Current Research Studies

“EMBARK: Exploring Massage Benefits in Arthritis of the Knee”
NIH/NCCAM funded) In collaboration with UMDNJ and Yale, EMBARK is a randomized controlled trial comparing  the effectiveness of Swedish massage and light touch bodywork in reducing pain and increasing function of adults with osteoarthritis of the knee. READ MORE

"EMPOWER: Enhancing Maintenance for the Prevention Of Weight Regain"
(NIH/NCCAM funded) This two-site randomized, controlled trial is being conducted in collaboration with Michael Baime, MD at the University of Pennsylvania. It compares two innovative interventions for long-term maintenance of significant weight loss.

"Brain Effects Related to Participation in a Weight Loss Maintenance Program"
(NIH/NCCAM-funded) Also in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania, this study uses functional MRI measures to test potential shifts in brain response to food and eating cues as a function of the EMPOWER interventions for a subset of the sample at the University of Pennsylvania site.

"Adherence Starts with Knowledge: Phase II Diabetes Coaching Study"
(GlaxoSmithKline funded). This randomized control trial examines the impact of six months of integrative health coaching on medication adherence and lifestyle change in a diabetic population.

"Mechanisms of Mindfulness: Effects on Sleep Quality, Stress Physiology & CVD Risk"
(NIH/NCCAM-funded) The goal of this Pathway to Independence (PI) award is to understand how mindfulness training impacts a cluster of biobehavioral factors implicated in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

Cliffs Integrative Health Immersion Project
(Privately funded) Outcomes study to establish the efficacy of the Duke IM Immersion program with follow-up coaching.

Integrative Health Coaching and Positive Health Behavior: A Pilot Study with Undergraduates
(Funded by Duke IM, Student Health, and Student Affairs) To test the feasibility and efficacy of a health coaching intervention to existing student health issues.