Respiratory and Real-time Dynamics in Exercise-Induced Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion
Indiana University
120 participants
Apr 20, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
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. For the study there are three separate visits: 1. Free running with the device on the neck 2. Exercise treadmill study 3. Undergoing MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the vocal tract.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria13
- 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 modified Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) questionnaire, body mass index, and non-smoking status
- Negative history of voice disorders, self-report of cognitive difficulties, asthma or other lung disease, cardiac disease, serious orthopedic injuries, current uncontrolled hypertension, illicit drug use, seizure/epilepsy, claustrophobia, use of beta blockers.
- No metallic, mechanical or magnetic implants such as cardiac devices, cochlear, or other non-removable ear implants, any prosthesis, stents, deep brain stimulator, etc.
- Physically active \>2.5 hours per week
- Age range of 18-26 years
- Classified as low risk, based on the modified PAR-Q questionnaire, body mass index, and non-smoking status
- Negative history of voice disorders, self-report of cognitive difficulties, asthma or other lung disease, cardiac disease, serious orthopedic injuries, current uncontrolled hypertension, illicit drug use, seizure/epilepsy, claustrophobia, use of beta blockers.
- No metallic, mechanical or magnetic implants such as cardiac devices, cochlear, or other non-removable ear implants, any prosthesis, stents, deep brain stimulator, etc.
Exclusion Criteria16
- Individuals older than 26 years and younger than 18 years of age.
- Women who are pregnant or could possibly be pregnant.
- BMI \> 25 kg/m2
- A 'yes' answer to any of the 14 questions on the PAR-Q pre-participation questionnaire
- Current smoker
- Positive history of voice disorders, self-report of cognitive difficulties, asthma or other lung disease, cardiac disease, serious orthopedic injuries, current uncontrolled hypertension, illicit drug use, seizure/epilepsy, claustrophobia, use of beta blockers.
- Presence of metallic, mechanical or magnetic implants such as cardiac devices, cochlear, or other non-removable ear implants, any prosthesis, stents, deep brain stimulator, etc.
- Do not report the following: Greater difficulty breathing inside compared to out and difficulty breathing which is exacerbated at peak exercise and stops 1-5 minutes after exercise
- Individuals older than 26 years and younger than 18 years of age.
- Women who are pregnant or could possibly be pregnant.
- BMI \> 25 kg/m2
- A 'yes' answer to any of the 14 questions on the PAR-Q pre-participation questionnaire
- Current smoker
- Positive history of voice disorders, self-report of cognitive difficulties, asthma or other lung disease, cardiac disease, serious orthopedic injuries, current uncontrolled hypertension, illicit drug use, seizure/epilepsy, claustrophobia, use of beta blockers.
- Presence of metallic, mechanical or magnetic implants such as cardiac devices, cochlear, or other non-removable ear implants, any prosthesis, stents, deep brain stimulator, etc.
- Significant acute or chronic medical, neurologic, or illness in the patient that, in the judgment of the Principal Investigator, could compromise subject safety, limit the ability to complete the study, and/or compromise the objectives of the study
Interested in this trial?
Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.
Interventions
Breathing Hypercapnic Gas (10% CO2 (carbon dioxide) and 21%O2 (oxygen), balance N210% (nitrogen))
Random Assignment to breathing conditions (rest breathing, rapid breathing, quick nasal sniff, pursed lip breathing), in a single blinded randomized design
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07420530