PROVE-DB
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Can Structured Light Plethysmography and Respiratory Volume Tracking be used to identify dysfunctional breathing patterns?
IRAS ID
241472
Contact name
Stephen Fowler
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 25 days
Research summary
Dysfunctional breathing is a lung condition characterised by breathlessness, chest tightness, chest pain, light-headedness, and anxiety. These symptoms overlap with other lung diseases such as asthma, and can lead to incorrect diagnoses. Diagnosis of dysfunctional breathing is made once other lung conditions are excluded or otherwise treated. Dysfunctional breathing is diagnosed using a questionnaire, however there remains no accepted objective diagnostic tests for DB.
Structured Light Plethysmography (SLP) is an imaging method that measures chest and abdominal wall movement during breathing. The machine projects a structured light grid onto the chest of an individual and movements of the grid are processed to visualise breathing pattern, hopefully aiding in the diagnosis of dysfunctional breathing.
In addition to SLP, we also plan to use conventional spirometry as a method of investigating dysfunctional breathing. Spirometry uses a machine which measures the amount of air breathed in and out by the patient. Respiratory Volume Tracking (RVT) uses spirometry to measure the flow, rate and volume of breathing while the patient is at rest and when asked to take a deep breath. The breathing pattern can then be analysed and characterised into types of dysfunctional breathing.
We will perform an observational cohort study involving patients visiting the Severe Asthma clinic at Wythenshawe Hospital with diagnosed dysfunctional breathing and/or asthma, as well as healthy staff and student volunteers. The study will not interfere with standard patient care. The SLP and RVT assessment will be carried out in one session, and will involve the patient breathing into a spirometer and then wearing a t-shirt to measure breathing patterns.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0182
Date of REC Opinion
19 Apr 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion