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Longitudinal study on lung health in young adults

The American Lung Association (ALA) Lung Health Cohort

Observational Johns Hopkins University · NCT04543461

This study is looking at how things like the environment, exercise, and health markers affect lung health in young adults aged 25-35 over the next few years.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment4000 (estimated)
Ages25 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorJohns Hopkins University Academic / other
Locations37 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 36 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04543461 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The ALA Lung Health Cohort is a multi-center observational study enrolling around 4,000 young adults aged 25-35 without severe lung disease. The study aims to explore the relationship between various factors such as environmental exposures, physical activity, and biomarkers on lung health. Participants will undergo baseline assessments and receive regular follow-ups over 4.5 years to gather data on their lung health. If additional funding is secured, the study may extend to investigate long-term changes in lung health beyond five years.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are young adults aged 25-35 who are residents of the U.S. and do not have severe lung disease.

Not a fit: Patients with severe asthma or other significant lung diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify early interventions to prevent chronic lung diseases in young adults.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies focusing on lung health in young populations have shown promise, but this specific cohort approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

1- Age 25-35 years at the time of the baseline examination 2- Able to read and understand English or Spanish 3 -Has a social security number 4- Resident (citizen or non-citizen) of the United States (US) for at least 12 months prior to examination. Note: Individuals who are residents of the US who have temporarily spent time living outside of the US during the last 12 months (e.g., student exchange program, military posting) are eligible for participation.

5- Willing to provide contact information for at least 2 proxies who are likely to know the whereabouts and vital status of the participant

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severe asthma, which is defined as any of the following:

   1. Current (i.e. at the time of the visit) GINA Step 4 or higher therapy (medium dose ICS/LABA or high dose ICS or add-on LAMA; Medium dose = \>250 fluticasone, propionate =100 fluticasone furoate, \>200 beclomethasone, \>400 budesonide, \>220 mometasone). We will accept low-dose ICS/LABA or medium dose ICS.

      OR
   2. 3 or more unscheduled healthcare visits (provider/urgent care/ER) for asthma in the past 12 months OR
   3. One asthma hospitalization in the past 12 months
2. History of any chronic lung disease other than asthma including but not limited to COPD, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension
3. Current pregnancy
4. History of cancer other than non-melanoma skin cancer
5. Diagnosed cardiovascular diseases (i.e., congenital heart disease, coronary heart disease)
6. Inability to comply with study procedures, including

   1. Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent
   2. Inability to perform study measurements
   3. Inability to be contacted by phone (via calls and/or text messaging) or email
7. Any condition in the opinion of the physician that puts the participant at risk by participating in the study (e.g., serious respiratory illness requiring antibiotics or steroids or severe fever at the time of the study visit).
8. Institutionalization

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama and 36 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov → Find more trials like this →
Conditions Lung Diseaseslung healthenvironmental exposurechest CTspirometrybiomarkers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.