Assessing and improving physical function in adults with sickle cell disease
Official title: Sickle Cell Disease Functional Assessment Validation and Exercise Pilot Intervention
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10880289 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new tool to help understand how sickle cell disease affects the daily lives of adults over 40, so we can find ways to improve their health and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $162,000 |
| NIH project number | 5K01HL166369-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10880289 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 40 years and older who have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 40 or those without a diagnosis of sickle cell disease may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on validating a new assessment tool called the Sickle Cell Disease Functional Assessment (SCD-FA) to evaluate the physical, social, and cognitive functions of adults with sickle cell disease (SCD). The study will involve older adults aged 40 and above, assessing their vulnerabilities and functional decline due to SCD complications. Participants will undergo evaluations to determine how well the SCD-FA predicts hospitalizations and changes in physical performance, as well as other health outcomes. The research aims to identify risk factors for impaired physical performance and ultimately improve the quality of life for individuals living with SCD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better assessment and management strategies for improving the physical function and overall quality of life for adults with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown the feasibility of the SCD-FA, indicating that this approach has potential for success in improving patient outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oyedeji, Charity Ibilola — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Oyedeji, Charity Ibilola
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Digital twins of the spleen to help design better therapies for sickle cell disease
A computer-driven replica of the spleen is being developed to speed up creating safer and more effective treatments for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Accelerating hydroxyurea use for sickle cell disease in Nigeria
A pragmatic study in Nigeria aims to help doctors use hydroxyurea more consistently for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Immune and nerve signals behind acupuncture relief for sickle cell pain
This NIH grant explores how acupuncture helps reduce pain and opioid use for people with sickle cell disease.
-
Mindfulness-based Support for Pain and Sleep in Young People with Sickle Cell Disease
A digital mindfulness program is being tailored for adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease to help with pain and sleep and is being tested for practicality and early effectiveness.
-
How diet affects white blood cells and sickle cell disease
A study looks at how nutrition, from early life to adulthood, influences sickle cell disease by examining neutrophils and disease severity in people with SCD and in a mouse model.
-
Nutrition-based plan to ease pain in sickle cell disease
A nutrition-based approach is being tested to reduce pain for people living with sickle cell disease.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.