Study Explores Remote Assessment Feasibility in Lupus Research
Current lupus research largely relies on in-person participation which can be challenging, especially in underrepresented population groups, which also are disproportionately affected by the disease. Conducting physical and cognitive performance assessments or tests in people with lupus can be feasible through remote collection. In a new study, the data collected remotely was comparable to assessments captured through in-person study in a group of Black participants.
Researchers invited a group of primarily Black women who participated in an in-person lupus study to also participate remotely in a second study. The participants were administered a series of assessments and the scores for the in-person and remote participation were compared via statistical analysis. Physical performance and cognitive performance were measured using a Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and NIH Toolbox, respectively. Results of this study showed the associations between assessments of performance with related outcomes that were similar and did not statistically significantly differ by modality of visit (in-person versus remotely conducted research). However, scores for episodic memory vs working memory for in-person visits were lower than remote visits.
Remote administration of physical and cognitive performance studies in SLE could potentially increase accessibility for underrepresented populations who tend to have healthcare accessibility barriers – thus diversifying the pool of study participants. More data collection comparison research is needed. Learn more about lupus research.