that a feasible mental health treatment program that can be effective in the presence of cognitive decline.