Neuromodulation of Diaphragm
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Neuromodulation of Respiratory Function and Interoception
IRAS ID
265395
Contact name
Alexander Green
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford / Clinical Trials and Research Governance
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
The diaphragm is the main inspiratory pump muscle and is controlled by the nervous system at many levels: peripheral nerves, cervical spinal cord, and brain. Little is known of whether function of the diaphragm can be modulated by invasive and non-invasive stimulation at the level of the cervical spinal cord, ganglia and brain in humans. \n\nDorsal root ganglion stimulation (DGRS) and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) are routine procedures, carried out by the Functional Neurosurgery team at Oxford to help people with pain problems. These are invasive surgical procedures involving the implantation of a neuromodulation device. Some patients have these devices implanted to target the cervical spinal ganglia or cervical spinal cord, for example for arm pain. Stimulation may well alter diaphragm function and breathing, however this is currently unknown. \n\nTranscutaneous direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a form of non-invasive neuromodulation that involves applying very low intensity electric currents over skin surface markings, which relate to nervous system structures lying deep to the skin. There is some evidence that when applied at the level the neck (cervical spine), this technique can temporarily modulate breathing. We aim to explore this further.
Summary of Results
Unfortunately this study never started as it was not possible in the Covid pandemic. Because of the delay of nearly 2 years we decided to axe the study as we lost the member of staff who was going to carry it out.
REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SC/0358
Date of REC Opinion
16 Aug 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion