Mahek Chandna

Mahek Chandna

Mentor

Dr. Hongwu Wang

College

College of Medicine, College of Public Health and Health Professions

Major

Health Science (Pre-Med)

Minor

N/A

Organizations

Health Science Student Organization (HSSO), Health Educated Asian Leaders (HEAL), Indian Student Association (ISA), Rangeelo Raas

Academic Awards

International Baccalaureate Diploma 2022, Emerging Scholars Program 2022, Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholar Award

Volunteering

N/A

Research Interests

Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Clinical Neuroscience, Philosophy of Race, Gender and Sexuality

Hobbies and Interests

Track and Field, Vintage Fashion, Origami, Film Photography

Research Project

Wearable Focal Vibration to Improve Sleep/Balance in Older Adults with Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a result of damage to the nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord and has become one of the most common chronic diseases and a leading cause of adult disability within the U.S. where the role of quality sleep impacts the severity of this neuropathic pain. Quality sleep at night is one of the main requirements of the elderly so to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle which doesn’t prevent them from their independency. However, it is unfortunate that more than half of older adults above the age of 65 regularly have poor sleep quality and that two-thirds with neuropathic pain also have sleep disturbances. No matter the etiology differences among the various types of PN, the shared symptoms include loss of sensation and/or balance, numbness, tingling, pain, and muscle weakness. Through this the factors which can determine how to adjust an individual’s sleep conditions can be its circadian rhythms and the long-term impact on balance and mobility. There is a lack of monitor of sleep and circadian rhythms when assessing balance in peripheral neuropathy, especially in older adults of which this research project aims to longitudinally investigate sleep and its influence. The pilot study aims to conduct a single group 12-week time series quasi-experimental trial of 30 participants to assess sleep quality and examine how sleep and circadian rhythms impact balance and mobility in older adults with peripheral neuropathy. In addition, it will explore whether wearable focal vibration therapy improves sleep and balance. The wearable device intended to proceed the focal vibration therapy is known as Myovolt which has no significant risk and can be worn at different locations targeting peripheral nerves, muscles and muscle groups to provide vibration therapy and through its app interface the information being tracked. The first four weeks serve as baseline monitoring, then four weeks of wearable focal vibration intervention will be introduced to examine how effective it is. After that, the focal vibration intervention is removed so to explore the persistent effect and changes in sleep and balance for the remainder of the period. This study design aims to see if the outcomes are stable before the intervention, and if the intervention is making a difference as well as how long and quickly the lasting effect can be observed. The unique approach of close partnership and engagement with the community in this experiment offers valuable methodological knowledge for studies of similar nature and purpose.