Strength Assessments and Training in Pulmonary Rehabilitation v.1.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Strength Assessments and Strength Training in Pulmonary Rehabilitation
IRAS ID
276749
Contact name
Kate Pittaccio
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Essex
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 7 months, 2 days
Research summary
Strength Assessments and Strength Training in Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is an educational and progressive exercise programme offered by health services to those suffering from long-term lung condition (e.g. COPD). Strength training is strongly recommended, as it improves muscle strength and exercise capacity. Due to these benefits appropriate strength assessments should be conducted. However, only 27% of patients had their strength measured. Therefore, exploration into why muscle strength assessments are not utilised more is needed.
This project will consist of three studies. Each subsequent study will be informed by the previous. The details of the first study have been established, however the specifics of study 2 and 3 have yet to be determined.
Study 1 aims to identify and understand the factors that help and hinder the use of strength assessments and strength training in PR, by exploring the impact and perspectives of the practitioners who deliver the service, and the patients who receive it. This qualitative study will use semi-structured interviews and be analysed using thematic analysis. Participants will be recruited via Provide, an organisation delivering PR services in Mid Essex. The interviews will be conducted either in the participants home, or in the community centres where the PR sessions take place.
Study 2 will be a feasibility study testing various strength assessments. Appropriate assessments will be chosen based on the findings of study 1. Following this, study 3 will be an intervention implementing strength assessments into PR programmes. The assessments used will be those deemed most feasible and effective from study 2.
This research project could help improve an already very beneficial programme, potentially going on to aid the development of a reliable standardised measure of strength used in PR.
This project is part of a PhD Studentship funded by the University of Essex and Provide.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/0339
Date of REC Opinion
1 Apr 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion