Indiana University
The overall objectives of the proposed research are to: 1. Evaluate the diagnostic validity of a novel mechano-acoustic signatures of task-characteristic activity during symptomatic and asymptomatic breathing in Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO) patients with the use of a novel miniature, soft wearable skin-mounted device, 2. Identify the mechanism/s of paradoxical respiratory control in EILO by quantifying the relationship between pulmonary mechanics, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) maintenance, and vocal fold aperture prior to and during symptomatic and asymptomatic exercise ventilation, and 3. Identify unique biophysiological factors contributing to EILO among exercisers with and without EILO. Findings will be highly novel and clinically significant for early identification and management of EILO. The main study will enroll 60 participants with EILO and 60 without EILO to complete three separate visits: 1. Exercise treadmill study 2. Free running with the device on the neck 3. Undergoing MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the vocal tract. An additional substudy limited to the mechanoacoustic device will enroll 10 additional participants (5 healthy and 5 with EILO). These participants will complete a single study visit during which the mechano-acoustic device will be worn during four sequential conditions.
Main Study At the first study visit, participants will sign informed consent, complete study questionnaires, have their height, weight, and body composition measured, and perform resting pulmonary function tests. Participants will then warm up on the treadmill for 10 minutes. An endoscope will be placed in one nostril until the vocal folds are visible, and subjects will be fitted with a chest strap heart rate monitor, an oro-nasal face mask, and the mechanoacoustic device. This sensor is placed on the neck with a velcro band. Participants will then undergo a graded exercise test during which…
Inclusion Criteria for Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO): * Physically active \>2.5 hours per week * Patients with EILO, as diagnosed by routine clinical examination by physician and/or speech language pathologist * Age range of 18-26 years * Greater difficulty breathing inside compared to out and difficulty breathing which is exacerbated at peak exercise and stops 1-5 minutes after exercise * Score of 7 or higher on the Dyspnea Index, which is a validated instrument to capture participant self-report of upper airway dyspnea symptoms. * Classified as low risk, based on the modifie…
Breathing Hypercapnic Gas (10% CO2 (carbon dioxide) and 21%O2 (oxygen), balance N210% (nitrogen))
A custom developed mechanoacoustic sensor will be worn on the neck using a Velcro strap. The device will collect audio recordings of breathing and breath sounds and will collect muscle activity from the neck muscles.