New exercise testing methods to identify muscle weakness versus disease
Official title: Novel cardiopulmonary exercise testing variables to differentiate neuromuscular deconditioning from disease
Funded at Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center · NIH-10916426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to test your heart and lung fitness that includes measuring your muscle strength, which can help doctors figure out if your tiredness and breathlessness are due to muscle issues or heart problems, making it easier to find the right treatment for you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Torrance, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $769,307 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166850-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916426 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with unexplained dyspnea or fatigue, particularly those with suspected neuromuscular or cardiovascular conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with well-defined cardiovascular diseases or those who do not experience symptoms of fatigue or breathlessness may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) to better differentiate between neuromuscular deconditioning and cardiovascular diseases. By incorporating isokinetic measurements of muscle power into the standard CPET, the study aims to provide a more comprehensive assessment of a patient's physical capabilities. This modified testing approach will help identify the underlying causes of symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue, which can guide treatment decisions and rehabilitation strategies. The research utilizes commercially available equipment and adds minimal time to the existing testing protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans for patients experiencing unexplained fatigue or breathlessness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using modified exercise testing methods to improve diagnostic accuracy, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Torrance, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rossiter, Harry B — Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Rossiter, Harry B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Immunometabolic and epigenetic changes in the mouth’s immunity in diabetes-related thrush
This grant looks at why people with diabetes get a higher risk of oral thrush and how high blood sugar affects the mouth’s defenses against Candida albicans.
-
Non-invasive heart fat markers to predict ASCVD risk
Aging adults who don’t yet have heart disease may get a clearer picture of their risk by using CT scans to study fat around the heart and arteries.
-
Asthma and IgE: How nerve signals in the lungs may boost allergy antibodies
A short, patient-friendly study will explore how a nerve-released substance called substance P may push immune cells to make more allergy-causing IgE in asthma.
-
Time-limited trials to guide care for seriously ill patients in the ICU
A real-world study tests using structured, time-limited conversations and agreed-upon treatment plans to help seriously ill patients and their families avoid non-beneficial ICU care.
-
Cellular aging and lung disease in Down syndrome babies and adults
A study will explore how aging cells may drive lung problems in people with Down syndrome from birth through adulthood.
-
New CPET approach to tell apart heart problems from muscle weakness
A doctor-guided study tests a modified cardiopulmonary exercise test that adds simple muscle-power measurements to better tell whether shortness of breath comes from heart disease or from weak, fatigued muscles.
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.