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-11021121 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new tool to help understand how sickle cell disease affects older adults' daily lives and health, so we can find better ways to support them and improve their 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 20, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $72,814 |
| NIH project number | 3K01HL166369-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11021121 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 older adults with sickle cell disease. The study aims to determine how well this tool can predict hospitalizations and other health outcomes in patients aged 40 and older. By identifying vulnerabilities and functional decline, the research seeks to develop targeted interventions that can improve the quality of life for these patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better assessment and management strategies for adults with sickle cell disease, ultimately improving their functional abilities and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using functional assessments for chronic conditions, indicating that this approach may yield beneficial results.
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.