Research
Adapt To The Demands Of The Future
The Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation is actively involved in many research endeavors to maximize health and physical function. We are exploring all types of therapies including complementary and integrative methodologies. The Department is home to the Program on Integrative Medicine (PIM), which conducts research in complementary and integrative medicine. PIM is the administrative home of the T-32 Research Fellowship in Complementary and Integrative Healthcare and multiple NIH grants.
Ongoing Research
Clinical Trials and Intervention Development
OPTIMUM: Group-based mindfulness for patients with chronic low back pain in the primary care setting
Dates of Study (Funder): 9/01/2020-8/31/2025 (NIH/NCCIH)
Description: OPTIMUM is a pragmatic randomized clinical trial comparing mindfulness delivered in an integrative medicine group visit with usual care for individuals attending primary care clinics. The three participating sites include Boston Medical Center, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and UNC with Piedmont Health Services
Principal Investigator: Natalia Morone, MD (Boston Medical Center)
PM&R Investigators: Susan Gaylord, PhD; Kim Faurot, PhD; DrPH; Christine Lathren, MD, MSPH, Jessica Barnhill, MD, MPH
Research Staff Involved: Nandie Elhadidy, Elondra Harr,MPH, Shirley Thoms, MPA
Link to NIH: reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10239279
Study Publications: reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10239279#publications
Study Status: Recruitment completed
Dates of Study (Funder): 9/01/2020-8/31/2025 (NIH/NCCIH)Description: OPTIMUM is a pragmatic randomized clinical trial comparing mindfulness delivered in an integrative medicine group visit with usual care for individuals attending primary care clinics. The three participating sites include Boston Medical Center, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and UNC with Piedmont Health Services
Principal Investigator: Natalia Morone, MD (Boston Medical Center)
PM&R Investigators: Susan Gaylord, PhD; Kim Faurot, PhD; DrPH; Christine Lathren, MD, MSPH, Jessica Barnhill, MD, MPH
Research Staff Involved: Nandie Elhadidy, Elondra Harr,MPH, Shirley Thoms, MPA
Link to NIH: reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10239279
Study Publications: reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10239279#publications
Study Status: Recruitment completed
Thriving Hearts: Healing-Centered, Integrated, Community Maternity Care
Dates of Study (Funder): 4/1/2024 – 3/31/2029 (PCORI)
Description: Thriving Hearts is a multilevel intervention that is designed to address historical and structural determinants that contribute to disparities in maternal health outcomes in North Carolina related to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Using a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation design, Thriving Hearts will implement support and connection at the individual, healthcare provider, and community level to reduce incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and its complications.
Principal Investigator: Stewart Stuebe, MD (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UNC-CH)
PM&R Investigators: Jessica Barnhill, MD, MPH
Study Page: www.mombaby.org/thriving-hearts
Study Status: Planning year
Dates of Study (Funder): 4/1/2024 – 3/31/2029 (PCORI)
Description: Thriving Hearts is a multilevel intervention that is designed to address historical and structural determinants that contribute to disparities in maternal health outcomes in North Carolina related to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Using a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation design, Thriving Hearts will implement support and connection at the individual, healthcare provider, and community level to reduce incidence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and its complications.
Principal Investigator: Stewart Stuebe, MD (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UNC-CH)
PM&R Investigators: Jessica Barnhill, MD, MPH
Study Page: www.mombaby.org/thriving-hearts
Study Status: Planning year
Project BrEAtHe (Brothers reclaiming emotional awareness, tranquility, healing, & existence) Disrupting Racism-related Stress, Trauma, & Problematic Substance Use
Dates of Study (Funder): 9/14/2021 – 7/31/2025 (NIH/NIMHD)
Description: Project BrEAtHe is a research study to create a program focused on mindfulness and stress reduction specifically tailored to young adult Black males (18 to 29 years old) residing in Durham, NC and in Hartford, CT. We are also interested in receiving feedback about options to modify and scale a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction intervention and its preliminary effects on reducing physical and emotional stress reactions and poor coping mechanisms like marijuana and alcohol use linked to everyday racism and discrimination.
Principal Investigator: Wizdom Powell (UConn)
PM&R Investigators: Susan Gaylord, PhD
Research Staff Involved: Shirley Thoms MPA, Alina Shcherbakova
NIH Reporter: reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10673993#description
Study Publications: reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10673993#publications
Study Status: Recruitment completed
Dates of Study (Funder): 9/14/2021 – 7/31/2025 (NIH/NIMHD)
Description: Project BrEAtHe is a research study to create a program focused on mindfulness and stress reduction specifically tailored to young adult Black males (18 to 29 years old) residing in Durham, NC and in Hartford, CT. We are also interested in receiving feedback about options to modify and scale a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction intervention and its preliminary effects on reducing physical and emotional stress reactions and poor coping mechanisms like marijuana and alcohol use linked to everyday racism and discrimination.
Principal Investigator: Wizdom Powell (UConn)
PM&R Investigators: Susan Gaylord, PhD
Research Staff Involved: Shirley Thoms MPA, Alina Shcherbakova
NIH Reporter: reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10673993#description
Study Publications: reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10673993#publications
Study Status: Recruitment completed
Digital health platform (DHP) to deliver Mindfulness as a Stress Management Intervention Leveraging Electronic (SMILE) health records for racial and ethnic populations during the COVID-19 pandemic: Clinical Trial
Dates of Study (Funder): 7/14/2022 – 05/23/2025 (NIH/NIMHD)
Description:The overall objective of this proposal is to investigate effectiveness and sustainability of our Digital Health Platform, to delineate MBSR mechanisms of active by measuring changes in psychological self-reported metrics and autonomic balance using HRV, and to examine associations between COVID-19 related stress and mental health outcomes, resilience, and HRV.
Principal Investigator: Susan Gaylord, PhD, Keri Heilman, PhD, Maria Davila, MD
PM&R Investigators: Susan Gaylord, PhD; Kim Faurot, PhD
Research Staff Involved: Shirley Thoms MPA, Alina Shcherbakova
More information: Website, SMILE Flyer
NIH Reporter: reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11074100#description
Privacy Policy: Link to App Privacy Policy
Study Status: Voluntary temporary suspension of enrollment
Dates of Study (Funder): 7/14/2022 – 05/23/2025 (NIH/NIMHD)
Description:The overall objective of this proposal is to investigate effectiveness and sustainability of our Digital Health Platform, to delineate MBSR mechanisms of active by measuring changes in psychological self-reported metrics and autonomic balance using HRV, and to examine associations between COVID-19 related stress and mental health outcomes, resilience, and HRV.
Principal Investigator: Susan Gaylord, PhD, Keri Heilman, PhD, Maria Davila, MD
PM&R Investigators: Susan Gaylord, PhD; Kim Faurot, PhD
Research Staff Involved: Shirley Thoms MPA, Alina Shcherbakova
More information: Website, SMILE Flyer
NIH Reporter: reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11074100#description
Privacy Policy: Link to App Privacy Policy
Study Status: Voluntary temporary suspension of enrollment
Dietary alteration of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids for chronic low back pain
Dates of Study (Funder): 10/01/2024 – 3/31/2026 (NIH/NIAMS)
Description:R34 Clinical Trial Planning Grant from the NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Chronic pain afflicts millions of people, and many treatment options have serious side effects. A diet-based approach has shown promise in regulating pain signaling mechanisms and decreasing pain. The purpose of this grant is to develop a clinical trial to test whether and how this diet-based approach reduces pain in adults with chronic low back pain. The R34 grant will be used to set up the infrastructure for a 5-year multisite randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of a mechanism-based dietary approach for chronic low back pain. The goal of this R34 planning grant is to develop all the necessary documents and procedures to conduct that trial. In Aim 1, we will update the H3L6 and control interventions to current nutrient values since the food supply has changed since they were developed. In Aim 2, we will complete all the planning activities (e.g., preparation of the manual of operating procedures, development of informed consent forms, and develop safety and data management plan) that are critical prior to implementing a clinical trial.
Principal Investigator: Daisy Zamora, PhD
PM&R Investigators: Daisy Zamora, PhD, Kim Faruot, PhD
Investigators: Anastasia Ivanova, PhD, Kevin Carneiro, DO, and Beth MacIntosh, MPH, RD
UNC Collaborating Departments: Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Neurosurgery, and UNC Health Metabolic & Nutrition Research CoreResearch Staff Involved: Elondra Harr, MPH, Victoria Behm, MS
NIH Reporter: reporter.nih.gov/search/12E0C00C4F8EC2D67598B8961CAA4A01A2FFCEB861BF/project-details/10881448#detailstion
Study Status: Ongoing
Dates of Study (Funder): 10/01/2024 – 3/31/2026 (NIH/NIAMS)
Description:R34 Clinical Trial Planning Grant from the NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Chronic pain afflicts millions of people, and many treatment options have serious side effects. A diet-based approach has shown promise in regulating pain signaling mechanisms and decreasing pain. The purpose of this grant is to develop a clinical trial to test whether and how this diet-based approach reduces pain in adults with chronic low back pain. The R34 grant will be used to set up the infrastructure for a 5-year multisite randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of a mechanism-based dietary approach for chronic low back pain. The goal of this R34 planning grant is to develop all the necessary documents and procedures to conduct that trial. In Aim 1, we will update the H3L6 and control interventions to current nutrient values since the food supply has changed since they were developed. In Aim 2, we will complete all the planning activities (e.g., preparation of the manual of operating procedures, development of informed consent forms, and develop safety and data management plan) that are critical prior to implementing a clinical trial.
Principal Investigator: Daisy Zamora, PhD
PM&R Investigators: Daisy Zamora, PhD, Kim Faruot, PhD
Investigators: Anastasia Ivanova, PhD, Kevin Carneiro, DO, and Beth MacIntosh, MPH, RD
UNC Collaborating Departments: Department of Biostatistics, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Neurosurgery, and UNC Health Metabolic & Nutrition Research CoreResearch Staff Involved: Elondra Harr, MPH, Victoria Behm, MS
NIH Reporter: reporter.nih.gov/search/12E0C00C4F8EC2D67598B8961CAA4A01A2FFCEB861BF/project-details/10881448#detailstion
Study Status: Ongoing
Epidermal Sensors for Wireless and Enhanced Amputee Skin Tracking (E-SWEAT)
Dates of Study (Funder): 7/2024 -5/16/2028
Description: The objective is to study the skin health in amputees in order to develop wireless sensor technologies that enhance skin tracking and improve prosthetic care.
Dates of Study (Funder): 7/2024 -5/16/2028
Description: The objective is to study the skin health in amputees in order to develop wireless sensor technologies that enhance skin tracking and improve prosthetic care.
This multi-site, pilot clinical study with UNC and NCSU will conduct the following tasks:
1. Recruit amputee participants for the proposed study
2. Evaluate the pressure ulcer development
3. Conduct experimental procedure needed for sweat analysis
4. Travel to the NCSU site to evaluate patients’ socket fit conditions
5. Safety monitoring of the human subject testing
6. Conduct statistical analysis and monitor data quality
7. Cooperate with NCSU on IRB and other regulations
UNC Collaborating Departments: UNC Orthotics and Prosthetics Center
Principal Investigator: Amay Bandodkar, PhD (NCSU)
PM&R Investigators: William Filer, MD, collaborating with Sean Zeller from Orthotics and Prosthetics Center
Research Staff Involved:
Study Status: Not yet recruiting
1. Recruit amputee participants for the proposed study
2. Evaluate the pressure ulcer development
3. Conduct experimental procedure needed for sweat analysis
4. Travel to the NCSU site to evaluate patients’ socket fit conditions
5. Safety monitoring of the human subject testing
6. Conduct statistical analysis and monitor data quality
7. Cooperate with NCSU on IRB and other regulations
UNC Collaborating Departments: UNC Orthotics and Prosthetics Center
Principal Investigator: Amay Bandodkar, PhD (NCSU)
PM&R Investigators: William Filer, MD, collaborating with Sean Zeller from Orthotics and Prosthetics Center
Research Staff Involved:
Study Status: Not yet recruiting
Observational Studies
A personalized, community-based rehabilitation sensing system to improve daily functions of stroke survivors
Dates of Study: 9/1/2022- 8/31/2027
Description: The objective of this project is to develop a personalized community-based rehabilitation sensing system to improve daily functions of these individuals. The system will include three essential components: a nanomaterial-enabled multimodal wearable sensor network to monitor arm and leg functional activities; a low-power data acquisition, processing, and transmission protocol; and a smart phone APP to communicate training outcomes to the users and clinicians via internet and receive feedback from them.
Principal Investigator: Yong Zhu, PhD (Biomedical Engineering)
PM&R Investigator: JM Baratta, MD
NIH Study Page: reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10919190
Study Publications: reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10919190#publications
Study Status: Recruiting soon
Dates of Study: 9/1/2022- 8/31/2027
Description: The objective of this project is to develop a personalized community-based rehabilitation sensing system to improve daily functions of these individuals. The system will include three essential components: a nanomaterial-enabled multimodal wearable sensor network to monitor arm and leg functional activities; a low-power data acquisition, processing, and transmission protocol; and a smart phone APP to communicate training outcomes to the users and clinicians via internet and receive feedback from them.
Principal Investigator: Yong Zhu, PhD (Biomedical Engineering)
PM&R Investigator: JM Baratta, MD
NIH Study Page: reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10919190
Study Publications: reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10919190#publications
Study Status: Recruiting soon
Risk Stratification in Children with Concussion
Dates of Study (Funder): 5/2023 – (NIH/NINDS)
Description: This is an observational study designed to evaluate how children recover after a concussion in terms of post-concussion symptoms and fatigue. The study will also assess inflammatory biomarkers assessed in saliva and impacts on thinking, school, and relationships.
Principal Investigator: Karin Reuter-Rice (Duke University)
PM&R Investigator: Peter Duquette, PhD
NIH Reporter: reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11047667#description
Study Publications: reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11047667#publications
Study Status: Closed
Dates of Study (Funder): 5/2023 – (NIH/NINDS)
Description: This is an observational study designed to evaluate how children recover after a concussion in terms of post-concussion symptoms and fatigue. The study will also assess inflammatory biomarkers assessed in saliva and impacts on thinking, school, and relationships.
Principal Investigator: Karin Reuter-Rice (Duke University)
PM&R Investigator: Peter Duquette, PhD
NIH Reporter: reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11047667#description
Study Publications: reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11047667#publications
Study Status: Closed
Wheelchair Charging and Mobile Power Solutions (CHAMPS)
Dates of Study (Funder): 9/1/2022 – 3/31/2024 (NIDILRR)
Description: The purpose of this research study is to see what the charging and power needs are for people who use power mobility devices, such as wheelchairs and scooters. Specifically, this research study hopes to find out how community-based battery charging stations could help users of power mobility devices. The study team will conduct focus groups and usability testing to gather feedback on the design, location and use of these charging stations in the Chapel Hill and Carrboro communities.
Principal Investigator: Zeljko Pantic (NC State, School of Engineering)
PM&R Investigators: William Filer, MD; Kim Faurot, PhD; Jessica Barnhill, MD, MPH
Link to Research for Me: (not active)
More Information: Enroll in Study
Study Status: Recruiting for final usability test
Dates of Study (Funder): 9/1/2022 – 3/31/2024 (NIDILRR)Description: The purpose of this research study is to see what the charging and power needs are for people who use power mobility devices, such as wheelchairs and scooters. Specifically, this research study hopes to find out how community-based battery charging stations could help users of power mobility devices. The study team will conduct focus groups and usability testing to gather feedback on the design, location and use of these charging stations in the Chapel Hill and Carrboro communities.
Principal Investigator: Zeljko Pantic (NC State, School of Engineering)
PM&R Investigators: William Filer, MD; Kim Faurot, PhD; Jessica Barnhill, MD, MPH
Link to Research for Me: (not active)
More Information: Enroll in Study
Study Status: Recruiting for final usability test
RECOVER-VITAL: Platform Protocol to Measure the Effects of Antiviral Therapies on Long COVID Symptoms.
Dates of study (Funder): 8/2023 – present (NIH)
Description: This project will investigate the use of Paxlovid and other therapies to treat Long COVID symptom constellations.
Site Principal Investigator: Michelle Floris-Moore, MD (Infectious Disease)
PM&R Investigator: John M. Baratta, MD
Study Status: Enrollment completed.
Dates of study (Funder): 8/2023 – present (NIH)
Description: This project will investigate the use of Paxlovid and other therapies to treat Long COVID symptom constellations.
Site Principal Investigator: Michelle Floris-Moore, MD (Infectious Disease)
PM&R Investigator: John M. Baratta, MD
Study Status: Enrollment completed.
RECOVER-ENERGIZE: Protocol to Measure the Effects of Rehabilitation Techniques on Long COVID Symptoms.
Dates of study (Funder): projected start date 8/2024 (NIH)
Description: This project will assess the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and pacing coaching as treatment approaches for Long COVID. A portion of the sessions can be completed via telehealth sessions. Information is available at trials.recovercovid.org/energize.
Site Principal Investigator: Michelle Floris-Moore, MD (Infectious Disease)
PM&R Investigator: John M. Baratta, MD
Study Status: Currently enrolling. If you are interested in learning more about participating, contact the study coordinator at 919-966-6712.
Dates of study (Funder): projected start date 8/2024 (NIH)
Description: This project will assess the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and pacing coaching as treatment approaches for Long COVID. A portion of the sessions can be completed via telehealth sessions. Information is available at trials.recovercovid.org/energize.
Site Principal Investigator: Michelle Floris-Moore, MD (Infectious Disease)
PM&R Investigator: John M. Baratta, MD
Study Status: Currently enrolling. If you are interested in learning more about participating, contact the study coordinator at 919-966-6712.
Effect of sodium citrate nasal spray on people with Long COVID smell loss
Dates of study (Funder): 6/2023 – present (no funding)
Description: This project will collect blood samples and longitudinally track symptom burden among patients of the UNC COVID Recovery Clinic.
Principal Investigator: Brent Senior, MD (Department of Otolaryngology)
PM&R Investigator: John M. Baratta, MD
Study Status: Enrollment ongoing; contact taylor_stack@med.unc.edu or aurelia_monk@med.unc.edu if interested.
Dates of study (Funder): 6/2023 – present (no funding)
Description: This project will collect blood samples and longitudinally track symptom burden among patients of the UNC COVID Recovery Clinic.
Principal Investigator: Brent Senior, MD (Department of Otolaryngology)
PM&R Investigator: John M. Baratta, MD
Study Status: Enrollment ongoing; contact taylor_stack@med.unc.edu or aurelia_monk@med.unc.edu if interested.
Prevalence, predictors, and trajectories of long COVID symptoms among North Carolinians.
Dates of study (Funder): 6/2022 – present (North Carolina Collaboratory)
Description: This project will collect blood samples and longitudinally track symptom burden among patients of the UNC COVID Recovery Clinic.
Principal Investigator: Audrey Pettifor, PhD (Department of Epidemiology)
PM&R Investigator: John M. Baratta, MD
Study Status: Enrollment complete; data collection ongoing
Dates of study (Funder): 6/2022 – present (North Carolina Collaboratory)
Description: This project will collect blood samples and longitudinally track symptom burden among patients of the UNC COVID Recovery Clinic.
Principal Investigator: Audrey Pettifor, PhD (Department of Epidemiology)
PM&R Investigator: John M. Baratta, MD
Study Status: Enrollment complete; data collection ongoing
ASSET: Assisting Stroke Survivors with Engineering Technology
Dates of study (Funder): 9/2022 – 8/2027 (NIDILRR)
Description: This Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) involves six separate but interrelated projects to improve the functioning of stroke survivors with chronic impairments.
Principal Investigator: Derek Kamper, PhD (North Carolina State University)
PM&R Investigator: John M. Baratta, MD
Study Status: Recruiting soon
Study link: tarheels.live/assetrerc
Dates of study (Funder): 9/2022 – 8/2027 (NIDILRR)
Description: This Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) involves six separate but interrelated projects to improve the functioning of stroke survivors with chronic impairments.
Principal Investigator: Derek Kamper, PhD (North Carolina State University)
PM&R Investigator: John M. Baratta, MD
Study Status: Recruiting soon
Study link: tarheels.live/assetrerc
Coordinating Resources to Enhance Stroke Transitions (CREST)
Dates of study (Funder): 7/2025 – 6/2027(NCDHHS)
Description: A study to enhance comprehensive care during the post-acute period and improve the coordination of clinical, social, and support services for individuals who have experienced a stroke or are at high risk.The project will leverage powerful health information technology, existing multidisciplinary stroke teams, and patient advisory groups to develop improved, consistent post-discharge stroke care. Outreach from a Clinical Post-Stroke Coordinator will occur to discharged stroke patients, with focused interventions provided based on identified patient needs.
UNC Collaborating Departments: Neurology, UNC Comprehensive Stroke Center
Principal Investigator: John M. Baratta, MD
PM&R Investigator: Kate Cardoza, MSW, LCSW<
Research Staff Involved: Elondra Harr, MPH
Link to NIH: N/A
Study Status: Active, not yet recruiting
Dates of study (Funder): 7/2025 – 6/2027(NCDHHS)
Description: A study to enhance comprehensive care during the post-acute period and improve the coordination of clinical, social, and support services for individuals who have experienced a stroke or are at high risk.The project will leverage powerful health information technology, existing multidisciplinary stroke teams, and patient advisory groups to develop improved, consistent post-discharge stroke care. Outreach from a Clinical Post-Stroke Coordinator will occur to discharged stroke patients, with focused interventions provided based on identified patient needs.
UNC Collaborating Departments: Neurology, UNC Comprehensive Stroke Center
Principal Investigator: John M. Baratta, MD
PM&R Investigator: Kate Cardoza, MSW, LCSW<
Research Staff Involved: Elondra Harr, MPH
Link to NIH: N/A
Study Status: Active, not yet recruiting
Esports eye fatigue and vision performance
Dates of Study (Funder): November 2023-2024 (UNC PM&R)
Description: This is a study to assess the degree of eye fatigue and its effect on eSport performance in an observational study of competitive eSports players.
Principal Investigator: Katie Bartolo, MD (PM&R)
Dates of Study (Funder): November 2023-2024 (UNC PM&R)
Description: This is a study to assess the degree of eye fatigue and its effect on eSport performance in an observational study of competitive eSports players.
Principal Investigator: Katie Bartolo, MD (PM&R)
Piloting the Use of Advanced AI for Physical Therapy Treatment
Dates of Study (Funder): 7/1/2025-6/30/2026
Description: Adherence to prescribed physical therapy can significantly improve patient outcomes but is difficult to achieve due to a limited number of insurance-approved sessions, patient out of pocket costs, travel distance for in-person treatment, inability to monitor adherence, and a limited number of therapy providers to serve the number of people with rehabilitation needs. The team will evaluate implementation of a novel AI-driven physical therapy platform in multiple acute and ambulatory settings to address these problems and understand impact to patient, provider and health system outcomes.
Principal Investigator: Rachelle Alpern, MBA, MHA
PM&R Investigator: Janet Prvu Bettger, ScD, MSc, FAHA
Team: Rachelle Alpern, MBA, MHA, Dierdra Ricks, PT, BSPT, MHA, Brian Trabulsi, PT, MPT, COMT
UNC Collaborating Departments: UNC Health Advanced Care at Home, UNC Health Therapy Services, UNC Health Acute Care and Hospital Based Outpatient Services
Staff: TBD
Link to Study Information:
Study Status: Active, Not Recruiting
Study Publications: TBD
Dates of Study (Funder): 7/1/2025-6/30/2026
Description: Adherence to prescribed physical therapy can significantly improve patient outcomes but is difficult to achieve due to a limited number of insurance-approved sessions, patient out of pocket costs, travel distance for in-person treatment, inability to monitor adherence, and a limited number of therapy providers to serve the number of people with rehabilitation needs. The team will evaluate implementation of a novel AI-driven physical therapy platform in multiple acute and ambulatory settings to address these problems and understand impact to patient, provider and health system outcomes.
Principal Investigator: Rachelle Alpern, MBA, MHA
PM&R Investigator: Janet Prvu Bettger, ScD, MSc, FAHA
Team: Rachelle Alpern, MBA, MHA, Dierdra Ricks, PT, BSPT, MHA, Brian Trabulsi, PT, MPT, COMT
UNC Collaborating Departments: UNC Health Advanced Care at Home, UNC Health Therapy Services, UNC Health Acute Care and Hospital Based Outpatient Services
Staff: TBD
Link to Study Information:
Study Status: Active, Not Recruiting
Study Publications: TBD
Piloting Self-Compassion-Based Facilitation of Attuned Interaction (SC-FAN) Training to Improve Medical Student Well-Being and Empathy
Dates of Study (Funder): 7/1/2025-6/30/2027
Description: Description To develop and test a self-compassion-based communication training for medical students aimed at improving well-being, burnout, and empathy.
Principal Investigator: Christine Lathren, MD, MSPH
PM&R Staff: Shirley Thoms, MPA
Study Status: Starting soon
Dates of Study (Funder): 7/1/2025-6/30/2027
Description: Description To develop and test a self-compassion-based communication training for medical students aimed at improving well-being, burnout, and empathy.
Principal Investigator: Christine Lathren, MD, MSPH
PM&R Staff: Shirley Thoms, MPA
Study Status: Starting soon
Implementation Research
Scaling-Up Integrative Pain Management in Federally-Qualified Health Centers
Dates of Study: 1/26/2024-09/2026
Description: In this study, the investigators test strategies to implement Integrative Medical Group Visit (IMGV) in Federally-Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), including training and coaching clinic staff, and measure the effectiveness of the IMGV on health outcomes for patients with chronic pain.
Principal Investigator: Isabel Roth, DrPH
Dates of Study: 1/26/2024-09/2026
Description: In this study, the investigators test strategies to implement Integrative Medical Group Visit (IMGV) in Federally-Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), including training and coaching clinic staff, and measure the effectiveness of the IMGV on health outcomes for patients with chronic pain.
Principal Investigator: Isabel Roth, DrPH
Recently Completed Research
Easing the Burden of Dementia Caregiving: A Telephone-delivered Mindfulness Intervention for Rural, African American Families
Dates of Study:2/1/2019-6/30/2022
Description:The Mindful Coping and Communication in Caregiving (MC3) study designed and tested a telephone-based mindfulness training program for pairs of family caregivers of people living with dementia.
Principal Investigator: Susan Gaylord,Sharon Williams, Kim Faurot, PhD, Co-I
Dates of Study:2/1/2019-6/30/2022
Description:The Mindful Coping and Communication in Caregiving (MC3) study designed and tested a telephone-based mindfulness training program for pairs of family caregivers of people living with dementia.
Principal Investigator: Susan Gaylord,Sharon Williams, Kim Faurot, PhD, Co-I
Targeted Alteration of Dietary Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Headache, funded by the Department of Defense through the Henry Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine
Dates of Study:4/1/2016 – 9/30/2022
Description:The Nutrition for Post-traumatic Headache study was a multi-site randomized controlled trial comparing two diets designed to reduce post-traumatic headaches among service members and their dependents.
Principal Investigator: Kim Faurot, PhD UNC Site PI, Data manager
Dates of Study:4/1/2016 – 9/30/2022
Description:The Nutrition for Post-traumatic Headache study was a multi-site randomized controlled trial comparing two diets designed to reduce post-traumatic headaches among service members and their dependents.
Principal Investigator: Kim Faurot, PhD UNC Site PI, Data manager
The HARMONY Study – A culturally relevant, randomized controlled stress management intervention to reduce cardiometabolic risk in African American women.
Dates of Study (Funder): 7/29/2020- 2/28/2025 (NIH/NIMHD)
Description: To test a culturally tailored mindfulness-based diet and exercise intervention vs. a conventional diet and exercise intervention for African American Women with cardiometabolic risk.
Principal Investigator: Cheryl Woods Giscombé, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, UNC School of Nursing
PM&R Investigators: Susan Gaylord, PhD, Kim Faurot, PhD
Public Findings: clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04705779
Study Status: Completed
Dates of Study (Funder): 7/29/2020- 2/28/2025 (NIH/NIMHD)
Description: To test a culturally tailored mindfulness-based diet and exercise intervention vs. a conventional diet and exercise intervention for African American Women with cardiometabolic risk.
Principal Investigator: Cheryl Woods Giscombé, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, UNC School of Nursing
PM&R Investigators: Susan Gaylord, PhD, Kim Faurot, PhD
Public Findings: clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04705779
Study Status: Completed
Self-Compassion for Children and Caregiver
Dates of Study (Funder): 7/1/2023-6/30/2025 (Mind and Life Foundation)
Description:Self-Compassion for Children and Caregivers study, funded by the Mind & Life Foundation, is a collaboration with researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison. This study aims to explore the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes of an online, group-based self-compassion course for children ages 8-11 with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms and their caregivers.
Principal Investigator:Christine Lathren, MD, MSPH, Ryan Herringa, MD, PhD
PM&R Investigators: Christine Lathren, MD, MSPH
Study Status: Completed
Dates of Study (Funder): 7/1/2023-6/30/2025 (Mind and Life Foundation)
Description:Self-Compassion for Children and Caregivers study, funded by the Mind & Life Foundation, is a collaboration with researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison. This study aims to explore the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes of an online, group-based self-compassion course for children ages 8-11 with anxiety and/or depressive symptoms and their caregivers.
Principal Investigator:Christine Lathren, MD, MSPH, Ryan Herringa, MD, PhD
PM&R Investigators: Christine Lathren, MD, MSPH
Study Status: Completed
Developing and Piloting a Tailored Self-Compassion Program to Enhance the Well-Being of Informal Caregivers of Children with Physical Disabilities
Dates of Study (Funder): 7/2023-8/2024 (UNC PM&R)
Description:Developing and Piloting a Tailored Self-Compassion Program to Enhance the Well-Being of Informal Caregivers of Children with Physical Disabilities is a study funded by an Innovations Grant provided by the Fitch Family Foundation through the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. This study gathers feedback from multi-level stakeholders to co-develop a resiliency and self-compassion based program to meet the needs of caregivers of children with physical disabilities. The co-developed program will then be examined for feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes in a cohort of caregivers.
Principal Investigator: Christine Lathren, MD, MSPH
PM&R Investigator: Christine Lathren, MD, MSPH
Study Status: Completed
Dates of Study (Funder): 7/2023-8/2024 (UNC PM&R)
Description:Developing and Piloting a Tailored Self-Compassion Program to Enhance the Well-Being of Informal Caregivers of Children with Physical Disabilities is a study funded by an Innovations Grant provided by the Fitch Family Foundation through the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. This study gathers feedback from multi-level stakeholders to co-develop a resiliency and self-compassion based program to meet the needs of caregivers of children with physical disabilities. The co-developed program will then be examined for feasibility, acceptability and preliminary outcomes in a cohort of caregivers.
Principal Investigator: Christine Lathren, MD, MSPH
PM&R Investigator: Christine Lathren, MD, MSPH
Study Status: Completed
Partnering Organizations
