The IST: A Novel technology for the assessment of COPD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Inspired Sinewave Technique: A Novel technology for the diagnosis and assessment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – A cross sectional study
IRAS ID
272599
Contact name
Andrew Farmery
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
The assessment of many respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is largely dependent on traditional lung function tests such as spirometry. However, these tests are blunt tools; they are often insensitive to early signs of disease, and are poor predictors of long-term outcomes. They also require active patient involvement to perform, which may be difficult/impossible in certain settings. Furthermore, many find these tests unpleasant to perform, often triggering coughing, wheezing and breathlessness thereby limiting measurement reliability.
Therefore, there is great need for novel, simple-to-perform and non-invasive techniques to assess COPD which are more closely related to clinically relevant outcomes. Indeed, a test which can reliably predict outcomes, such as symptom severity/progression, risk of hospital admission, and decline in functional capacity, can improve treatment efficiency and would be a vital tool for individualized patient-care. The Inspired Sinewave Technique (IST) is a novel lung function test that can potentially address these unmet clinical needs.
The IST test can measure some of the same properties as the traditional tests, and also some additional properties. It does not require complex equipment or specially trained personnel to operate it. Patients are just asked to breathe normally into the mouthpiece for 10-15 minutes.
We aim to study a stratified group of patients with COPD (ranging from mild to severe severity) and current/ex smokers without COPD. On testing day, patients will perform traditional lung function tests, the new IST test as well as complete a 6 minute walk test (to measure exercise capacity) and symptom/health questionnaires. We will follow patients up in 12 months to assess the progression of the symptoms, frequency of hospital admission and symptom exacerbation. We will also invite patients back for an optional repeat the testing day to assess any decline in lung/physical function.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NE/0257
Date of REC Opinion
18 Dec 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion