Studies Seeking Volunteers

Several of our research studies are currently seeking volunteers. If you would like to participate in, or learn more about one of the projects listed below, please contact the person listed for that project.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Research Study

Cerebral Palsy

Neurogame Therapy for Improvement of Gait and Balance in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Rehabilitation Gaming Research Study to Improve Arm/Hand Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Pain Management Studies

Take Charge: Telephone Based Self Management Study of Persons with Multiple Sclerosis

The inMotion Study: Effectiveness of Physical Activity for Improving Mood in People Aging with MS or SCI Study

Depression Questionnaire Study for MS

Cough Research Study

Stroke Studies

Neurogame Therapy: A Preliminary Investigation of Home Program to Improve the Movement of the Arm and Hand After Stroke

Cough Research Study

Rehabilitation Gaming Research Study to Improve Arm/Hand Function in Adults post Stroke

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Studies

The inMotion Study: Effectiveness of Physical Activity for Improving Mood in People Aging with MS or SCI Study

Project to Improve Symptoms and Mood after Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Studies

Amantadine Irritability Multi-Site Trial (AIMS)

Life Improvement Following Traumatic Brain Injury (LIFT)

Rehabilitation Gaming Research Study to Improve Arm/Hand Function in Adults post Traumatic Brain Injury

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Study

University of Washington researchers in the Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine, Otolaryngology, Pulmonary Medicine and Speech & Hearing Sciences are investigating the potential for problems moving the vocal folds to affect the ability to cough. Our goal is to use this information to help improve interventions to help swallowing and secretion management in individuals with bulbar ALS.

Who can participate? Adults diagnosed with probable or definite ALS that is currently affecting the muscles for speech and/or swallowing.

Participants will be asked to:

• Complete an interview regarding your current symptoms and medical history.
• Undergo an examination of your cough strength and vocal fold movements simultaneously with the laryngeal examination (for individuals seen in Otolaryngology Clinic, this will be done simultaneously with the laryngeal examination at your upcoming otolaryngology appointment).
• Undergo an examination of your breathing strength.
• Give permission to access your medical record for study related information.

Research data collection will occur at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC). Participation is voluntary and is not directly related to your medical care at UWMC. All identifying information will be kept confidential. You will receive a $20.00 gift card for taking part in this study. Parking reimbursement is available as well.

Are you interested? Let your healthcare provider in the ALS clinic know, and they can help us to get in touch with you. Or, contact us directly:

Deanna Britton, PhC, CCC-SLP
Department of Rehabiltiation Medicine
Phone: 206.388.9545
*Email: deanna@uw.edu
(*We cannot guarantee confidentiality of information communicated via email.)

[to top]

Cerebral Palsy Studies

We want to study a special way of having children with cerebral palsy practice leg muscle contractions using a video game followed by a little walking as compared to just practicing walking. We will measure how your child controls his/her legs while walking and standing. Participation in the study requires that you travel to the University of Washington up to 8 times if you participate in the study.

You may qualify for this study if your child:

• Is between 8-18 years of age
• Has cerebral palsy with difficulty using one both legs
• Drags toes during walking without orthotics (if typically worn)
• Can speak and understand English

For more information please contact Torey Gilbertson, PT at gilbet@uw.edu* or call (425) 444-7151.
*We cannot ensure confidentiality of email communication

Children with cerebral palsy sometimes have difficulty using one arm/hand. The purpose of this research study is to learn more about a new program that practices movements in the arm and hand using a computer game program. The research study can be done in the laboratory or at home. Participation in the study requires that you travel to the University of Washington nine times if you participate in the laboratory study and four times if you participate in the home study.

You may qualify for this study if your child:

• Is between 8-16 years of age
• Has cerebral palsy with difficulty using one arm/hand
• Can speak and understand English

For more information please contact Dianne Rios, OTR/L at dirios@uw.edu* or call (206) 616-0383.
*We cannot ensure confidentiality of email communication

[to top]

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Pain Management Studies

Researchers of the University of Washington MS Rehabilitation Research & Training Center (MSRRTC) are conducting a telephone-delivered self-management treatment study. The purpose is to help determine if telephone-delivered treatment interventions can reduce intensity and negative consequences of MS related difficulties such as pain, fatigue, and depressed mood in persons with multiple sclerosis.

Participation in this research would include 8 self-management phone sessions with a therapist, along with phone surveys before, during and after treatment sessions. You can withdraw from the study at any time, and your participation will not affect your healthcare in any way. You will be compensated $20 for the first four surveys you complete, and $40 for the final interview, up to $120.

Enrollment Information: Please contact study staff at (206) 221-5642 or 1-888-634-6778

[to top]

This research intends to evaluate the effect of exercise as an alternative method of improving mood in people with MS or SCI who are 45 years of age or older. All study participants will be asked to complete phone interviews with research staff four times over the course of the study.

Participants will be assigned to one of two approaches to physical activity treatment. People assigned to the Treatment A group will participate in a phone call with a study counselor to design a home exercise program based on his or her needs and abilities. Those in the Treatment A group will also receive 6-8 follow-up phone sessions. The Treatment B group will participate in an educational phone session with the study counselor, to discuss reasons to exercise and examples of exercise tailored to their disability.

All participants will also be asked to wear a device called an accelerometer to measure physical activity for three one-week periods. All study participants will receive up to $120 for their time and phone expenses.

Enrollment Information: Please call study staff at (206) 221-5641 or 1-866-928-2114.

[to top]

Researchers in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington are seeking participants for a study trying to find questions that measure depression in people with multiple sclerosis.

Depression symptoms overlap with MS symptoms (like fatigue) and can be difficult to separate and diagnose in people with MS. We’re trying to find which questions are the right questions to ask. In addition to the screening telephone call (15 min), the study involves one telephone call (45 min) with two parts: filling out questionnaires and a longer interview session.

• Participation in the study will last about 2 weeks.
• You will be paid $25 for your participation and receive resources on depression for people with MS.
• You do not need to have depression to participate in this study.
• This study is looking at all levels of depression from none at all to major depression.
• Open to anyone with MS in the United States.

For enrollment information, please follow the link to view the Depression Questionnaire Study for MS flyer. You may also call our study staff at 1-888-634-6778, or by email at msrrtc@uw.edu

[to top]

University of Washington researchers in the Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine, Otolaryngology, Pulmonary Medicine and Speech & Hearing Sciences are investigating the potential for problems moving the vocal folds to affect the ability to cough. Our goal is to use this information to help improve interventions to help swallowing and secretion management in individuals with neurologic diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Who can participate? Middle aged to older adults with no history of neurological, swallowing or breathing disorders.
and
Individuals seen in Otolaryngology Clinic with the following diagnoses: vocal fold paralysis, Parkinson's disease, Primary or Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis or brainstem stroke.

Participants will be asked to:

• Complete an interview regarding your current symptoms and medical history.
• Undergo an examination of your cough strength and vocal fold movements simultaneously with the laryngeal examination (for individuals seen in Otolaryngology Clinic, this will be done simultaneously with the laryngeal examination at your upcoming otolaryngology appointment).
• Undergo an examination of your breathing strength.
• Give permission to access your medical record for study related information.

Research data collection will occur at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC). Participation is voluntary and is not directly related to your medical care at UWMC. All identifying information will be kept confidential. You will receive a $20.00 gift card for taking part in this study. Parking reimbursement is available as well.

Are you interested? Contact us directly:

Deanna Britton, PhC, CCC-SLP
Department of Rehabiltiation Medicine
Phone: 206.388.9545
*Email: deanna@uw.edu
(*We cannot guarantee confidentiality of information communicated via email.)

[to top]

Stroke Studies

After stroke many people have difficulty using their affected arm. In this study we are investigating a program that combines home exercise and computer games to provide specific practice of desired arm and hand movements. In addition, we wish to gain a better understanding of your experience with home exercise programs and what supports and limits practice at home. Participation in the study requires that you travel to the University of Washington up to eight times.

You may qualify for this study if you are:

• Between 50 -75 years of age
• Had a stroke at least 6 months ago
• Can read, speak, and understand English

For more information please contact Elena Donoso Brown, OTR/L at edb23@uw.edu* or call (206) 221-8688.

*We cannot ensure confidentiality of email communication.

[to top]

University of Washington researchers in the Departments of Rehabilitation Medicine, Otolaryngology, Pulmonary Medicine and Speech & Hearing Sciences are investigating the potential for problems moving the vocal folds to affect the ability to cough. Our goal is to use this information to help improve interventions to help swallowing and secretion management in individuals with neurologic diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Who can participate? Middle aged to older adults with no history of neurological, swallowing or breathing disorders.
and
Individuals seen in Otolaryngology Clinic with the following diagnoses: vocal fold paralysis, Parkinson's disease, Primary or Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis or brainstem stroke.

Participants will be asked to:

• Complete an interview regarding your current symptoms and medical history.
• Undergo an examination of your cough strength and vocal fold movements simultaneously with the laryngeal examination (for individuals seen in Otolaryngology Clinic, this will be done simultaneously with the laryngeal examination at your upcoming otolaryngology appointment).
• Undergo an examination of your breathing strength.
• Give permission to access your medical record for study related information.

Research data collection will occur at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC). Participation is voluntary and is not directly related to your medical care at UWMC. All identifying information will be kept confidential. You will receive a $20.00 gift card for taking part in this study. Parking reimbursement is available as well.

Are you interested? Contact us directly:

Deanna Britton, PhC, CCC-SLP
Department of Rehabiltiation Medicine
Phone: 206.388.9545
*Email: deanna@uw.edu
(*We cannot guarantee confidentiality of information communicated via email.)

[to top]

Adults who have had a stroke sometimes have difficulty using one arm/hand. The purpose of this research study is to learn more about a new program that practices movements in the arm and hand using a computer game program. The research study can be done in the laboratory or at home. Participation in the study requires that you travel to the University of Washington nine times if you participate in the laboratory study and four times if you participate in the home study.

You may qualify for this study if you:

• Are between 21 -75 years of age
• Have had a stroke and have difficulty using one arm/hand
• Can read, speak, and understand English

For more information please contact Dianne Rios, OTR/L at dirios@uw.edu* or call (206) 616-0383.
*We cannot ensure confidentiality of email communication

[to top]

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Studies

This research intends to evaluate the effect of exercise as an alternative method of improving mood in people with MS or SCI who are 45 years of age or older. All study participants will be asked to complete phone interviews with research staff four times over the course of the study.

Participants will be assigned to one of two approaches to physical activity treatment. People assigned to the Treatment A group will participate in a phone call with a study counselor to design a home exercise program based on his or her needs and abilities. Those in the Treatment A group will also receive 6-8 follow-up phone sessions. The Treatment B group will participate in an educational phone session with the study counselor, to discuss reasons to exercise and examples of exercise tailored to their disability.

All participants will also be asked to wear a device called an accelerometer to measure physical activity for three one-week periods. All study participants will receive up to $120 for their time and phone expenses.

Enrollment Information: Please call study staff at (206) 221-5641 or 1-866-928-2114.

[to top]

After SCI, some people experience a cluster of symptoms including poor sleep, low energy, little interest in usual activities, depressed mood and pain. These symptoms can affect quality of life and may be treatable. Researchers at the University of Washington are trying to determine whether a 12-week trial of venlafaxine XR (Effexor XR) is an effective treatment for these symptoms.

You may qualify for this study if you have a SCI, are 18-64 years old, have some of these symptoms, are not taking venlafaxine XR and live within travelling distance to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA. If you would like to be considered for this study, please contact Christian Buhagiar at 206-897-4731.

More information is available at the Project to Improve Symptoms & Mood After SCI (PRISMS) website.

[to top]

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Studies

Do you experience mood swings or irritability? Have you noticed changes in your behavior since your brain injury? The purpose of the study is to see if amantadine is effective in treating irritability in patients with Traumatic Brain Injury. Volunteers will be asked to take either amantadine or a placebo (sugar pill) twice a day for 60 days. At day 60, all the volunteers will begin taking amantadine twice a day for one more month.

Possible volunteers are:

• People between the ages of 18-65 who have had a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) more than 6 months ago.
• At least moderately irritable (easily annoyed or upset, poor temper control, may have verbal or physical outbursts).

Participation in the study will last for 90 days, and will involve:

• 3 in-person clinic visits at the University of Washington Medical Center lasting about 2 hours each.
• 10 telephone calls from study staff to check on how the volunteer is doing with the medicine. These calls will last about 30 minutes.
• Participants will receive $25 for each clinic visit.

Interested? Have Questions? Call Leslie Kempthorne, Research Coordinator: 206-543-0219

[to top]

After a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), many people experience symptoms including low mood, poor energy, loss of interest in usual activities, and changes in appetite and sleep. LIFT uses a particular approach to education and counseling, called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This type of counseling has been used to effectively treat these symptoms with people who have not had a brain injury. LIFT is investigating whether these same strategies can also help people who have had a TBI. Researchers hope to find out if counseling can help people with a TBI get back to activities they enjoy, develop positive mental habits, and improve overall quality of life.

Eligible participants will be enrolled in the study for 16 weeks, with a follow-up phone call 8 weeks later. Participants may receive 12 sessions of in-person CBT at Harborview or UW Medical Center or 12 sessions of telephone CBT. A third group of participants will not receive counseling from the study. Participants will be paid up to $100 for their time and participation.

For questions about LIFT, or to be considered for this study, please contact Kenneth Marshall at (206) 543-4213 or 1-866-577-1925.

[to top]

Adults who have had a traumatic brain injury sometimes have difficulty using one arm/hand. The purpose of this research study is to learn more about a new program that practices movements in the arm and hand using a computer game program. The research study can be done in the laboratory or at home. Participation in the study requires that you travel to the University of Washington nine times if you participate in the laboratory study and four times if you participate in the home study.

You may qualify for this study if you:

• Are between 21 -75 years of age
• Have had a traumatic brain injury and have difficulty using one arm/hand
• Can read, speak, and understand English

For more information please contact Dianne Rios, OTR/L at dirios@uw.edu* or call (206) 616-0383.
*We cannot ensure confidentiality of email communication

[to top]