Fully-funded PhD: Validation of structured light plethysmography in the diagnosis and monitoring of dysfunctional breathing

Dysfunctional Breathing or Breathing Pattern Disorder is a commonly health condition that proves to be difficult to diagnose and monitor. Undiagnosed individuals commonly present with disproportionate breathlessness and poor quality of life. However, there is no gold standard diagnostic and monitoring technique available. A novel technique, known as Structured Light Plethysmography, which measures changes in the tidal breathing pattern by measuring chest and abdominal wall movements, has been recently developed. This innovative device (Thora-3Di®), manufactured by PneumaCare Ltd., has been CE marked and will be used in this project. 

This studentship will assess and compare Structured Light Plethysmography (Thora-3Di®) outputs of chest wall movement with the current standard practice lung function tests offered to patients with Breathing Pattern Disorder. We will assess the feasibility and validity of using Thora-3Di® device in the primary or secondary care setting to help identify abnormal breathing patterns associated with Dysfunctional Breathing or Breathing Pattern Disorder. 

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to undertake a unique PhD studentship in collaboration with Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, within the growing, vibrant doctoral community in world-class facilities at The Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, and receive an annual stipend payment (please see details in the funding section).

Project aims and objectives

The aim of this project is to

1. Identify and characterise the tidal breathing Structured Light Plethysmography parameters in patients diagnosed with Dysfunctional Breathing /Breathing Pattern Disorder
2. Compare and examine the difference in the pattern of breathing between healthy controls and participants with Breathing Pattern Disorder
3. Examine the relationship between the Structured Light Plethysmography outputs and breathlessness assessment tools (such as Brompton breathing pattern assessment tool, Nijmegen, modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale), and direct observation of chest movement by clinical specialists.

In order to meet these aims, our objectives are to:

1. Objective 1. Undertake a Clinical Trial to validate the Thora-3Di® against standard practice in patients who are undergoing investigation for disproportionate breathlessness. The core methodology involves capturing data during a short period of measurement of breathing using Structured Light Plethysmography at rest and after exertion.
2. Objective 2. Identify and characterise the tidal breathing Structured Light Plethysmography parameters using PneumaView 3D software in patients diagnosed with Dysfunctional Breathing/Breathing Pattern Disorder and healthy controls.
3. Objective 3. Assess the cost-effectiveness of introducing the Thora-3Di® device in the primary or secondary NHS care setting to help identify abnormal breathing patterns associated with Dysfunctional Breathing.