ResearchAbility – September 2024

Posted on by Pathfinder
dark purple background image with a photo of a red clipboard sitting on a wooden surface holding white paper with text "Least Restrictive Environment," on the right of the image. The first letter of each word is capitalized and red. Wire-rimmed glasses are set on the left of the clipboard in the photo. Below the photo is a yellow ribbon shape that flows from left to right of the image. On the top right side of the image is a white semi-circluar shape that has Pathfinder's branded graphic on it. On the left of the image is text, "RESEARCH ABILITY," with a graphic of the disability symbol of a person in a wheelchair on its right. Below is a list in yellow and white check bullets that say, "Observation Surveys Interviews Focus Groups Experiments Analysis Mixed Methods."

Research is a key component for making new discoveries and improving the lives of people with disabilities. It can also provide participants insight and support regarding their conditions, especially when there is a gap in services. Here are a few studies that may be of interest.

Heart Disease Study

You can help with this important clinical study about how inflammation in the blood vessels contributes to heart disease in African Americans.

You may be eligible to be in the study if you are:
African American adult
Age 18-60
Without diabetes
• This study is conducted at Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• Requires a screening visit, 5 study days, taking an FDA-approved study medication for 3 months, and blood collection
• Participants will be compensated for their time

If you would like to participate, please complete the pre-screening consent and questionnaire
https://redcap.vanderbilt.edu/surveys/?s=RXC8R7EY8AF3DJM8.

If you are eligible, a study team member will contact you for an in-person screening visit at the Clinical Research Center.

Study Team Contact:
615-238-1936
Chaney.r.johnson@vumc.org

Metabolism Study

If you are between the ages of 18-50 and have a body mass index of >30, you may be eligible to participate in a study that will look at how a medication can improve metabolism.

The study will involve:

  • 4 study visits
  • Blood collection
  • MRI scans
  • Abdominal fat samples
  • Taking an FDA-approved medication for12 weeks

Participants will be compensated for their time.

For more information or to see if you qualify, please contact:

Email: metabolismstudy@vumc.org
Phone: 615-854-7464

Nicole Oggs, NP
Rashundra.n.oggs@vumc.org
Phone: 615-875-7975

Sensory Processing in Autism Study

Vanderbilt University is seeking autistic and non-autistic children aged 7-17 years to participate in a study about sensory processing in autism. In this study, your child will complete some questionnaires and IQ and language testing, and be asked to complete a video game-like task while wearing an EEG cap. The session will take approximately 3 hours, and you will be able to stay with your child for the entire time. Participants will receive $20 per hour of participation in the form of Amazon gift cards. The study will take place at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. Parking will be provided.

If you are interested in participating or learning more about this study, please email the project lead, Sarah Vassall, at sarah.g.vassall@vanderbilt.edu