EAST HANOVER, N.J., Oct. 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kessler Foundation is recruiting study participants for multiple research programs aimed at improving cognition, mobility, and long-term outcomes for people with disabling injuries and illnesses, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, stroke, and traumatic brain injury.
By participating in the Foundation's rehabilitation research, you'll help improve the lives of people with disabilities and their loved ones. Study participants are typically compensated for their time, and may have a chance to try new therapies and technologies. On a case-by-case basis, Foundation staff may be able to assist participants with transportation, or travel to their home. Healthy control subjects are also needed for many studies.
Breast Cancer
Effect of Exercise Training on Cancer-Related Weakness: This study examines whether different types of exercise programs may reduce cancer-related weakness and fatigue. Eligible participants are right-handed women between 50 and 75 years old, who have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer in the past 10 years, and who are not involved in regular strength exercise.
Chemobrain: Researchers at Kessler Foundation are collaborating with the Cancer Institute of New Jersey to study the impact of chemotherapy and hormone therapy on the brain. Eligible participants are women between 20 and 70 years old, who have had or are scheduled to have surgery for breast cancer, and have had or are scheduled to receive chemotherapy and/or hormone treatment. Healthy volunteers between 20 and 70, who have not had not breast cancer, are also needed for this study.
Multiple Sclerosis
Emotional Processing and Social Integration in Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This study examines how individuals with MS process emotions and how this may affect close personal relationships and overall quality of life. Eligible participants are individuals diagnosed with MS, between 18 and 59 years old, who have a significant other who can answer surveys, and who have no neurological illness other than MS.
Investigation of Social Cognition in Progressive MS: This study examines individuals with progressive MS process emotions and how this may affect overall quality of life. Individuals diagnosed with progressive MS, between 18 and 65 years old, who have no neurological illness other than MS, may be eligible
Treating Emotional Processing Impairments in MS: This study examines the effects of an emotional processing intervention in persons with MS. Eligible participants are individuals diagnosed with MS, between 18 and 65 years old, who have no neurological illness other than MS.
Speed of Processing Training to Improve Cognition in MS: This study examines whether a computer-based intervention can improve speed of processing impairments caused by MS. Eligible participants are individuals diagnosed with MS, between 18 and 59 years old, who have no neurological illness other than MS.
Employment and MS: Researchers at Kessler Foundation are studying factors that may influence decision-making about employment. Eligible participants are individuals diagnosed with MS, between 20 and 64, who have no neurological illness other than MS, and who are employed and considering either leaving work or cutting back hours.
Pediatric Brain Injury
Group Behavioral Intervention: Researchers at Kessler Foundation and Children's Specialized Hospital are examining whether different types of group behavioral interventions can improve emotional well-being in children and adolescents with brain injury. Eligible participants are children and adolescents (ages 9-17) diagnosed with brain injury (i.e., traumatic brain injury, stroke or tumor) whose emotional well-being has been affected by brain injury.
Study Skills Training to Improve Academic Learning: Researchers at Kessler Foundation and Children's Specialized Hospital are examining whether a study skills training program can improve academic learning in children and adolescents with brain injury. Eligible participants are children and adolescents (ages 12-17) diagnosed with traumatic brain injury.
Examination of Emotional Processing in Children with Traumatic Brain Injury or Autism: Researchers at Kessler Foundation and Children's Specialized Hospital are studying emotional processing abilities in traumatic brain injury or autism. Eligible participants are children and adolescents (ages 7-18) diagnosed with traumatic brain injury or autism.
Spinal Cord Injury
Wheelchair Maintenance Training Program: Are you interested in learning how to change a tire... check your motors, seating functions, and electrical connections... identify loose or damaged spokes... clean your casters... and other wheelchair maintenance? Researchers at Kessler Foundation are examining the effects of a wheelchair maintenance training program on outcomes in persons with spinal cord injury. Eligible participants are individuals between 18 and 75 years old, who have a non-progressive spinal cord injury, and use a manual, power assist, or power wheelchair as their primary means of mobility.
Wheelchair Skills Training Program: Are you interested in learning how to hop a curb... go down a steep ramp in a wheelie... descend stairs in your wheelchair... and other wheelchair skills? Researchers at Kessler Foundation are examining the effects of a wheelchair skills training program on outcomes in persons with spinal cord injury. Eligible participants are individuals between 18 and 75 years old, who have a non-progressive spinal cord injury, and independently use a manual wheelchair as their primary means of mobility.
Stroke
RESTORE: Have you had a stroke? Did you lose the use of your arm, shoulder and/or hand? Researchers at Kessler Foundation are studying an investigational drug that may help restore upper limb function, and we need your help to conduct the study. Eligible participants are individuals between 21 and 85 years of age who sustained a stroke within the last 2-24 weeks.
Medication Management: Do you have a brain injury? Do you need help keeping track of medications? Researchers at Kessler Foundation are studying a new way to help people with brain injury remember medications. Eligible participants are individuals 18 years old or older, who have sustained a brain injury in the last 3 months, and who are taking no more than 8 medications daily.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Skills to Pay the Bills: This study examines the impact of an employment-related social skills group intervention on people with traumatic brain injury. Eligible participants are individuals between 18 and 65 years old, who have a documented moderate to severe TBI, and are at least one year post-TBI.
Speed of Processing Training to Improve Cognition in TBI: This study examines whether a computer-based intervention can improve speed of processing impairments caused by TBI. Eligible participants are individuals between 18 and 59 years old, who are diagnosed with TBI, and who have no neurological illness other than TBI.
Treating Emotional Processing Impairments in TBI: This study examines the effects of an emotional processing intervention in persons with TBI. Eligible participants are individuals diagnosed with TBI, between 18 and 65 years old, who have no neurological illness other than TBI.
About Kessler Foundation:
Kessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, is a global leader in rehabilitation research that seeks to improve cognition, mobility and long-term outcomes, including employment, for people with neurological disabilities caused by diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord. Kessler Foundation leads the nation in funding innovative programs that expand opportunities for employment for people with disabilities. For more information, visit KesslerFoundation.org.
To learn more, contact Research Recruitment Specialist, Justin Stanley, at 973-243-6812 or jstanley@kesslerfoundation.org.