Effects of Obesity in the Aged (NCT05028309)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
The overall objective of this application is to investigate the effects of obesity on lung function, exercise tolerance, and DOE in older obese adults as compared with older adults without obesity, using a novel probe for mechanically unloading the thorax at rest and during exercise. The investigators will use 1) continuous negative cuirass pressure, and 2) assisted biphasic cuirass ventilation to decrease obesity-related effects in older obese adults. Our approach will be to examine respiratory function, exercise tolerance, and DOE with and without mechanical unloading in older obese men and women (65-75 yr), including those with respiratory symptoms (defined by a score of 1 or 2 on the modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale), as compared with older adults without obesity. Specific Aims: The investigators will test the following hypotheses in older adults with and without obesity: Aim 1) Obesity will decrease respiratory function but to a greater extent in older obese adults with respiratory symptoms, (as evidenced by altered pulmonary function and breathing mechanics at rest); Aim 2) Obesity will decrease exercise tolerance (as evidenced by peak V•O2 in ml/min/kg, i.e., physical fitness), but not cardiorespiratory fitness (as evidenced by peak V•O2 in % of predicted based on ideal body wt), except in older obese adults with respiratory symptoms where both may be reduced during graded cycle ergometry. Aim 3) Obesity will increase DOE but to a greater extent in older obese adults with respiratory symptoms as evidenced by increased ratings of perceived breathlessness (sensory \& affective dimensions) during exercise. Aim 4) Mechanical unloading of the thorax will improve respiratory function, submaximal exercise tolerance, and DOE in older obese adults, but to a greater extent in older obese adults with respiratory symptoms.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, UT Southwestern and Texas Health Resources — Dallas, Texas
Age range: 65 Years to 75 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- Mechanical unloading of the Thorax using an external cuirass (OTHER)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, UT Southwestern and Texas Health Resources — Dallas, Texas
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (214) 345-6574
Email: IEEMLung@TexasHealth.org
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
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💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.