Active Research
Technology Interventions to Improve Outcomes after Knee Replacement
The purpose of this research study is to examine the effects of two technology interventions on health outcomes after knee replacement. Participants will be asked to attend 3 study visits and will be randomly assigned to one of two technology programs designed specifically for adults after knee replacement.
Healthy Living after Knee Replacement
Healthy Living is a research program designed specifically for people after total knee replacement surgery to help manage their health and lifestyle behaviors. The program includes 12 months of telephone-support with a health coach who will help you set goals and build confidence for managing your health and behaviors after knee replacement surgery. All participants of the program will receive materials to help you build healthy behaviors into your day as well as learn the strategies necessary to help deal with issues commonly experienced by those with arthritis and other chronic conditions. if you qualify for the research study, the program is offered at no cost to you.
iReach3 – Internet Assisted Obesity Treatment Enhanced by Financial Incentives
Our previous research has demonstrated that our online behavioral weight control program consistently produces modest but clinically significant weight losses. The current study examines whether the addition of financial incentives to the standard online weight control program will substantially increase the weight losses achieved in comparison to the standard online program alone.
Completed Research
iReach1 – Internet Assisted Obesity Treatment
Behavioral weight control programs are effective in helping overweight and obese individuals lose weight and improve their health. This study was the first to examine the same behavioral program delivered in-person compared with online; the only aspect in which these programs differed was the channel by which it was delivered.
iReach2 – Internet Assisted Obesity Treatment Enhanced by Motivational Interviewing
Our earlier study indicated that a group behavioral obesity treatment program delivered totally over the Internet produced clinically significant weight loss among overweight and obese individuals but the average weight losses were lower than those achieved with an in-person version of the same program. This study will compare weight losses achieved with the online group program compared with the same program PLUS individual online Motivational Interviewing (MI) sessions.
NETworks for Weight Loss
More than two-thirds (69%) of adults in the United States are overweight or obese which is linked to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and some cancers. This pilot feasibility study examines whether a behavioral weight control program that engages the natural social support system of participants through the shared use of technology and social media produces better weight loss outcomes than a standard group-based behavioral weight control program alone.
Sitting Survey
Identifying Beliefs about Sedentary Behavior and Sedentary Reduction
Program Preferences in Older Adults with Knee Pain or Knee Replacement
The purpose of this study is to examine the beliefs about sedentary behavior and preferences for physical activity or sedentary reduction programs using technology among older adults with knee pain or knee replacement.
Fitbit and Social Support Study in Knee Replacement Patients
The purpose of this research study being conducted at the University of South Carolina is to learn more about physical activity levels in patients during the first year after knee replacement. Specifically, this study is looking at how the use of Fitbits (wrist worn activity monitor) and social support influence physical activity levels after surgery.
Take a STAND 4 Health
Take a STAND 4 Health is a smartphone-based study looking at whether a text message prompting individuals to stand will help them decrease the time they spend sitting and evaluate whether a decrease in sitting time improves blood pressure.
College Student Lifestyle Behaviors Survey
The purpose of this study is to look at the physical activity, sedentary behavior (sitting time), eating habits, stress levels, and sleep patterns of undergraduate students at the University of South Carolina. Study participation required completing two surveys focused on typical lifestyle behaviors, one now (at the beginning of the semester) and a second one later in the semester to see whether things might have changed.
Promoting Physical Activity via Physical Therapist Following Knee Replacement - The PATH Study
The purpose of this proposed project is to conduct a pilot randomized controlled trial to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a physical therapist led physical activity intervention on physical activity levels in TKR patients after surgery.