Radha Holavanahalli, Ph.D.

Professor – Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Co-PI – North Texas Burn Rehabilitation Model System (NTBRMS)

Research Projects

North Texas Burn Rehabilitation Model System (NTBRMS) – Co-Principal Investigator

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) Grant Award # 90DPBU0002

The NTBRMS is one of four Burn Model System (BMS) centers in the United States of America. Established in 1993, the NTBRMS has successfully competed every 5 years since. The objectives of the current 5-year project include 1) Assessment of long-term outcomes of individuals with burn injury by enrolling participants into the Burn Model System National Database for follow-up at 6-month, 1, 2, 5, and every 5 years thereafter; and 2) Contribute data to the multi-center National Longitudinal Burn Model System Database. In addition, the NTBRMS is also conducting the following studies:

• A site-specific study: “Vitamin D Deficiency in Adults Following a Major Burn Injury” The goal of this project is to examine if high dose vitamin D replacement compare to a low dose has an impact on common symptoms experienced by burn patients such as fatigue, muscle weakness, pain, itch, and peripheral neuropathy.
• A collaborative module: “Longitudinal Burn Model System Study of Pediatric and Adult Burn Survivor Genomic predictors of functional outcomes after burn injury – Adults” - The goal of this study is to learn more about genetic factors that influence long-term physical and emotional recovery of burn survivors. For this study, a DNA sample is collected with a cheek swab to be processed and genetically tested at the lead collaborating center, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington.

Evaluation of a web-based social skills Training program for survivors of burn injury – Principal Investigator

NIDILRR Grant Award # 90DP0042

Burn injury survivors who sustain a significant change in appearance experience persistent difficulties in psychological and social adjustment. Burn survivors with visible disfigurement report being confronted with frequent staring, teasing, audible comments about their appearance, and face unsolicited questions about their appearance. This is a prospective observational study to evaluate the efficacy of a web-based social skills training program designed to help overcome social anxiety, depression, and social isolation, and facilitate community living and participation.

The effect of heat intolerance on exercise and physical function – Co-Principal Investigator

NIDILRR Grant Award # 90DP0042

Heat intolerance is one of the most commonly described complaints after burn injury. The goal of this study is to assess if perception of heat intolerance and the related fear of exercise is a barrier to exercise and physical functional activities following a burn injury.