Non-invasive methods of measuring lung volume (NIM-LV)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An investigation into the measurement of lung volume by analysis of breathing parameters using non-invasive wearable devices
IRAS ID
349993
Contact name
Reem Alsagri
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospital Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Each breath that we take can be split into different measurements that we use to see how well a patient’s lungs are working. We take these measurements to see how the lungs of patients with conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other muscle problems are affected. This also allows us to monitor how a patient’s disease changes over time. At present, to measure lung volumes patients need to attend a clinic appointment and complete a test called spirometry. This takes both time and effort for patients and not all will be able to attend. There are simple devices available that can be attached to patients which measure breathing parameters such as breathing rate. Many different devices are available to do this; a common version is a chest band. These comprise of a tight-fitting band that is placed around the centre of the chest and as patients breathe in and out, the band stretches and contracts. The force of this stretching and contraction can be measured and turned in to a continuous breathing rate. Although this is useful, there is no device that can currently measure lung volumes as well as spirometry can. Therefore, we will use software analysis to change data collected from two different chest bands to make the measurements comparable to spirometry testing. Doing this could mean that patients could test their breathing at home and any problems be picked up sooner. It would also help patients be more involved in the care of their breathing and may lead to earlier treatments. Our study is the first stage in developing this device, but we hope that it will help us do more research later.
REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/1323
Date of REC Opinion
6 Nov 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion