Research: Larkey Lab |
Dr. Linda Larkey's Research Focus
The Larkey Lab is positioned in the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.
She has two primary areas of research. The first is grounded in understanding the effects of practices like meditation and meditative movement (Tai Chi, Yoga, and Qigong) on physiological and psychological health. In particular she has been studying the effects of Qigong/Tai Chi on breast cancer survivors' fatigue, other symptoms, and emotional health. Also, her team is exploring the neurophysiological mediators of symptom improvement and body composition changes.
The other area of focus of her research is on storytelling as a culturally-grounded way of improving health behaviors and overcoming stress. This work has been conducted locally with various racial and ethnic groups to increase cancer screening, physical activity, and nutrition, and also examining influences on reducing emotional distress with cancer patients.
She has two primary areas of research. The first is grounded in understanding the effects of practices like meditation and meditative movement (Tai Chi, Yoga, and Qigong) on physiological and psychological health. In particular she has been studying the effects of Qigong/Tai Chi on breast cancer survivors' fatigue, other symptoms, and emotional health. Also, her team is exploring the neurophysiological mediators of symptom improvement and body composition changes.
The other area of focus of her research is on storytelling as a culturally-grounded way of improving health behaviors and overcoming stress. This work has been conducted locally with various racial and ethnic groups to increase cancer screening, physical activity, and nutrition, and also examining influences on reducing emotional distress with cancer patients.
Current Research Projects
Heart Focused Movement Study
Groups will participate in gentle movement and mind/body online classes. Must be 55-85 years old to participate. Visit the study site for more information Want to see if you're eligible? Take our quick survey! |
Viewing Cancer Survivor Stories: Changes in Emotional and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Patterns
It is common for cancer patients to experience emotional distress during treatment and through survivorship. We aim to determine how cancer patients emotionally respond to hearing other survivor’s stories. If you are feeling emotionally distressed after cancer, viewing cancer survivor stories may help you! Click here for more information |
Completed Projects
Recovery and Rejuvenation Research Study
It is very common for breast cancer survivors to report feelings of fatigue for months and even years after treatment. Click here for more information |
Navigation from Community to Clinical to Promote Colorectal Cancer Screening in Underserved Populations (Navigator for Health)
To compare the effects of two styles of communication on subsequent colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and intent to screen after a referral using a randomized, controlled trial of a usual care intervention versus a novel, narrative storytelling intervention in a clinic setting. Investigators: Linda Larkey, PhD (PI) Co-Investigators/Consultants: Douglas Campos-Outcalt, Neil Weinstein, Michelle Lundy, Denise Roe |
Juntos en la Salud: Cancer Prevention and Screening for Latina (Together in Health)
Was an American Cancer Society (ACS) randomized, controlled community trial conducted through the University of Arizona Cancer Center between January 2003 and December 2007. The purpose of the study was to test the effects on participants’ behavior of two different, theory-based methods of implementing a promotora-based cancer prevention/screening curriculum. Recruitment was conducted in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. Latina women aged 18 and older were eligible to participate if they were due (based on American Cancer Society age-appropriate screening guidelines) for cervical, breast, or colorectal cancer screening. Investigators: Linda Larkey, PhD (PI), Co-Investigators/Consultants: |
Storytelling for Colorectal Health among Latinos (Latino Saludables)
The purpose of this research study is to learn about improving and maintaining health especially colorectal cancer prevention lifestyle choices and screening. The study investigated the effectiveness of storytelling in health education among Latinos in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. Investigators: Linda Larkey, PhD (PI). Co-Investigators/Consultants: Cyndi Thomson, Neil Weinstein, Ana Maria Lopez, Denise Roe |
Storytelling to Promote Colorectal Screening in Primary Care Clinics (Story Clinic)
The purpose of this study is to test the effectiveness of a two-phase intervention using “community-to-clinic navigators” to guide individuals from an especially hard-to-reach, multicultural, and underinsured population into primary care clinics and, subsequently, to track effects of the intervention on completion of CRC screening in clinics. A cost-effectiveness analysis will lay the foundation for further implementation and dissemination research. 6/1/2012-3/31/2017; Investigators: Linda Larkey (Co-PI), Usha Menon (Co-PI) |
Effects of Risk Talks on Colorectal Cancer Screening (Risk Talks)
The purpose of the study was to test the effect of a physician- or staff-initiated discussion of personalized patient risk information for cancer on patient compliance for FOBT and sigmoidoscopy within six months of intervention/referral. The study was implemented in Arizona’s most populous county, Maricopa, within the indigent health care system reaching a high proportion of underserved, often minority, patients. Investigators: Linda Larkey, PhD (PI) |