Research > Current Research Activities

Self-management of chronic conditions among home-based frail elderly

(Funded by NIDRR/USDE in collaboration with RERC-Technology for Successful Aging/University of Florida)

In this randomized controlled trial, Dr. Tomita and Kathy Stanton (RN, MSN) are testing the effectiveness of self-management of participants’ own health. Those in the treatment group are entering their vital signs and health behaviors in a secure web-site. The first outcome will be found this winter.

Effectiveness of assistive technology (AT) workshop for formal caregivers

(Funded by Community Health Foundation of Western and Central New York in collaboration with Erie County)

In this experimental study, Dr. Tomita, Linda Fraas ( OTR/L), Kimberly Sewall ( OTR/L), and Anna Tsai (OT) are testing the effectiveness of onsite and online AT education. Participants who take either onsite or online education are offered up to 7 CEU. The results will be announced at the American Society of Aging conference in March 2005.

Prevention of institutionalization and deinstitutionalization of persons with disability

(Funded by NIDRR/USDE in collaboration with RRTC-Independent Living Management/ WNY Independent Living Projects, Inc.)

Currently, Vidya Sundar (OT), under Dr. Tomita and Dr.Carl Granger (MD)’s guidance, is developing an instrument to measure independent living skills for persons with disability for deinstitutionalization with collaboration with Independent Living Centers in four states.

Cross-cultural study of caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease: Japan vs. US

(Funded by Japan Society of Promotion of Scientific Research in collaboration with School of Medicine at Hiroshima University)

Dr. Tomita is conducting a survey to determine the relationship between social support systems and caregiver’s psychosocial status in the US. The results will be compared with those found in Japan that has a universal health care system, for cross cultural comparisons.

Wellness network for patients with congestive heart failure(CHF)

(Funded by National Institute of Aging/NIH in collaboration with Kaleida Health)

Drs. Tomita and Bruce Naughton (MD) are conducting a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of two approaches (proactive vs. reactive) for post acute care for less mobility, mortality, and health care costs. One group will participate in a wellness network that is a virtual Internet network to receive information, emotional, and appraisal support. Another group of participant’s will be in the Rapid Response Group offered by Kaleida Health and the control group will receive usual care.

Effectiveness of Comprehensive regular exercise in veterans with spinal cord injury

(Internally Funded/UB Foundation in collaboration with the Dept. of Rehabilitation Medicine at the WNY VAMC)

This is a pilot study for testing compliance of prescribed exercise. Dr. Tomita, Neeraj Kumar (MS, PT), and Dr. Srikrishnan (MD) are employing a single subject methodology and developing effective methods for comprehensive exercise for people with spinal cord injury.

Effectiveness of Internet mediated support network among persons with osteoarthritis

(Funded by Mark Diamond) This study conducted by Wei-Hung Lin (OT) under supervision of Dr. Tomita and Kathy Stanton (RN,MSN) takes a drastic approach to withdraw use of Internet to identify effectiveness of Internet mediated support network to promote healthy behaviors among older adults with osteoarthritis.

Effectiveness of Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) for caregivers of home-based frail elderly

(Funded by Mark Diamond) This experimental study conducted by Linda Russ (MS, OTR/L) under the supervision of Dr. Tomita tries to identify the effectiveness of PERS provided to home-based frail elders on perceived burden by their primary caregivers. It is expected that the effectiveness of the system has interaction effects with caregiver’s life cycle status.

Examination of risk factors of a fall in a geopsychiatric impatient Unit

(Not funded but in collaboration with Geopsychiatric Unit at ECMC)

This is an exploratory study conducted by Rosalie Pyra ( OTR/L) under the supervision of Dr. Tomita to determine the causes of falls among all patients who were admitted to the unit in the year of 2002. It will be completed by the end of this year.

Universal Design Applications for Children’s Toys

(Funded by OSERS/USDE)

Although this project is not dealing with the geriatric population, Dr. Tomita is responsible for a sound design and analysis to create an instrument to test universal design component among toys of children between 0 to 3 years old. She is working with Sue Mistrett (MS, OTR/L) and Amy Goetz (MS. OTR/L)