Every year, our scientists and patient advisory group identify the studies and topics creating the most impact for people living with arthritis.
Uncover Our Focus for 2026Ongoing and completed studies across our full research portfolio, from prevention and treatment to care and health systems.
Explore Our ResearchMeet the scientists, clinicians, trainees, and patient advisory board members, driving discoveries
Meet Our TeamPeople living with arthritis guide our research priorities, shape study design, and ensure our work reflects real life.
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Living with arthritis? Explore open studies looking for participants and help shape the future of arthritis care.
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Scientific Study Title:
Start Date:
End Date:
Research Category
Life-changing arthritis research is only possible with your help!
Reason For Research
Sleep difficulties, including trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, and/or waking up early without being able to fall back asleep (all types of insomnia), are reported in up to 70% of persons living with inflammatory rheumatic diseases, a rate that is three to four times higher than in the general population. Our research team has adapted an online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program to meet the needs of individuals with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The original CBT program was shown to be effective. A major benefit of an online, self-paced CBT program is its flexible and accessible nature.
Execution of Research
Participants with inflammatory arthritis will participate in a randomized controlled trial testing the cognitive behavioural therapy program. The information provided by participants will help us adapt and improve the program even more to meet the needs of persons living with arthritis who suffer from insomnia.
Participants will take three surveys on their demographic information, sleep, health, mental health and satisfaction with the program. Each survey will take around 30-40 minutes: one at study entry and two after the cognitive behavioural therapy (one of which is to be completed right after completing the cognitive behavioural therapy and the other, one month later).
The eight-week, online cognitive behavioural therapy program offers psychoeducation and cognitive behavioural strategies to help participants manage their symptoms of insomnia and their mental health.
Participants will receive a $10 gift card after completing each survey (meaning participants will receive $30 in total by the end).
You are welcome to contact us to join the study if you have an inflammatory rheumatic condition, including but not limited to:
We are recruiting participants for our study on inflammatory rheumatic conditions and sleep. If osteoarthritis is the only type of arthritis you have, you won’t be able to join the study. If you have osteoarthritis and a type of inflammatory arthritis, you are eligible for the study (as long as you also meet the following criteria):
Involvement
Our multidisciplinary team includes experts in behavioural medicine, insomnia, rheumatology, e-health, biostatistics, and patient advisers.
You are eligible to participate if: your doctor has diagnosed you with arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile inflammatory arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and other spondyloarthropathies or other types of arthritis), you are 18 years of age or older, you have internet access, you live in Canada, and you understand English or French.