The proposed programme of research will seek to address the following research questions:
1. Which is the optimal method of RMT for children with Cystic Fibrosis?
2. Is HIIT effective in children with Cystic Fibrosis?
3. Is RMT effective in children with Cystic Fibrosis?
4. Are RMT and HIIT most appropriate in isolation or combination?
5. Does a HIIT and RMT programme influence daily physical activity levels?
Description
Central to the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis is the promotion and maintenance of physical fitness; higher physical fitness is associated with a greater life expectancy and quality of life. Furthermore, it appears that a superior physical fitness may also be related to numerous other physiological, psychological and sociological factors. However, despite this acknowledgment of the importance of physical fitness, few studies have sought to investigate suitable interventions for those with Cystic Fibrosis. Furthermore, the interpretation of those studies that have is limited by certain methodological considerations, such as the reliance on peak O2 as the primary outcome measure (despite its insensitivity and lack of applicability to daily activities), and a failure to account for physical activity levels (changes in which must be accounted for when interpreting the influence of an exercise or physical activity intervention). Nonetheless, previous studies have only utilised physical activity recall questionnaires, the inaccuracies and issues with which, especially in children, have been extensively documented.
A strategy that has recently received increasing interest in patients with respiratory diseases is respiratory muscle training (RMT). RMT involves the training of inspiratory and/or expiratory muscles depending on the methods used and aims to directly improve the performance of these key muscles for ventilation, which are skeletal muscle and thus trainable. RMT can be administered using a variety of methods from resistive breathing to normocapnic hyperpnoea. The most suitable methods and devices for use in children with Cystic Fibrosis remain to be determined.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) represents a concomitant area of emerging research as an alternative to continuous aerobic exercise. Although there is promising evidence to support the use of HIIT in adults, not least as participants find the short bouts of high intensity exercise more natural, appealing and easier to adhere to than traditional exercise modalities. Especially pertinent to the Cystic Fibrosis population is the potential for this type of exercise to be conducted in a cost effective manner in the home environment.
These research questions will be addressed utilising a series of sub-studies. These sub-studies will be:
1) Analysis of pre-existing data - O2 kinetics and hyperinflation during exercise
2) Comparison of respiratory muscle training devices
3) Comparison of HIIT and RMT - lung function, fitness, O2 kinetics (investigate relative role of central and peripheral limitation in each individual patient), physical activity.
This programme of research will be performed based on multi-centres studies in Swansea and Grenoble, combining the expertise of both Universities and offering an attractive environment for a successful MSc candidate.
Nr of positions available : 1
Research Fields
Other
Career Stage
Early stage researcher or 0-4 yrs (Post graduate)
Research Profiles
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Benefits
The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees (currently £3996) for the duration of the course (1 year).