Memory Problems & Knee Pain Research Study
Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Nursing are conducting a study on brain stimulation and chair yoga for older adults with memory problems and knee pain.
Fast Facts
Experience Memory Problems
Experience Knee Pain
Participants Ages 60+
Conducted In & Around Tucson, AZ
Study Background
Researchers at the University of Arizona are conducting a study to understand better ways to manage knee pain in older adults with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
This study is being conducted to understand more about an intervention we think will reduce knee pain in older adults. We want to know how well the program works, how easy it is to follow, and how much patients like participating.
The program involves combining home-based electrical stimulation to the brain with online chair yoga for managing chronic knee pain in older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or related dementia (e.g., Lewy body dementia, Vascular dementia, mixed dementias, Multiple Etiology Dementias). Chronic knee pain is common in this population and is often undertreated, which can worsen symptoms such as agitation, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. Opioid medications, commonly used for pain, may cause harmful side effects in individuals with dementia, making safe options other than medication urgently needed.
This study offers a novel, home-based approach that combines gentle movement with neuromodulation (brain stimulation) to help manage pain. Participants will complete 14 sessions over four weeks, with all intervention activities supervised remotely. By investigating this innovative intervention, the study aims to improve quality of life for individuals with dementia while also reducing caregiver burden.
Study Background
Researchers at the University of Arizona are conducting a study to understand better ways to manage knee pain in older adults with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
This study is being conducted to understand more about an intervention we think will reduce knee pain in older adults. We want to know how well the program works, how easy it is to follow, and how much patients like participating.
The program involves combining home-based electrical stimulation to the brain with online chair yoga for managing chronic knee pain in older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or related dementia (e.g., Lewy body dementia, Vascular dementia, mixed dementias, Multiple Etiology Dementias). Chronic knee pain is common in this population and is often undertreated, which can worsen symptoms such as agitation, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. Opioid medications, commonly used for pain, may cause harmful side effects in individuals with dementia, making safe options other than medication urgently needed.
This study offers a novel, home-based approach that combines gentle movement with neuromodulation (brain stimulation) to help manage pain. Participants will complete 14 sessions over four weeks, with all intervention activities supervised remotely. By investigating this innovative intervention, the study aims to improve quality of life for individuals with dementia while also reducing caregiver burden.
Additional Information
To test whether combining chair yoga with at-home brain stimulation can safely and effectively reduce knee pain in older adults with memory issues, while also easing caregiver burden.
You or the adult that you care for may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria:
Participant (Person experiencing memory problems):
- Ages 60+
- Has knee pain lasting 3+ months
- Experiences memory problems (e.g., frequently forgetting recent events or conversations, repeating questions, getting lost in familiar places, difficulty managing daily tasks)
- Able to walk independently with minimal assistance (e.g., cane or walker)
- No history of brain surgery, brain tumor, head trauma, seizure/epilepsy, stroke, or cancer affecting the head
- No metal implants in the head or brain
Caregiver:
- Ages 18+
- Willing to accompany the participant to two in-person visits at the University of Arizona College of Nursing
- Available to assist with home-based activities (e.g., setting up technology)
Attend 2 in-person visits (at the start and end of the study)
Complete 14 home sessions over 4 weeks (yoga + brain stimulation)
Use study-provided equipment and receive remote supervision via secure video
Participants and caregivers will each receive up to $200 in gift cards (up to $400 per pair). Snacks, water, and a yoga block will be provided during lab visits.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
An Institutional Review Board (IRB) for human subjects research at the University of Arizona reviewed and approved this research project, according to applicable state and federal regulations and university policies designed to pAn Institutional Review Board (IRB) for human subjects research at the University of Arizona reviewed and approved this research project, according to applicable state and federal regulations and university policies designed to protect the rights and welfare of participants in research.rotect the rights and welfare of participants in research.