Current Studies

Learn about current studies that are seeking participants

List updated January 14, 2026

Nicotinamide Riboside for Veterans (NR-VETS)

This trial examines nicotinamide riboside (NR), a form of vitamin B3, for its potential to improve physical and cognitive performance and sleep quality in older veterans. The total participation time is 4 months. This study is a double-blind randomized controlled trial: participants will therefore either receive placebo or NR (1,000 mg) daily.

Inclusion Criteria

Ages 65-85 years old
Male and female
Any race
Ability to use an exercise bike
Medication stable for 30 days

Exclusion Criteria

History of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological disease, renal insufficiency, or other unstable medical condition (as determined per PI) that might limit full participation in the trial or otherwise place the participant at risk for injury
VAMC SLUMS score ≤ 21
BMI ≥ 40
History of cancer in the past 2 years, except basal cell carcinoma
Diabetes
Hypersensitivity to microcellulose gel capsules

Principal Investigator Name: Kenneth L. Seldeen, Ph.D.

Trial Registry Number: NCT04691986

Trial Study Dates: 2023-09-01 - 2026-06-30

Study Contact: Zhuo Tang, Research Coordinator
Phone: 816-922-2545 Email: VeteransAgingResearch@VA.gov

Veterans Interval Training (VET-IT)

This trial examines the physical and cognitive benefits of a 10-minute, 3-days-a-week, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) exercise program on a recumbent exercise bike. Total participation time is 4 months. Particpants are randomized into HIIT at the VA medical center, stretching control at the VA, or HIIT at the participant's home.

Inclusion Criteria

Ages ≥65 years of age
Male and female veterans
Any race
Ability to use an exercise bike
Non-frail or Prefrail (Fried et al frailty phenotype score < 3)
Stable medications for 30 days
Medical clearance to perform individually tailored high-intensity cardiovascular exercise

Exclusion Criteria

Physically active (as defined by Telephone Assessment for Physical Activity for Older Adults)
History of cardiovascular conditions (Myocardial infarction in the past 2 years or other unstable cardiovascular condition), as determined per PI, that might limit full participation in the trial or otherwise place the participant at risk for injury.
History of neurological disease (clinically evident stroke, MS, Parkinson’s, etc.), renal insufficiency, or any other unstable medical condition as determined per PI that might limit full participation in the trial or otherwise place the participant at risk for injury
Use of Insulin
VAMC SLUMS score ≤ 21
BMI ≥ 40

Principal Investigator Name: Bruce R. Troen, MD

Trial Registry Number: NCT05625204

Trial Study Dates: 2024-01-29 - 2027-12-31

Study Contact: Jada Harvey, Research Coordinator

Phone: 816-922-2146 Email: VeteransAgingResearch@VA.gov

Steady Steps: Improving Balance for Active Aging

This study provides exercises in the form of games for balance and head-eye coordination training. The exercises are tailored to each person’s need. The total participation time is 6 weeks, with weekly appointments to advance the exercise program. You will be provided with a tablet, a tablet stand, and the software for 6 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria

Ages 65 years and above
Male and Female
Any race
Complaints of imbalance, loss of balance during movement, or limited mobility because of fear of falling.

Exclusion Criteria

History of recent leg surgery which may affect participation in balance exercises
History of significant pain (more than 8 on a scale from 0-10) which may affect participation in exercises
History of neurological disease (as determined by PI) that might limit full participation in the exercise program.

Principal Investigator Name: Linda D'Silva, PhD

Trial Registry Number: not available

Trial Study Dates: 12-1-2024 to 1-31-2026

Study Contact: Taryn Jones, Research Assistant

Phone: 913-588-4564 Email: tjones42@kumc.edu

Vestibular and Neck Muscle Contributions to Head Control in Response to Falls

This research project is looking to explore why older adults are at increased risk of fall-related head and cervical spine injuries.

Inclusion Criteria

Ages 65 years and above
Male and female
Any race

Exclusion Criteria

Clinical osteoporosis
Risk of bleeding
History of hip fracture
Damage or disease to neck or spine

Principal Investigator Name: Jacob J. Sosnoff, Ph.D.

Trial Registry Number: not available

Trial Study Dates: 01-09-2024 to 12-09-2025

Study Contact: Emilia Potts

Phone: 913-730-0160 Email: epotts2@kumc.edu

Women Initiating Support for Healthier Aging (WISHA)

This project seeks to address the impacts of incarceration on long-term health in women. We are seeking volunteers to participate in a single 60-90-minute Zoom interview. During the interview, participants will watch up to three 2-3 minute videos, each depicting a program or tool designed by the WISHA community team to support a healthy return to the community of older women after incarceration. Participants will be asked to give feedback on the tools; complete surveys on health, health care use, and health systems navigation; and give feedback on the surveys.

Inclusion Criteria

Ages 50 and older
Female
History of incarceration of at least 12 months at an age of 18 or above
Access to camera-enabled Zoom conferencing software on a phone or computer

Exclusion Criteria

Currently incarcerated
Already a member of WISHA

Principal Investigator Name: Amanda Emerson, Ph.D.

Trial Registry Number: not available

Trial Study Dates: 08-01-2025 to 07-30-2026

Study Contact: Amanda Thimmesch

Phone: not available Email: athimmesch@kumc.edu

CuidaTEXT Caregiver Support Study

This study aims to test the efficacy of CuidaTEXT, a support program designed to help caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and related conditions, specifically for Latino communities. The program uses text messages to offer information and personalized support. Researchers will compare two groups of caregivers: one group will start receiving CuidaTEXT messages right away, while the other group will wait 7 months before they begin the program. Participants will fill out 4 surveys via phone call to track their mood, coping skills, and readiness to care for someone with Alzheimer's or related conditions.

Inclusion Criteria

Latino adults 18 years or older who take care of a loved one with memory problems (Alzheimer’s or other dementias).
Have an active cellphone that can receive text messages.
Speak either English or Spanish.
Live anywhere in the United States, including Puerto Rico.

Principal Investigator Name: Jaime Perales Puchalt, Ph.D.

Trial Registry Number: NCT06728436

Trial Study Dates: 02-17-2025 to 05-2029

Study Contact: Please call (913) 588-0555 Option 1, Visit kuadrc.org/cuidatext-en, or text “CuidaTEXT” to 913-363-2211