Actively Recruiting
Respiratory and Real-time Dynamics in Exercise-Induced Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion
Led by Indiana University ยท Updated on 2026-03-02
120
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
I
Indiana University
Lead Sponsor
P
Purdue University
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO), also known as paradoxical vocal fold motion, to better understand the breathing difficulties experienced during exercise. This early-phase study aims to evaluate a new soft, wearable device that measures breathing patterns and vocal fold movements in real time. The goal is to identify unique breathing mechanics and biophysiological factors that contribute to EILO, which could help with early diagnosis and management of this condition. Participants will take part in three separate visits involving different activities. They will wear the device while running freely and during treadmill exercise tests. Additionally, some participants will breathe room air or a gas mixture containing carbon dioxide and oxygen in a randomized, single-blinded design. Vocal tract MRI scans will also be performed to observe upper airway structure. Different breathing exercises such as rest breathing, rapid breathing, nasal sniff, and pursed lip breathing will be assigned randomly. During the study, participants will be monitored through device measurements capturing real-time breathing and treadmill testing data. MRI scans will assess the size and aerodynamics of the upper airway. Participants will also self-rate their breathlessness. The study includes assessment of symptoms both during exercise and at rest. Safety and physical activity readiness will be checked, and the study is expected to run until 2032 with participants aged 18 to 26 years. The research will enhance understanding of breathing control mechanisms in EILO.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Respiratory and Real-time Dynamics in Exercise-Induced Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Physically active more than 2.5 hours per week
- Diagnosed with Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO) by a physician or speech language pathologist (for patient group)
- Age between 18 and 26 years
- Greater difficulty breathing indoors compared to outdoors, worsened at peak exercise and stopping 1-5 minutes after exercise (for patient group)
- Score of 7 or higher on the Dyspnea Index for upper airway symptoms (for patient group)
- Classified as low risk based on Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, body mass index, and non-smoking status
- No history of voice disorders, cognitive difficulties, asthma or lung disease, cardiac disease, serious orthopedic injuries, uncontrolled hypertension, illicit drug use, seizure/epilepsy, claustrophobia, or use of beta blockers
- No metallic, mechanical, or magnetic implants such as cardiac devices, cochlear implants, prostheses, stents, or deep brain stimulators
- For control group: same criteria except no EILO diagnosis or symptoms
You will not qualify if you...
- Younger than 18 or older than 26 years
- Women who are pregnant or may be pregnant
- Body mass index over 25 kg/m2
- Any positive answer on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire
- Current smokers
- History of voice disorders, cognitive difficulties, asthma or lung disease, cardiac disease, serious orthopedic injuries, uncontrolled hypertension, illicit drug use, seizure/epilepsy, claustrophobia, or use of beta blockers
- Presence of metallic, mechanical, or magnetic implants such as cardiac devices, cochlear implants, prostheses, stents, or deep brain stimulators
- Significant acute or chronic medical, neurological, or other illness that may affect safety or study completion
- For patient group: not reporting greater breathing difficulty indoors or symptoms worsened at peak exercise and stopping 1-5 minutes after exercise
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single session on study day
Participants undergo assigned breathing interventions including breathing room air, hypercapnic gas, or randomized breathing exercises in a single blinded design.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Indiana University
Bloomington, Indiana, United States, 47401
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Rita R Patel
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
3
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