How obesity affects breathing and exercise in older adults
Effects of Obesity in the Aged
This study is looking at how being overweight and getting older affects how well older adults can exercise and breathe, and it aims to find ways to help those who have trouble breathing when they exert themselves.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10910007 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the combined effects of obesity and aging on exercise tolerance and breathing difficulties in older adults. It focuses on understanding how excess weight impacts lung function and contributes to symptoms like dyspnea on exertion. The study will utilize a special device, an external cuirass, to relieve pressure on the chest wall, allowing researchers to assess improvements in breathing and exercise capacity. By examining these factors, the research aims to identify potential interventions that could enhance the quality of life for older adults struggling with obesity-related respiratory issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 60 and above who are overweight or obese and experience difficulty with exercise or breathing.
Not a fit: Patients who are not overweight or obese, or those who do not experience exercise intolerance or breathing difficulties, may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved breathing and exercise capabilities for older adults with obesity, enhancing their overall quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in addressing exercise intolerance and respiratory issues in older adults, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial outcomes.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Babb, Tony G — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Babb, Tony G
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.