Ongoing Applied Research

Title	Period	Responsible researcher(s)	The aim of the study
„Evaluation of the Three-Month Effect of a Supportive Taping Device on the Correction of the Genu Valgum Position and Longitudinal Arches of the Foot in Five- And Eight-Year-Old Children”	2011 – 2023	Anna-Liisa Tamm	The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of a supportive taping device on the correction of the genu valgum position and longitudinal arches of the foot in five- and eight-year-old children.
„Borrelia Burgdorferi Sensu Lato Distribution of Species by Region Among Ticks Over the Years”	2017 – 2023	Eerik Jõgi	The aim of the study is to describe the population density and distribution of tick species in different counties of Estonia, and the genotypic composition and carriage of different subspecies of Borrelia burgdorferi.
Covid-19	2021 – 2023	Anna-Liisa Tamm	The aim of the project is to determine the proportion of different factors influencing people’s health under COVID conditions. The project consists of several smaller projects.
„The Occurrence of Hidden Hunger Among Regular High-Load Exercisers, Followers of Various Nutrition Plans and Women > 65 Years”	2021 – 2024	Ülle Parm	The aim is to clarify the occurrence of hidden hunger among three groups of women: regular exercisers and followers of various nutrition plans (diets, including gluten-free diet, Fitlap), >65 years old.
„The Lifestyle and Health Indicators Among Physiotherapy Students”	2021 – 2025	Ivi Vaher	The aim is to determine by using a longitudinal study Tartu Health Care College physiotherapy students’ lifestyle and health indicators and the changes and relationships between these indicators throughout the study period.
„Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Health Care Workers and Impact of Interventions on Musculoskeletal Disorders “	2021 – 2026	Kristi Vahur	The aim of the study is to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, the functional status of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of ergonomic interventions on the functional status of the musculoskeletal system in different health professionals (physiotherapists, pharmacists, doctors, nurses, bioanalysts, caregivers, etc.).
„The Impact of Understudied Types of Massages on Health Indicators in Chronic Pain “	2021 – 2030	Kirkke Reisberg	The aim of the research is to assess whether honey massage and cupping massage are effective in providing pain relief, and improving function, quality of life and mental health in chronic pain.
„The Impact of Germanium-Containing Socks on Foot Discomfort, Function and Life Quality in Case of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis”	2021 – 2026	Kirkke Reisberg	The aim of the research is to assess the effect of germanium-containing socks on foot problems such as pain and stiffness, lower limb function and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis patients.
„Effectiveness of the Massage Chair and Classical Massage in Recovering from Physical Load”	2021 – 2023	Ivi Vaher	The aim of the research is to elucidate the effects of massage chair and hand massage on the biomechanical parameters of muscles of lower limbs and back, indicators of pain pressure thresholds (PPT) and subjectively perceived fatigue.
“Digital Collection and Analysis of Body Temperature Data for Women’s Reproductive Health Studies”	2021 – 2024	Siret Läänelaid	The aim of the study is to analyse the suitability of a digital temperature sensor for ovulation detection, in order to use the research results for conception or prevention purposes.
„ Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance in the Community”	2022 – 2025	Eerik Jõgi	The aim of the study is to research the prevalence of drug-resistant (VRE – Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus sp pathogens in Estonia.
„Empowering Informal Caregivers Providing Long-Term Care for an Adult Relative Through Training Courses “	2022 – 2025	Merle Varik	The aims are: (1) to identify the training needs of informal caregivers, (2) to develop a training curriculum, to deliver training, and (3) to develop a MOOC that will provide the knowledge and skills necessary for caregiving.
„ Preparation of the Child Patient and Their Relatives for Examinations and Procedures “	2022 – 2024	Airin Treiman-Kiveste Evelyn Evert (TÜK)	The aim of the study is: • to describe the activities of nurses in the psychological preparation of children and parents for examinations and procedures, and the related knowledge and resource needed; • to clarify the links between nurses’ background factors and the methods and knowledge used in their preparation; • to describe the experiences of parents in relation to the psychological preparation of their child for examinations and procedures; Two empirical studies will be carried out in collaboration with the College and the Children’s Clinic team, and an e-course for nurses and nursing students will be developed. In addition, educational films will be created during the course that can be used in the e-course and shared as illustrative material with patients and their parents.
„Bone Density of Young Women Who Have Been Long-Term Users of Combined oral contraceptives (COC)“	2022 – 2026	Anna-Liisa Tamm	The aim of the study is to determine the bone density (total body bone density, femoral neck, spine) and bone weight of young Estonian women who have regularly and long-term (at least 3 years) used combined hormonal contraceptives compared to women who have not used combined hormonal contraceptives.
„Health Behaviour Survey Among the Members of the Defence League in Different Rural Defence Districts”	2023 – 2026	Marika Laidvere	The aim of the study is to investigate and describe the health behaviour of the members of the Northern, Southern, North-eastern and Western rural defence districts of the Defence League (hereinafter referred to as DL) in five areas – nutrition, physical activity, general health, and alcohol and tobacco consumption. The data collected will be used to formulate concrete proposals for the promotion of health behaviour across the organisation.