Clinical Research Directory

Wearable Ankle Power Training (WearAPT) for Enhanced Mobility in Aging

This project introduces and investigates the scientific premise that passive wearable therapeutic devices can enhance plantarflexor muscle performance during walking to elicit and promote lasting physiological and functional improvements for older adults. The investigators aim to quantify the preliminary efficacy of wearable plantarflexor resistance training to enhance gait performance in older adults, investigate neural and muscular mechanisms of adaptation, and identify target candidate characteristics for personalized treatment strategies. The investigators will test the hypothesis that, compared to baseline and unlike controls, WearAPT will increase peak ankle power output, stride length, habitual and maximum walking speeds, walking economy, and 6-min walk distance.

Effects of Different Amounts of Plyometric Exercise Without Jumping in Physically Inactive Older Adults

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate whether different amounts of plyometric exercise without jumping can improve lower-limb muscle strength, power, and muscle and tendon mechanical properties in sedentary and/or physically inactive older adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does performing a higher amount of plyometric exercise without jumping lead to greater improvements in functional muscle strength and power than performing a lower amount? Do different amounts of exercise produce different changes in the mechanical properties of muscles and tendons? Researchers will compare three groups: a high-volume exercise group, a low-volume exercise group, and a control group that will not receive the exercise intervention. This comparison will help determine how the amount of exercise influences physical function and muscle and tendon properties. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to one of the three groups. Complete physical assessments before and after the eight-week study period, including tests of lower-limb strength, power, and muscle and tendon mechanical properties. If assigned to an exercise group, participate in supervised plyometric exercise sessions without jumping twice a week for eight weeks. If assigned to the control group, continue their usual daily activities without participating in the exercise program during the study.

Variable vs Fixed Auditory-Cued Stepping Training

This study investigates whether stepping training that uses an unpredictable, variable auditory cue - changing both the timing and the direction of each step - improves dynamic balance and stepping adaptability more than stepping training with a constant, predictable auditory cue. Sedentary young adults will be randomly assigned to one of two 4-week training programs and assessed before and after training.

ReSeT in ALL 2: A Randomized, Controlled Pilot Trial Testing an Optimized, Multi-component Mobile Health Intervention to Reduce Sedentary Time in Early Adolescents and Young Adults (eAYAs) With ALL During Maintenance Therapy

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether an optimized, multi-component mobile health intervention (ReSeT2) can reduce sedentary behavior in adolescents and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who are receiving maintenance therapy. The participant population includes English-speaking adolescents and young adults aged 13-22 years with ALL or related lymphoid malignancies being treated at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the ReSeT2 intervention reduce device-measured total sedentary time (minutes/day) from baseline to Week 12 compared with usual care? * Does the ReSeT2 intervention improve other sedentary behavior measures, feasibility and acceptability outcomes, and exploratory health outcomes such as cardiometabolic health, quality of life, and self-efficacy? Researchers will compare participants receiving the ReSeT2 intervention with participants receiving usual care to see if the intervention leads to greater reductions in sedentary time and improvements in related health outcomes. Participants will: * Complete baseline and Week 12 assessments, including questionnaires, clinical measurements, laboratory tests, and 7-day accelerometer wear periods. * Be randomized to either the ReSeT2 intervention group or usual care. * If assigned to the intervention group: Use a Fitbit activity tracker with inactivity prompts for 10 weeks. Receive home activity equipment and goal-based incentives. Participate in individualized coaching sessions. Participate in a peer support GroupMe chat and optional in-person group sessions. If assigned to the usual care group, continue standard clinical care and complete study assessments.