Research In Focus is a weekly publication featuring reader-friendly summaries of the latest research from NIDILRR-funded projects. Each installment presents you with an overview of a recently-published NIDILRR-funded study, highlighting important findings, and discussing implications or directions for future research. This could be a starting point to learn more about the intervention, technology, or program. We hand-select the articles from our diverse library collections, aiming to broadly cover interesting research in many areas of disability, various types of intervention, and a wide range of age spectrum from early childhood to aging with and into disability. To be alerted to new articles, sign up for our weekly email newsletter News and Notes from the NIDILRR Community and Beyond! These articles are also available in Spanish. Are you a NIDILRR grantee? Learn how to recommend your recent study for an upcoming issue.
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact millions of people worldwide. Over 77 million cases and over 900,000 deaths have been confirmed in the US alone. In addition to the public health impact, the COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant economic impact. By May of 2020, unemployment in the US had reached its... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is damage anywhere along the spine caused by trauma. People with SCI may experience physical, psychological, or social changes after their injury which may have an impact on their satisfaction with life and their overall quality of life. Physical changes can include increases in urinary tract... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
The ability to participate in one’s community is important for maximizing quality of life, health, well-being, and self-determination. Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted daily life. Research has shown that the COVID-19 response has led to increased isolation, psychological distress, and financial... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Prior research has shown that people with disabilities can face a multitude of challenges to full participation, including higher rates of unmet healthcare needs compared to those without disabilities. However, “people living with disabilities” defines a large and diverse group. They can differ in many ways such as... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an unprecedented impact worldwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 67 million cases of COVID-19 had been diagnosed in the US by January 2022. The majority of people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 recover, but a significant... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is lasting brain damage from an injury that results from an external force (either blunt or penetrating). TBI is a major cause of death and disability in the US. People who experience a TBI may turn to resources and supports available from agencies within their state to help them fully participate... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on society at large. This is especially true for communities that have a longstanding history of marginalization, such as the Latinx community. During the pandemic, the Latinx community has experienced higher rates of COVID-19 infections and COVID-19-related deaths than non-... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Stroke (also called cerebrovascular accident) is a debilitating condition that can cause an array of physical and cognitive disabilities. According to the American Heart Association, stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability. Prior research has demonstrated the benefits of exercise and increased physical... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is lasting brain damage from an external force, such as a fall or car accident. A TBI can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on several factors including how long a person is unconscious, if they experience a coma, or if they have memory loss. People with moderate to severe TBI may... Read this article
A study funded by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR).
Obesity is a national health concern in the US, where rates of obesity have increased by about 12% over the last 2 decades. Prior research has shown that obesity is closely related to the onset of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, as well as premature death. Increased rates of... Read this article
The contents of NARIC web site were developed under a contract from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (contract #140D0421C0021). NIDILRR is a Center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this web site do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, or HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
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