How deep breaths affect airflow in older adults
Airway distensibility and lung inflation effects on the maximal expiratory flow volume curve in elderly adults
This project explores whether taking a deep breath temporarily widens airways and improves airflow in people aged 65 and older compared with younger adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11174505 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will measure your breathing using standard lung function tests that record maximal airflow during forced exhalations (the MEFV curve). They'll compare airflow after normal breathing and after a very deep inhalation to see whether the deep breath increases airway diameter and expiratory flow. The study will include both older adults (65+) and a younger comparison group to look for age-related differences. Results may clarify whether routine lung tests overstate airflow loss in older people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 65 and older who can perform forced breathing maneuvers, with a younger adult comparison group also enrolled.
Not a fit: People with unstable or severe respiratory illness, recent respiratory infection, or who cannot perform forced expiratory maneuvers may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more accurate interpretation of lung function tests in older adults and help avoid overestimating age-related airflow loss.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in younger adults show deep inhalation can transiently increase airflow, but this effect has not been well-studied in older adults.
Where this research is happening
Pullman, United States
- Washington State University — Pullman, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haverkamp, Hans Christian — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Haverkamp, Hans Christian
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.