Scientists use wearable sensors to decode mysterious exercise breathing disorder
NCT ID NCT07420530
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at why some active young adults have trouble breathing during exercise due to their vocal cords closing when they shouldn't. Researchers will use a small wearable device on the neck, treadmill tests, and MRI scans to measure breathing patterns and vocal cord movement. The goal is to better understand the condition and improve diagnosis.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Carbon dioxide (hypercapnic gas) and breathing techniques
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to better diagnostic tools and a deeper understanding of why some people experience vocal cord closure during exercise.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small study focused on observation, not treatment. The findings may not apply to all patients or lead to immediate clinical changes.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 130 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Aug 2026
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2032
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 26 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria for Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO): * Physically active \>2.5 hours per week * Patients with EILO, as diagnosed by routine clinical examination by physician and/or speech language pathologist * Age range of 18-26 years * Greater difficulty breathing inside compared to out and difficulty breathing which is exacerbated at peak exercise and stops 1-5 minutes after exercise * Score of 7 or higher on the Dyspnea Index, which is a validated instrument to capture participant self-report of upper airway dyspnea symptoms. * Classified as low risk, based on the modified Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) questionnaire, body mass index, and non-smoking status * Negative history of voice disorders, self-report of cognitive difficulties, asthma or other lung disease, cardiac disease, serious orthopedic injuries, current uncontrolled hypertension, illicit drug use, seizure/epilepsy, claustrophobia, use of beta blockers. * No metallic, mechanical or magnetic implants such as cardiac devices, cochlear, or other non-removable ear implants, any prosthesis, stents, deep brain stimulator, etc. Inclusion Criteria for Controls * Physically active \>2.5 hours per week * Age range of 18-26 years * Classified as low risk, based on the modified PAR-Q questionnaire, body mass index, and non-smoking status * Negative history of voice disorders, self-report of cognitive difficulties, asthma or other lung disease, cardiac disease, serious orthopedic injuries, current uncontrolled hypertension, illicit drug use, seizure/epilepsy, claustrophobia, use of beta blockers. * No metallic, mechanical or magnetic implants such as cardiac devices, cochlear, or other non-removable ear implants, any prosthesis, stents, deep brain stimulator, etc. Exclusion Criteria for EILO: * Individuals older than 26 years and younger than 18 years of age. * Women who are pregnant or could possibly be pregnant. * BMI \> 25 kg/m2 * A 'yes' answer to any of the 14 questions on the PAR-Q pre-participation questionnaire * Current smoker * Positive history of voice disorders, self-report of cognitive difficulties, asthma or other lung disease, cardiac disease, serious orthopedic injuries, current uncontrolled hypertension, illicit drug use, seizure/epilepsy, claustrophobia, use of beta blockers. * Presence of metallic, mechanical or magnetic implants such as cardiac devices, cochlear, or other non-removable ear implants, any prosthesis, stents, deep brain stimulator, etc. * Do not report the following: Greater difficulty breathing inside compared to out and difficulty breathing which is exacerbated at peak exercise and stops 1-5 minutes after exercise Exclusion Criteria for Controls * Individuals older than 26 years and younger than 18 years of age. * Women who are pregnant or could possibly be pregnant. * BMI \> 25 kg/m2 * A 'yes' answer to any of the 14 questions on the PAR-Q pre-participation questionnaire * Current smoker * Positive history of voice disorders, self-report of cognitive difficulties, asthma or other lung disease, cardiac disease, serious orthopedic injuries, current uncontrolled hypertension, illicit drug use, seizure/epilepsy, claustrophobia, use of beta blockers. * Presence of metallic, mechanical or magnetic implants such as cardiac devices, cochlear, or other non-removable ear implants, any prosthesis, stents, deep brain stimulator, etc. * Significant acute or chronic medical, neurologic, or illness in the patient that, in the judgment of the Principal Investigator, could compromise subject safety, limit the ability to complete the study, and/or compromise the objectives of the study
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Indiana University
RECRUITINGBloomington, Indiana, 47401, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Retraining the mind to open the airways: CBT takes on vocal cord dysfunction
- Ultrasound may replace scopes for Kids' vocal cord checks
- Can video games help you find your voice? VR therapy trial launches
- Breathing battle: biofeedback vs. retraining for vocal cord trouble
- Hidden breathing blockage found in severe asthma patients