NIH-funded research R21 grant

Understanding how lung volume affects airway and chest wall changes in COPD

Official title: CT-based Characterization of Lung Volume-determined Airway and Chest Wall Deformation Interdependences in COPD

Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10985337 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the airways and chest wall change in people with COPD at different lung capacities, to better understand the different types of COPD and how they relate to other health issues like emphysema and low bone density, which could help improve treatment and outcomes for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Iowa
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Iowa City, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$116,625
NIH project number1R21HL175750-01
Project IDNIH-10985337 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly those with comorbidities such as emphysema or low bone density.

Less likely to help

Patients without a diagnosis of COPD or those with unrelated respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanical changes in the airway and chest wall in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly focusing on how these changes vary between different lung volumes. By utilizing CT scans and established datasets from nationwide lung studies, the research aims to identify unique subtypes of COPD-related abnormalities and their interactions with comorbidities like emphysema and low bone density. The study will analyze how these factors influence disease progression and clinical outcomes, providing insights into the pathophysiology of COPD.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of COPD, potentially enhancing treatment strategies and patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully utilized CT imaging to study lung mechanics in COPD, indicating that this approach is both established and promising.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Iowa
    Iowa City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Saha, Punam K. — University of Iowa
  • Study coordinator: Saha, Punam K.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.