Official Title Effect of Fixation Training with Colored Light Targets on Traumatic Brain Injury-Associated Photophobia

Purpose

Researchers at The Ohio State University College of Optometry are seeking individuals with a recent history of head trauma who are experiencing light sensitivity. The goal of this study is to determine if daily 20 minute fixation training sessions using a colored (red or blue) light target affects symptoms of light sensitivity, or alters other measurements of the eyes and vision including pupil response.  

This study will involve attending five 1-2 hour study visits, occurring every 1.5 months for 6 months. Study visits will include answering questions about eye and health history, completing surveys, reading letters on an eye chart, having the pupils measured in response to flashes of light, measuring the side vision, measuring eye alignment and in some cases focusing ability. Outside of the study visits, participants will also complete daily 20 minute fixation training sessions for 6 months using a colored (red or blue) light target, completed at home between study visits.

Could this study be right for you?

• Must be 18 to 80 years old
• Experienced a head injury 3 or more months ago
• Current symptoms of light sensitivity
• Be healthy and have good eye health

Age Range

18 - 80 years

Official Title ExaStim Upper Limb Pivotal Clinical Validation Study

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ExaStim® transcutaneous spinal stimulation on upper extremity function when applied in combination with physical therapy (PT) and/or occupational therapy (OT).

Participants will be randomized to the stimulation group or a control group. Outcomes will include sensory, motor, and functional tests, as well as questionnaires.

Could this study be right for you?

• Aged 22 years or older
• Traumatic chronic spinal cord injury
• Level of injury between C2-T2
• No active implanted medical device for electrical stimulation
• No Botox for 3 months
• Have a chronic, traumatic SCI (chronic is >12 months since injury, or 6 months if unchanged symptoms)
• Has some, but limited upper extremity function
• BMI <40
• Cannot be pregnant

Age Range

22 years and up

Official Title Treatment of Stress and Anxiety in mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/Mild Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias (ADRD) and their care partners: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of a treatment on anxiety and stress in individuals with memory concerns and those already with a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Mild Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. 

Could this study be right for you?

The primary participant must:

• Be at least 60 years of age
• Have a “care-partner” that is willing to participate in the full program (such as a spouse, child or a good friend)
• NOT have a terminal illness or severe motor impairment
• Be able to use a computer and smartphone and read English at the 6th grade level

The care partner must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be able to use a computer and smartphone and read English at the 6th grade level

Age Range

60 - 99 years

Official Title Retirement from contact sports after concussion

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to learn about the experiences of children and young adults after they stop playing contact sports due to concussion.

Could this study be right for you?

• Male and females aged 14-22 years old
• Retired from contact sports due to prior concussion

Additionally, a parent may participate if their child enrolls.

Age Range

14 - 22 years

Official Title BUckeye Concussion Knowledge Survey (BUCKS)

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine health outcomes in former Ohio State University athletes who played a varsity sport during their time at OSU. The objective is to determine whether athletes who sustained a concussion have different health outcomes than those who did not sustain a concussion. Any former OSU varsity athlete can participate in a 20-minute online survey.

Could this study be right for you?

• Anyone who has played a varsity sport as an undergraduate student at OSU, and they have now graduated (i.e., OSU athlete alumni). There are no other restrictions in terms of age, sex/gender, type of sport, etc.

Age Range

18 years and up

Official Title Retirement from Contact Sports after Concussion

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the experiences of children and young adults after medical retirement from contact sports due to concussion(s).

Participants and their parent(s) will complete online questionnaires (about 10 minutes) at the time of enrollment. You will then be scheduled for an interview (about 30 minutes) by video meeting or phone.

Could this study be right for you?

• Children and young adults who have retired from contact sports or other high-risk activities (i.e. dirt bike riding, downhill skiing...) due to prior concussion.  
• Parents may participate if their child enrolls.

Age Range

14 - 22 years

Official Title Development of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Children with Concussion-Related and Non-Concussion-Related Non-Strabismic Binocular Vision, Accommodative and Visual Tracking Problems: Phase 1

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assist in development of a new quality of life survey that can be used to learn more about how eye teaming, focusing ability and eye movement problems affect a child’s life.

Could this study be right for you?

• Children experiencing eye teaming, focusing, and eye movement problems (with recent concussion or non-concussed)
• Children with amblyopia (lazy eye) are excluded

Age Range

8 - 17 years

Official Title Orexin Receptor Antagonists as Modulators of Threat Sensitivity in individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to see if BELSOMRA, an FDA approved medication that is prescribed to treat insomnia, changes the body’s response to stress. Participation in the study includes 3 or 5 in-person lab visits (depending on randomization), which include EEG and MRI. Nearly all visits are 1.5 hours long, with the exception of one that is 4-5 hours in duration. Visits are flexible and scheduled at your convenience. Participants take the medication (or placebo) for 4 weeks, during which participation is only composed of virtual surveys via a smartphone app.

The total length of participation in the study is 1.5-2 months depending on scheduling/availability.

Could this study be right for you?

Eligibility Criteria:

• 18-65 years old
• Generally medically and physically healthy
• Regular alcohol use

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, mania, or psychosis
• Currently pregnant or trying to become pregnant (female)
• Presence of ferrous-containing metal in the body
• Inability to tolerate enclosed spaces

Exclusion Criteria varies, please contact Study Coordinator for more information.

Age Range

18 - 65

Official Title Ontogenesis of Categorization; Linking development, mechanisms, and biology

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the early development of attention, learning, and memory during childhood. Participation in this study includes 4, 90-minute-long visits to the lab per year. During these visits, your child will play 2-3 fun, computerized games. These games are designed to assess various aspects of their cognitive ability. 

The duration of the study will last 4 years.

Could this study be right for you?

Eligibility Criteria: 

• African-American/Black children who are 4 years old 

Age Range

4 - 4

Official Title A Phase I Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability and Preliminary Efficacy of AAV2-BDNF [Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)-based, Vector-Mediated Delivery of Human Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor] in Subjects with Early Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Purpose

The primary aim of this study is to determine whether administration of the nervous system growth factor "Brain-Deruved Neurotrophic Factor" (BDNF) to eligible patients with Alzheimer's disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment is safe and tolerable. This study will be used to determine whether BDNF administration reduces neuronal loss and rebuilds synapses in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). 

Could this study be right for you?

• Male and Females aged 50 years or older
• Diagnosis of dementia due to Alzheimer's Disease/Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s Disease
• A caregiver is available who has frequent contact with the subject, agrees to observe for adverse events, and will accompany the subject to all clinic visits for the duration of the protocol
• CT or MRI scans within 24 months prior to screening without evidence of an infection, infarction, or other focal 

Inclusion Criteria varies, please contact Study Coordinator for more information.

The below Exclusion Criteria apply to both the AD and MCI groups.

• Any significant neurological disease other than suspected incipient disease
• History of schizophrenia 
• History of systemic cancer within the past 18 months (non-metastatic skin cancers are acceptable).
• Any significant systemic illness or unstable medical conditions which could lead to difficulty complying with the protocol
• Use of any investigational drugs within thirty days or five half-lives, whichever is longer, prior to screening.

Exclusion Criteria varies, please contact Study Coordinator for more information. 

Age Range

50 and up