Measuring lung strain in healthy volunteers using ultrasound

Determination of Normal Values of Regional Pulmonary Strain Using a New Ultrasonographic Tool in Healthy Volunteers

Not applicable Interventional Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) · NCT04194346

This study is testing a new ultrasound tool to see how healthy lungs stretch and work when breathing in different amounts of air.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) Academic / other
Locations1 site (Montréal, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT04194346 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to establish normal values for regional pulmonary strain in healthy individuals using a novel ultrasonographic tool. Participants will undergo a nitrogen dilution technique to measure their functional residual capacity and will breathe various inspired volumes while their lung strain is recorded at multiple anatomical sites. The study utilizes a non-invasive vascular elastography platform to analyze the strain parameters from the recorded ultrasound images. This approach could help in understanding the mechanics of mechanical ventilation and its potential complications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy volunteers aged 18 and older with a functional capacity superior to 4 METs.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing pulmonary diseases or those who have undergone previous thoracic procedures will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved safety in mechanical ventilation practices, reducing the risk of ventilator-induced lung injury.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of ultrasound for lung assessment is established, this specific approach to measuring pulmonary strain in healthy volunteers is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy volunteers (20 men/20 women)
* 18 years old and over
* Functional capacity superior to 4 METs (metabolic equivalent of task)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous thoracic procedure (chest tube, thoracotomy, thoracoscopy)
* Pre-existing pulmonary disease (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung fibrosis)
* Active or previous history of smoking
* Obesity (Body Mass Index superior to 30 kg/m2)

Where this trial is running

Montréal, Quebec

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.
Conditions Mechanical Ventilation Complication
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.