We are conducting a project in association with SmartLifeInc where we hope to gain a better understanding of respiratory function measurement techniques during exercise, which could help develop a product that will allow easier testing in the future.
What is the purpose of the study?
In this study, we would like to investigate different measurements of breathing function at rest, during and following a maximal exercise challenge.
Who can take part?
We would like to recruit female and male participants aged between 18-45 years, who take part in a regular exercise (at least twice a week).
You will not be able to participate if you have had a chest infection in the 4 weeks or any other illnesses within 2 weeks prior to the test, have any respiratory problems (e.g. asthma, COPD), cardiovascular problems (e.g. high blood pressure or any kind of heart problems), metabolic diseases (e.g. diabetes), neurological conditions (e.g. stroke, epilepsy), if you are pregnant, injured or if you have any conditions that limit mobility. You will be asked to complete a screening questionnaire that will check for any of these conditions
What does the research involve?
The testing session involves investigating your respiratory function through a breathing assessment and an exercise challenge test using three different measurement methods.
The visit will last approximately 3 hours in total.
- Part 1. You will be asked to fill out questionnaires prior to testing that asks questions about your general health and your sport or physical activity.
- Part 2. A respiratory assessment that includes:
Spirometry: A test to measure the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled and exhaled from your lungs. From a standing position, you will breathe in until your lungs are full. You will then put a mouthpiece in your mouth and breathe out as hard and as fast as possible until your lungs are empty (approximately 6 seconds).
- Part 3. Exercise Challenge
You will undergo a staged incremental exercise challenge to the point where you cannot continue to match the resistance of the bike. The exercise begins at a relatively light intensity (50 W) and increases every minute until you cannot keep going.
During the test you will be required to wear a facemask to allow us to measure the gas you are breathing out, a Smartlife garment in the form of a chest strap for measurement of a number of physiological parameters including heart rate and breathing rate, and removable reflective markers placed on your torso (chest and back) for measurement of chest and abdomen wall movement. A motion capture system will capture the position of these reflective markers only.
The test will begin with a few minutes of rest which will involve breathing in and out normally during quiet sitting, to obtain a baseline for all measurements. Following the period of rest, you will then complete a warm-up and then the exercise challenge. The intensity of the exercise challenge will be increased in controlled increments until you cannot match the resistance of the bike. The exercise challenge should not last longer than approximately 20 minutes. The exercise challenge will then be followed by another period of recovery in a seated position. All measurements will be obtained prior, during and after the exercise challenge simultaneously.
What are the possible benefits of taking part?
- A free assessment of your respiratory function
- A free maximal exercise test
- Insight into your breathing efficiency
How long does the study participation last for?
In total, your involvement will be no more than 1 testing session lasting maximum of 3 hours
Contact:
Carol Smyth (School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Kent)
Email: carol.smyth@smartlifeinc.com
Telephone: 07464239558