Assessing and improving physical function in adults with sickle cell disease

Sickle Cell Disease Functional Assessment Validation and Exercise Pilot Intervention

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-10880289

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 typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10880289 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 40 years and older who have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

Not a fit: Patients under the age of 40 or those without a diagnosis of sickle cell disease may not receive any benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Durham, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.