Pitt+Me - Pitt+Me

Welcome to the Assistive Devices Studies Page

CURRENT STUDIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU

MyPaTH Story Booth – COVID-19 Stories

Participants are invited to share how they are maintaining their own health during the coronavirus pandemic or to share what it is like being ill with coronavirus, and/or caring for a loved one who is ill. Participation involves one 45-minute session that takes place over the phone. Eligible participants must be able to read and understand English.

AGE:

18 and up

DURATION: 45 minutes

LOCATION: By phone

MyPaTH Story Booth 2.0

Interested in sharing your story about health, illness, or research? Patients and caregivers are needed to participate in a research study to help learn more about topics that are important to you and that may improve health and health care. Participation involves one 45-minute session that takes place over the phone. Eligible participants must be able to read and understand English.

AGE:

18 and up

DURATION: 45 minutes
VISITS: 1 visit or phone call

LOCATION: By phone

A Sensorimotor Microelectrode Brain-Machine Interface

Do you have limited or no ability to use both hands due to a cervical spinal cord injury, or a brainstem or spinal stroke? Are you age 22-70? This study involves the implantation of multiple sensors in the brain for approximately 1 year. Once the sensors are placed, participants will undergo training to learn to use brain activity to control computer cursors, video games, and a robotic arm.

AGE:

22 - 70

DURATION: 25 months
VISITS: Multiple

LOCATION: UPMC Presbyterian Hospital – Oakland

Electrode Headgear Testing Study

Do you use an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device or do you have ALS? If so, you may be interested in helping researchers by testing a newly designed dry electrode headset. Involves 1 session lasting up to 4 hours that will include communication tasks, such as copying sentences and describing a picture, along with completion of an online survey. Compensation is provided.

AGE:

18 and up

DURATION: Up to 4 hours
VISITS: 1

LOCATION: Forbes Tower – Oakland or ICAN Talk Clinic – Carnegie, PA

Real World Testing of AAC-BCI

Do have a have a severe disability, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or locked-in syndrome? If so, you may be interested in participating in a study that would provide an augmentative and alternative communication system with brain computer interface access that could be used in the home. Eligible participants require wheelchair assistive technology.

AGE:

18 and up

DURATION: Up to 2 years
VISITS: Monthly visits to your home

LOCATION: ICAN Talk Clinic – Carnegie, PA & your home

WiSAT (Wheelchair in-Seat Activity Tracker) Study

Do you use a wheelchair as your primary means of mobility? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help find out if a new tool called WiSAT (Wheelchair in-Seat Activity Tracker) can help prevent the development of pressure ulcers. Eligible participants must have a smartphone. Compensation provided.

AGE:

18 and up

DURATION: 5 months
VISITS: 2 visits

LOCATION: University of Pittsburgh Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology - Bakery Square

Ultrasound Imaging Study for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Do you have a spinal cord injury and do you use a wheelchair as your primary means of mobility? Have you had a pressure sore on your buttocks? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a 1-visit research study to help better understand how bone shape affects the development of pressure sores. Compensation is provided.

AGE:

18 and up

DURATION: 2-3 hours
VISITS: 1 visit

LOCATION: Bakery Square, East End

Remote Wheelchair Maintenance Training Program

Do you use a wheelchair as your primary means of mobility (over 40 hours a week) due to a traumatic spinal cord injury? If so, you may be interested in participating in a research study to find out if an online training program designed to teach people how to improve wheelchair maintenance techniques is effective. Compensation provided.

Wheelchair Maintenance App

Do you use a wheelchair as your primary means of mobility? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study to track wheelchair use, breakdowns and repairs through an app. Eligible participants must have a smartphone or tablet with internet access. Compensation provided.

AGE:

18 and up

DURATION: Up to 5 years

LOCATION: Online

Manual Wheelchair Virtual Coach – People with Spinal Cord Injury

Do you have a spinal cord injury, use an ultralight manual wheelchair at least 30 hours per week, and have had no recent pressure ulcers? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help evaluate a device that helps people with spinal cord injuries manage pressure reliefs and reduce the risk of pressure injuries. Compensation is provided.

AGE:

18 - 85

DURATION: 4 weeks
VISITS: 2-3 visits

LOCATION: Human Engineering Research Laboratories at Bakery Square - Pittsburgh

Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) Registry

Do you use an assistive device like a wheelchair, scooter, prosthesis (artificial limb), or cane? Are you interested in learning about research related to assistive technology? If so, you may be able to join the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) Registry. Participants will be informed of current and future research studies, but are not obligated to participate in a research study.

AGE:

18 and up

LOCATION: University of Pittsburgh

PITT Amputee Study

Do you have a leg amputation? Do you use a prosthesis with a liner, and can you walk comfortably for at least 5 minutes with it? If so, you may be able to take part in a research study to find out if temperature control liners work better than standard liners. Compensation is provided.

AGE:

18 and up

DURATION: About 12 months
VISITS: Multiple

LOCATION: University of Pittsburgh Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology at Bakery Square

RELATED RESEARCH AREAS:

Physical Disability