ARIA faculty members have been awarded several federal grants to help further their research. Read about some of our recently funded grants.
Drs. Todd Freeborn and Patricia Parmelee
Project title: “Electrical Impedance-Based Wearable Device for Monitoring Inflammation in Knee Osteoarthritis”
Mechanism: R21 funded by the National Institute of Health
Description: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic illness and the leading cause of pain and disability among older adults. As the population ages, prevalence of OA is rising sharply; this, in turn, portends rising rates of disability and health care costs. Inflammation of the joint space is clearly associated with OA pain and stiffness, disability, and progression of the disease. However, there are currently no feasible methods for ambulatory monitoring of joint inflammation. This project therefore will develop and test a wearable device using bio-impedance (electrical resistance) to assess inflammation of the knee joint among persons with knee OA. By clarifying how localized impedance changes are associated with short-term changes in pain and other OA symptoms, this research will lay a foundation for improved management of this very common and disabling condition.
Dr. Rebecca Allen
Project title: “Deep South Comprehensive Graduate Psychology Training Pipeline: Substance and Opioid Use (SUD/OUD) Assessment and Brief Treatment”
Mechanism: HRSA
Description: The purpose is to address the mental health provider shortage in West Alabama with a focus on SUD/OUD by expanding and enhancing integrated, interprofessional behavioral health training within the clinical psychology graduate training program at UA. Our diverse interprofessional training team will develop new practicum experiences based in primary medical care settings focused on assessment, treatment and prevention of SUD/OUD in two rural medical clinics and an urban federally qualified health center (FQHC).
Dr. Lynn Snow
Project title: “ Enhancing Sleep Quality for Nursing Home Residents with Dementia: Pragmatic Trial of an Evidence-Based Frontline Huddling Program”
Mechanism: R61/R33 funded by the National Institute of Health
Description: This study will improve clinical outcomes for an important, growing, and vulnerable population—nursing home (NH) residents with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (ADRDs)—by implementing an evidence-based intervention (LOCK) to improve these residents’ sleep. It will also significantly increase our understanding of how to implement and sustain nursing home interventions.