Participate

Are you interested in helping our researchers? Here are research studies seeking participants:

Brain and Nervous System Studies

The following webpage lists UW Medicine studies, including some housed in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, seeking volunteers for studies related to the brain and nervous system. Please note that we do not manage this website, and cannot confirm the studies listed are currently active: Brain & Nervous System - Participate in Research (iths.org)

Cerebral Palsy Studies

SIT-PT: Comparison of Two Physical Therapy Approaches for Young Children Beginning to Sit

The purpose of the SIT-PT study is trying to compare 2 different forms of physical therapy for children who have or at high risk of cerebral palsy. To evaluate these 2 interventions the participants are randomly assigned (like flipping a coin), with half the children participating in each of the interventions. Both interventions are designed to help improve the child’s motor skills, but one focuses on motor skills while the other focuses on both thinking and motor skills. Both programs include 2 physical therapy sessions per week provided in your home or our office, based on the distance. The intervention lasts for 3 months (24 therapy visits), and all study visits are provided to you free of charge. You can continue with all of your current services as well.

In addition to the intervention, all infants complete 5 play-based assessment sessions over a one-year period. All of the study assessments can be conducted in your home or, if you prefer, in our research lab, by a trained assessor.

Your child may be eligible to participate if he/she meets these criteria:

Your child is between 8-24 months of age (adjusted for prematurity, if applicable)
Your child has a motor delay or has a medical history that indicates a high risk of cerebral palsy
Your child can NOT get in and out of sitting by him/her self

For more details or to contact the research team, please visit: start-play.unl.edu/research-program/#current-studies

Transcutaneous Spinal Stimulation for Children with Cerebral Palsy

The Restorative Technologies Laboratory is currently recruiting children and youth with Cerebral Palsy for a skin-surface stimulation study to improve spasticity and mobility. Participants will receive advanced treadmill training combined with skin-surface electrical stimulation of the spinal cord. Children may be eligible for this study if they are age 4 or older, of GMFCS level I-IV with spastic bilateral cerebral palsy. All study visits occur at UW (parking reimbursed).

If you have questions or are interested in participating, please contact Siddhi Shrivastav, MS, at siddhis@uw.edu or 973.444.1940.

Communication-Related Diagnoses Studies

Paid online survey study for people with Parkinson's disease, head and neck cancer, laryngectomy, or laryngeal dystonia (spasmodic dysphonia)

The purpose of this study is to better understand how to support people with diagnoses that affect communication, and the important people in their lives to stay connected through communication. This online survey study will take about 30-45 minutes to complete. It is open to adults age 18 or older who are U.S. residents with any of the following diagnoses: Parkinson's disease, spasmodic dysphonia (laryngeal dystonia), head and neck cancer, or laryngectomy. To begin, visit https://sites.uw.edu/speaclab/. The person with the diagnosis must start the survey and nominate at least one family member / friend / coworker in the survey to participate.

For questions, please contact: speaclab@uw.edu

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Paid survey study for adults experiencing changes with thinking and memory with aging including suspected early dementia

The purpose of this study is to better understand how to support people with changes in thinking and memory / suspected dementia, and the important people in their lives to stay connected through communication. For the person experiencing memory changes, this study requires a one-time Zoom or phone session with a researcher to complete a survey. The session will take about an hour. Family members are asked to complete a one-time, online survey separately from the person experiencing memory changes – they can complete this on their own.

Visit: https://sites.uw.edu/speaclab/staying-connected-study/dementia/

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Online survey study for family members of people experiencing dementia

The purpose of this study is to better understand how to support family members of people with dementia, specifically related to their communication and interactions with each other. This study involves a one-time survey that will take family members about 30 minutes to complete. The survey can be done online or we can mail a paper copy. This study is open to adults age 18 or older who live with or interact with a loved one with dementia at least several times per week. Your loved one with dementia does not need to participate – this study is only for family members and close friends.

For questions, please contact: speaclab@uw.edu

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Help Us Understand SLP Practice for People Living with Dementia in SNFs: Clinician Survey

What we want to learn:

The goal of this research is to capture the unique impact of SLPs working in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and understand the factors in clinical decision-making.

What we need:

Complete an online survey:
- Questions on clinician perspectives, demographics, practice patterns, and facility characteristics
- About 30 minutes to complete
- Can be done at the respondents’ convenience over multiple days
Participants who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing to win one of 20 $100 Amazon gift cards.

Who we need:

Currently, we are recruiting SLPs who:

Received their SLP degree in the US
Are currently or were recently employed (on or after 2018) in a SNF or nursing home in the US
Have ≥3 months post-graduation professional experience in SNFs or nursing homes in the US

Get Involved:

Interested participants can complete a screening form (https://redcap.link/slp-snf) or email the study (brownc25+snf@uw.edu).

Contact: Cait Brown, PhD(c), CCC-SLP, University of Washington

The University of Washington IRB has given this study exempt status under ID STUDY00019289.

Exercise Studies

Diabetes in Physical Therapy

Who we are looking for: Someone who has type 1 or type 2 diabetes and has been to physical therapy before

Study focus: One-time, one-on-one interview with a researcher; we want to hear about your experience as a person with diabetes in physical therapy

Benefits of participation: $40 payment, the opportunity to participate in research, & improve healthcare experiences of others with diabetes

For questions or to participate, contact: Kathleen Cummer, PT, DPT, PhD at kcummer@uw.edu

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Are you a Physical Therapist Treating Patients with Diabetes?

Who we are looking for: Outpatient Orthopedic Physical Therapists who have treated patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes

Study focus: One-time, one-on-one interview with a researcher; we want to hear about your experience as a physical therapist working with individuals with diabetes

Benefits of participation: $40 payment, the opportunity to participate in research, & improve healthcare experiences of those with diabetes

For questions or to participate, contact: Kathleen Cummer, PT, DPT, PhD at kcummer@uw.edu

Intellectual Disabilities Studies

NWADA Center Study on Healthcare Experiences

The Northwest ADA Center is conducting a study on healthcare experiences (good and bad) among people with disabilities who may also experience other forms of discrimination, such as people of color, non-native English speakers, or LGBTQ+ individuals.

Participants will join a 1-2 hour focus group online via Zoom. Confidentiality is assured, and participation is voluntary.

Requirements:

Be an adult (18+ years)
Have a disability
Be a person of color and/or identify as LGBTQ+
Communicate through spoken or written English or ASL interpretation
Live in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, or Alaska

Contact the Northwest ADA Center for more information: nwadaresearch@uw.edu

Limb Absence, Difference, or Dysfunction Studies

NWADA Center Study on Healthcare Experiences

Participants will join a 1-2 hour focus group online via Zoom. Confidentiality is assured, and participation is voluntary.

Requirements:

Be an adult (18+ years)
Have a disability
Be a person of color and/or identify as LGBTQ+
Communicate through spoken or written English or ASL interpretation
Live in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, or Alaska

Contact the Northwest ADA Center for more information: nwadaresearch@uw.edu

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Novel Prosthetic Foot

A research study seeks to understand how prosthetic foot design impacts walking during everyday activities.

Individuals may be eligible to participate if they:

Have a unilateral above-knee amputation,

bilateral below-knee amputations,

unilateral below-knee amputation and lower level of mobility (K2) and use a prosthetic foot/feet;
Can walk more than 400 yards (~4 city blocks) without an increase in pain;
Are at least 16 years of age; and
Weigh no more than 365 lbs.

Study participation involves 4 visits to the UW and includes:

Collection of basic demographic information
Response to questionnaires and interviews
Walking and balance tests
Completion of a daily activity log
Use of the investigational prosthetic foot for ~4 weeks

Each study session takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Participants will receive up to $600 for participating in the entire study. Transportation (within 50 miles) and parking will be paid.

Interested? Please contact Monica Smersh, Research Coordinator, at msmersh@uw.edu or 425-331-9737.

Mobility Studies

NWADA Center Study on Healthcare Experiences

Participants will join a 1-2 hour focus group online via Zoom. Confidentiality is assured, and participation is voluntary.

Requirements:

Be an adult (18+ years)
Have a disability
Be a person of color and/or identify as LGBTQ+
Communicate through spoken or written English or ASL interpretation
Live in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, or Alaska

Contact the Northwest ADA Center for more information: nwadaresearch@uw.edu

Multiple Sclerosis Studies

Non-invasive Electrical Spinal Cord Stimulation to Restore Upper Extremity Function in Multiple Sclerosis

Who?

Adults between 21 and 70 years older who have had multiple sclerosis
Have difficulty using hand and arm
Able to participate in a 6-month-long study, which includes treatment sessions and follow-up visits in Seattle, WA

Why?
The study aims to test the therapeutic potential of non-invasive spinal cord stimulation to improve hand and arm function in people with multiple sclerosis.

What?

Participation involves 60-minute sessions three times per week for a total of 12 weeks of treatment, including six weeks of exercise alone and six weeks of stimulation combined with exercise therapy, in random order.
There will be six weeks of follow-up time after each treatment period.
Participants will also undergo assessments of upper limb function and electrophysiologic tests.

Where?
Testing and spinal stimulation are at the UW Amplifying Movement & Performance Laboratory (AMP Lab) and the Multiple Sclerosis Center at UW Medical Center - Northwest, with easy parking on UW's west campus.

Other

Study compensation is $30 per visit. Additionally, participants will get a parking voucher if they drive and park on campus. If you are interested in more information or volunteering, please e-mail or text/call. Please remember that we cannot guarantee the confidentiality of any information sent via e-mail.

Email: estimstudy@uw.edu
Phone: 206-787-2692

Pain Management Studies

MATCH Study

Principal Investigators: Mark Jensen, PhD, Rhonda Williams, PhD

Chronic pain is a significant problem affecting millions of Americans. Research has shown that psychological treatments can help people with chronic pain manage their pain and improve their quality of life. Three psychological treatments shown to be effective for chronic pain include Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Hypnotic Cognitive Therapy (HYP-CT), and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). While research has shown these treatments are helpful for people with chronic pain, the benefits people experience from these types of treatments can vary from person to person. There is little research showing who responds best to which treatments. The purpose of this study is to better understand who benefits most from MBCT, HYP-CT, and CBT. By identifying a way to match people with the type of psychological treatment for pain that would work the best for them based on certain personal characteristics, we aim to improve treatments for people with chronic pain in the future.

Participation in study activities includes:

In-Person Baseline Assessments (about 2 hours TOTAL): Cognitive Assessment (about 20 minutes), Relaxation and Hypnotic Exercise (about 20 minutes), Brain Wave Activity (EEG) Assessment (60 minutes), Baseline Questionnaire (about 20 minutes)
7 Follow-up Assessment Sets (45-60 minutes per set, 5-7 hours TOTAL): These assessments will happen before you start treatment, after the 2nd, 4th, and 6th treatment sessions; at the end of treatment, and 3 and 6 months after treatment ends.
8 Psychological Treatment Sessions (60 minutes each, 8 hours TOTAL): These individual videoconference treatment sessions will occur on average once per week.

If you participate in this study, we will need 16-20 hours of your time over a 9–12-month period. You can receive up to $350 for completing all study procedures. This study is looking for participants with chronic pain.

Please fill out this form on ITHS if interested: www.iths.org/participate/the-match-study/

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Studies

Non-invasive closed-loop spinal stimulation for restoration of upper extremity function after spinal cord injury

The study aims to test the therapeutic potential of closed-loop electrical stimulation to restore hand and arm function after spinal cord injury. Additionally, we will compare the efficacy of closed-loop stimulation with continuous stimulation.

Participation involves 90 minutes sessions three times per week for 18 weeks to receive stimulation combined with exercise therapy and undergo assessments of upper limb function and electrophysiologic tests. Participants will repeat the same assessments three months later. Study compensation is $40 per visit. Additionally, participants will get a parking voucher if they drive and park on campus.

To learn more, please contact Fatma Inanici at finanici@uw.edu or 2060-787-2692; or Adria Robert Gonzales at adriarg@uw.edu.

SCI Recovery Study

The purpose of the study is to understand access to healthcare and recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI), due to firearms or assault. We also want to understand the experiences of individuals who have participated in support programs so that we could improve programs on violence prevention and recovery after violence.

The study consists of two phases:

Phase 1 survey: This brief survey (10-15 minutes) covers basic information, your spinal cord injury, and your access to health care and rehabilitation services. It can be completed online, over the phone, or with a paper copy. Participants will be compensated $10 and have the option to express interest in Phase 2.

To participate in Phase 1, please click this link: SCI-Recovery: Phase 1 Survey

Phase 2 interview: This phase involves a more in-depth interview (60-90 minutes). We will revisit topics covered in Phase 1 questionnaire. We will discuss aspects such as the initial injury and care received, any challenges in accessing medical care, therapy services, and community resources, and suggestions for improvement. The interview can be conducted through phone, Zoom, or in-person. Participants are eligible to receive up to $100 as compensation.

If you are interested in phase 2, please click this link: SCI-Recovery: Phase 2 Interview

If you have any questions or are interested in participating via phone, please contact the study staff at scirecovery@uw.edu, or 206-744-9442.

SCI Sprint Study

SCI Sprint is a study for patients who have had a spinal cord injury. The purpose of the study is to see if it is feasible to do a sprint interval training program (short duration but high intensity) during inpatient rehabilitation and to see if the program is effective in increasing physical fitness.

Participants must have a spinal cord injury and be doing their initial inpatient rehabilitation at Harborview Medical Center (and meet other requirements). The program involves being trained 3 times per week on an arm ergometer to increase physical fitness along with answering questions about you and your experience.

For questions or to see if you can participate, you can contact the study team at scisprint@uw.edu or 206-744-3609.

Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation with arm bike for blood pressure and heart control

This research study will look at whether electrically stimulating the spinal cord from on top of the skin while someone exercises on an arm-crank bike will improve functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (stimulating the spinal cord from on top of the skin using electricity) while people exercise is a new treatment that we are investigating to see if it can help the body regulate its autonomic functioning, increase how long someone with a SCI can be active, and improve neurologic recovery. By doing this study, we hope to learn if this non-invasive electrical stimulation can improve functioning and overall quality of life. If you agree to participate:

You will receive either transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation or “sham” spinal cord stimulation while exercising on an arm-crank bicycle in the first 8 weeks of the intervention. Both groups will be asked to complete the same arm-bike exercise. In the last 8 weeks, both groups will receive transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation during arm-bike exercise, so that both groups will receive the benefit of stimulation in this study.
This study includes 2, 8-week periods where we will ask you to come in for 60 min, 3x per week for spinal cord stimulation and exercise.
During assessment visits the researchers will perform a variety of exams including a neurologic, cardiovascular, pulmonary, physical, and autonomic exam, and will ask questions about your quality of life and functioning.

For questions or to participate, contact: Soshi Samejima, DPT, PhD, at soshis@uw.edu.

Additional information about this study can be found on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Stroke Studies

Research on Hand and Arm Motor Recovery via Skin Surface Electrical Spinal Cord Stimulation after Stroke

This study explores the restoration of hand and arm function after stroke.

This study aims to test the therapeutic potential of transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation for restoring motor function in the upper limb in stroke survivors. Participation involves 60 minutes sessions three times per week for 12 weeks to get stimulation combined with exercise therapy and undergo assessments of upper limb function and electrophysiologic tests. Participants will repeat the same assessments three months later. Study compensation is $20 per visit. Additionally, participants will get a parking voucher if they drive and park on campus.

To learn more, please contact Fatma Inanici at finanici@uw.edu or 206-787-2692, or Adria Robert Gonzales at adriarg@uw.edu.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Studies

Late Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury (LE-TBI): A collaborative study to improve knowledge about the long-term effects of TBI

Principal Investigator: Jeanne Hoffman, PhD

The Late Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury study (LE-TBI) is a collaborative project focused on increasing knowledge about long-term effects of TBI.

Studies researching donated brain tissue following death are critical because they are among the best methods to identify preventative and new treatments for brain disorders. The LE-TBI project represents the most scientifically rigorous effort to date to improve our understanding of long-term outcomes of single and multiple TBIs.

Participation involves a ~5 hour visit to the University of Washington Medical Center to undergo brain imaging, neuropsychological testing, a blood draw for genomic analysis, and an interview. Participants will be compensated $100, a $15 lunch voucher in the UW Plaza cafeteria and reimbursed for parking/transportation expenses. Participants will be invited back every 2 to 3 years to complete the same assessments, including brain imaging, testing, and a blood draw.

Please note: By agreeing to this research, you are not consenting to brain tissue donation; that can only be obtained from your next of kin in the hours following death. You are only signing that this is your intent at this time. By making your wishes known, you may ease the burden on your next of kin.

Are you interested in learning more? Please contact Laurie, research coordinator, at 206-744-3607 or letbi@uw.edu.

Visit our website at tbi.washington.edu for more information.

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Late Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury in Military Veterans (LE-TBI-MIL): Military Veteran Brain Tissue Donor Program

Principal Investigator: Jeanne Hoffman, PhD

The Late Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury in Military Veterans study (LE-TBI-MIL) is a collaborative project focused on increasing knowledge about long-term effects of TBI in the Veteran population.

Studies researching donated brain tissue following death are critical because they are among the best methods to identify preventative and new treatments for brain disorders. The LE-TBI-MIL project represents the most scientifically rigorous effort to date to improve our understanding of long-term outcomes of single and multiple TBIs and specifically for the Veteran population. Eligible participants are Veterans at least one year out from active duty.

Are you interested in learning more? Please contact Laurie, research coordinator, at 206-744-3607 or letbi@uw.edu.

Visit our website tbi.washington.edu for more information