The purpose of this research study is to study four treatments for chronic low-back pain to learn whether or not certain treatments work better for people with certain characteristics.The study's main goal is to find a way to match treatments to low-back pain patients based on their characteristics and how they responded to treatments they have used before.
This study is a multi-site, sequential, multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART) designed to meet the primary objective of estimating an algorithm for optimally assigning evidence-based interventions for chronic low-back pain. The trial is based on an individual patient's phenotypic markers and response to treatment. Interventions being evaluated in this trial are: (1) acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), (2) duloxetine, (3) enhanced self-care (ESC), and (4) evidence-based exercise and manual therapy (EBEM).
Depression, anxiety, and preventable physical diseases (e.g., obesity, cardiovascular) are interrelated and costly public health problems in Charleston county (Tricounty Community Health Needs Assessment Report, 2019). Given these complex and interrelated needs, the Behavioral Health Task Force of S.C. recommends the development of integrated mental and physical health services in settings such as primary care (S.C. Institute of Medicine and Public Health, 2016) that simultaneously address mental and physical health. Unfortunately, no known IMHWS models have been evaluated in the county or state. The purpose of this research study is to quantitatively and qualitatively evaluate the acceptability of the Modern Minds clinic and model, a novel IMHWS model in the Charleston area. We will be examining providers' and clients' satisfaction with model, as well as conducting interviews to understand how acceptable such a model would be to other communities.
Stroke is a leading cause of disability in the U.S. and many Veteran stroke survivors live with severe disability. Despite recent advances in rehabilitation treatments many stroke survivors have persistent physical and mental difficulties such as reduced arm and leg function, difficulty thinking, and depression.
Developing treatments that address these problems is necessary to improve long-term recovery for stroke survivors. Aerobic exercise (AEx) can improve physical and mental function, and reduce depression. Additionally, AEx may enhance physical rehabilitation by making the brain more receptive to, and consequently improving the response to a rehabilitation treatment. Therefore, combining AEx with physical rehabilitation has the potential to improve multiple parts of stroke recovery. This study will examine the effect of combining AEx with physical rehabilitation on physical and mental function in stroke survivors. By gaining a better understanding of the effects of this combined intervention we aim to advance the rehabilitative care of Veteran stroke survivors.
Hand disability after stroke has a profound negative impact on functional ability and independence. Hand therapy may be augmented with sensory stimulation for better outcomes. We have developed a novel sensory stimulation - unfelt vibration applied via a wristwatch. In this study, we will determine if combining this stimulation with hand task practice is superior to hand task practice alone.
The purpose of this study is to determine if 3-dimensional finger force training is an effective tool in restoring hand function post stroke. Persons who survived a stroke 3 to 12 months ago and have a hand impairment will be eligible to participate in this study. Participants will be asked to come to the laboratory to practice controlling the finger force generation 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Participants will see their performance on a computer screen. Participants will also come to the laboratory for additional 4-7 visits for assessments of their upper extremity function. The total duration of the study will be 2.5 months.
Stroke affects millions of Americans and is a leading cause of disability. In addition to chronic disability, many survivors experience depressive symptoms such as reductions in mood and motivation. Post-stroke depression (PSD) is associated with poorer recovery from stroke, increased health care costs and higher mortality. Additionally, PSD may interfere with the recovery of the nervous system after stroke. Effective treatment options for PSD are limited and often come with side effects, highlighting the need for alternative treatment approaches. Aerobic exercise (AEx) has positive effects on the nervous system, is a powerful anti-depressant, and has limited side effects, yet remains underutilized in stroke survivors with PSD. This study will examine the short-term effects of AEx on the nervous system in stroke survivors with and without PSD. The results will serve as a foundation for the study of AEx as a treatment for PSD.
Walking after a lower extremity amputation is often difficult. It is important that researchers and clinicians understand the mechanisms that inhibit normal walking function. In this study, we are recruiting individuals with lower extremity limb loss for a walking and balance investigation. We will also be studying matched healthy controls to do similar study procedures. All study procedures will occur on the campus of MUSC by a licensed Physical Therapist and experienced researcher. Any questions should be directed to the coordinator listed.