Projects

Pulmonary function measurements are widely used for the diagnosis of lung function abnormalities and for monitoring disease progression. One such method is the lung diffusing capacity that measures the conductance of gas transfer from alveolar air to capillary hemoglobin. The most frequently used technique is the diffusion capacity for cardbon monoxide, called DLCO. The lung diffusing capacity for nitric oxide (DLNO) is a relatively new technique and has been mainly used in research settings in various cardiopulmonary diseases. Its usefulness in clinical practice has yet to be determined.

In Europe, two commercial devices are available for the measurement of single-breath DLNO. Our previous research in healthy people has shown systematic and clinically relevant differences between the two devices. Output:here
We concluded that differences in methods of expiratory gas sampling and sensor specifications between the two devices likely explain our observations. The current project is a collaborative effort with the Department of Rheumatology at the University Hospital Zurich and designed to assess between-device differences in a clinical population with lung function impairment and ventilation inhomogeneities. In a randomised cross-over trial, we aim to extent our previous findings to people with systemic sclerosis and computed chest tomography proven interstitial lung disease.
The trial is registered with: clinicaltrials.gov.

Project lead:  Holger Dressel

Sedentary behavior in the workplace may be associated with negative health consequences. However, the effectiveness of interventions to reduce sedentary behavior is currently unclear. The accurate measurement of sedentary behavior is difficult, because the mechanisms that lead to the harmful health effects associated with sedentary behavior have not been well defined yet. A prerequisite to evaluate sedentary behavior is to classify sitting, standing and walking correctly. Currently, there is a lack of validation studies of activity monitors particularly in occupational settings. This study is designed to evaluate two different activity monitors (ActiGraph and activPAL) in the measurement of posture and motion during a broad range of office activities and specifically to test the performance limits of these devices in this special setting.

Project lead: Holger Dressel