Welcome to the Assistive Devices Studies Page

CURRENT STUDIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU


Wheelchair Maintenance App

Do you have a non-progressive spinal cord injury that occurred over 1 year ago, and 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 Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration DURATION:  Up to 5 years
Location LOCATION:  Online


Assessment of an Experimental Robotic-Assisted Transfer Device – Phase 2: Power Wheelchair Users

Do you use a power wheelchair? Do you weigh 180 lbs. or less, fit in an 18-in. wide and 16-in. deep seat, and do not require complex postural supports? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study to help researchers evaluate how effective and usable a robotic transfer assist device (HERL-RATD) is compared to a commercially available manual hydraulic (Hoyer) lift. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration VISITS:  1 in-person visit lasting about 4 hours
Location LOCATION:  Human Engineering Research Laboratories at Bakery Square - Pittsburgh


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? Do you use an Android smartphone? 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 Range
AGE:   18 - 85

Duration DURATION:  12 weeks
VISITS:  2-3 visits
Location LOCATION:  Human Engineering Research Laboratories at Bakery Square - Pittsburgh


Xtampza ER Study for Adults Who Have Difficulty Swallowing Pills

Do you take a prescribed opioid medication for chronic pain and are age 21-70? Do you have trouble swallowing pills? If so, you may be able to take part in a research study to find out if a pain medication called Xtampza ER is easier to swallow. Participants must be current patients of a UPMC Pain Medicine Clinic, or be willing to schedule an appointment with this clinic. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   21 - 70

Duration DURATION:  6 weeks
VISITS:  4 visits
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Pain Medicine Clinic - Centre Commons 5750 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206


AgileLife Patient Transfer Study

Do you require assistance with getting into and out of bed? If so, you may be able to take part in a research study to help evaluate the AgileLife Patient Transport Movement System, a “zero-lift” solution for patients who have difficulty getting into and out of bed by themselves. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 80

Duration DURATION:  About 9 weeks
Location LOCATION:  In your home


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 Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration DURATION:  About 12 months
VISITS:  Multiple
Location LOCATION:  University of Pittsburgh Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology at Bakery Square


Manual Wheelchair Virtual Coach: User Study

Do you have a spinal cord injury and use an ultra-light manual wheelchair at least 40 hours per week? Do you use an Android smartphone? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help evaluate a new smartphone-based program designed to help manual wheelchair users manage pressure relief. Involves 2 in-person visits. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration DURATION:  About 5 hours total
VISITS:  2 visits
Location 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 Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Location LOCATION:  University of Pittsburgh


All of Us Pennsylvania Research Program

You may be able to change the future of medicine. The All of Us PA Research Program is enrolling adults 18 years of age or older. This may be your chance to improve how your children and your children’s children receive medical care.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration VISITS:  one initial visit
Location LOCATION:  University Center, Aiken Medical Building, Monroeville Urgent Care, UPMC Montefiore CTRC & St. Clair Commons, Bethel Park


Prosthetic Technology Focus Group

Do you have an arm amputation above or below the elbow? If so, you may be interested in participating in a focus group to discuss your experiences with prosthetics (artificial limbs) and to learn about some new prosthetic technology currently being developed. The focus group will last no longer than 3 hours. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration DURATION:  Up to 3 hours
VISITS:  1 visit
Location LOCATION:  University of Pittsburgh


Effects of Vibration Exercise

Do you use a wheelchair full-time? Are you an adult with a spinal cord injury at T2 or lower? Or do you have a neurological impairment from a spinal cord injury/disease at T2 or lower? You may be able to take part in a research study to find out if vibration dumbbell resistance training can improve upper limb strength, function, and pain in wheelchair users with paraplegia. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 65

Duration DURATION:  12 weeks
VISITS:  4 lab visits, 3 in-home training sessions per week
Location LOCATION:  Human Engineering Laboratory (Bakery Square) & at your home


MyPaTH Story Booth

Researchers are looking for volunteers to share a personal story about their experience as an individual facing a health problem or accessing the health system. Individuals could also share their experience as a caregiver for someone who is ill.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration VISITS:  1 visit lasting 20 minutes
Location LOCATION:  Falk Medical Building (Oakland), or by phone


Accessibility Barriers Survey – Wheelchair Users

Do you use a wheelchair or scooter as your primary means of mobility? Can you transfer to and from your mobility device by yourself? If so, you can participate in a research study that involves taking an online survey. Researchers want to know how different areas of the community help or hinder the needs of wheeled mobility device users.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration DURATION:  30 minutes or less
Location LOCATION:  Online


Movement Disorders Research Registry

Do you have a movement disorder? If so, you may be able to participate in the Movement Disorders Registry. This registry is a list of individuals who are interested in being contacted about future research studies.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration VISITS:  None Required
Location LOCATION:  University of Pittsburgh



RELATED RESEARCH AREAS:
  Physical Disability

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