Nocturnal Scratch and Sleep in Adults with Psoriasis
Researchers at Boston University are conducting a study into the ability of wearable devices to measure scratching and sleep in participants with plaque psoriasis.
Fast Facts

Diagnosed With Plaque Psoriasis

18-75 Years Old

Compensation Provided

Conducted in Boston, MA
Study Background
Can we use wearable technology to measure scratching and sleep in people with plaque psoriasis?
We are doing this research study to evaluate the ability of wrist-worn watch-like devices to detect scratch and sleep in patients with symptomatic plaque psoriasis.
This two night in-laboratory study will compare the performance of wrist-worn accelerometer technology against other technologies in measuring scratch and sleep. You may opt to partake in the optional at-home portion of the study which will provide data on device performance, usability, and help explore relationships to self-reported symptoms.
This study will provide us with a better understanding of the ability of wearable devices to measure scratching and sleep, and ultimately, will facilitate future research to enhance our understanding of plaque psoriasis. Find out if you could be eligible to participate!
Study Background
Can we use wearable technology to measure scratching and sleep in people with plaque psoriasis?
We are doing this research study to evaluate the ability of wrist-worn watch-like devices to detect scratch and sleep in patients with symptomatic plaque psoriasis.
This two night in-laboratory study will compare the performance of wrist-worn accelerometer technology against other technologies in measuring scratch and sleep. You may opt to part take in the option at-home portion of the study which will provide data on device performance, usability, and help explore relationships to self-reported symptoms.
This study will provide us with a better understanding of the ability of wearable devices to measure scratching and sleep, and ultimately, will facilitate future research to enhance our understanding of plaque psoriasis. Find out if you could be eligible to participate!
Additional Information
In this research study, we are evaluating the ability of wrist-worn devices to measure scratch and sleep in individuals with plaque psoriasis. It may be possible to use this technology in future research studies about plaque psoriasis.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18-75 years old
- Diagnosed with plaque psoriasis
- Otherwise healthy
- Speak English
Exclusion Criteria:
- Allergy to polyurethane resin (strap/wristband component) and/or steel
- Cardiac pacemakers, electronic pumps, or any other implanted medical devices
- Recently participated in or currently involved in another drug or device study for psoriasis
- Any planned surgical or medical procedure that would overlap with study participation
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Shift worker (i.e. work hours that include evenings, nights, or rotating shifts)
The study has an in-person portion and an optional at-home portion. If you choose to complete the optional second portion, there will be 4 lab visits and some activities to do at home; otherwise, there will be only 3 lab visits.
Visit 1 (in person): Screening for eligibility in our laboratory and completion of questionnaires and skin assessments.
Visit 2 (in person): First overnight laboratory visit in sleep lab/hotel. Participants complete three questionnaires (if Visit 2 is on a different day than Visit 1) and wear three watch-like wrist devices. There will be infrared video recording. The next morning, there are three more questionnaires to answer.
Visit 3 (in person): Second overnight laboratory visit in sleep lab/hotel. Participants continue to wear three watch-like devices. There will be infrared video recording and polysomnography (PSG). In the morning, participants complete three questionnaires. If participants choose to stop here without completing the optional second part, they will complete two additional questionnaires and return the devices.
Optional at-home period (remote): For up to 30 days, participants continue to wear three watch-like devices on their wrists and complete three questionnaires daily.
Last visit (for those who completed the optional at-home period; in person): At home questionnaires and devices will be returned. The participants will complete two additional questionnaires.
As a participant, you can receive up to $250 for completing only the first phase, or up to $400 if you complete the optional at-home phase. Parking will be covered by the study as well as breakfast the morning after each overnight lab visit.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.