Welcome to the Assistive Devices Studies Page
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do you use a wheelchair and have you had a pressure ulcer on your buttocks in the past 3 years? 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.
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.
Do you have a traumatic spinal injury and use a wheelchair as your primary means of mobility (over 40 hours a week)? If so, you may be interested in a study to help researchers assess the effectiveness of using an online training program to teach wheelchair users how to improve maintenance techniques. You will be able to choose between 3 levels of participation. Compensation provided.
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.
Do you use a mobility device at least 3 days/week? Do you weigh 180 lbs. or less and fit in an 18-in. wide and 16-in. deep seat? 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
