Clinical Research Directory

Effectiveness of a Mastery Learning Education Program for Parents of Children Using Inhaler Therapy in an Emergency Unit

Respiratory diseases account for a significant proportion of pediatric emergency department admissions, and effective management of respiratory conditions in children is crucial. Inhaler therapy is commonly used due to its rapid action, non-invasive nature, and ease of administration. However, the effectiveness of inhaler therapy largely depends on correct technique and adherence, particularly among children and their parents. Incorrect inhaler use may worsen clinical outcomes and increase respiratory complications. Educational interventions, including structured and technology-based training, have been shown to improve inhaler technique and treatment effectiveness. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a mastery learning-based educational program provided to children receiving inhaler therapy and their parents in a pediatric emergency department.

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing and Oscillometry for the Evaluation of Dyspnea

This study will determine if airway resistance to airflow and pressure, measured by Oscillometry, is associated with abnormal findings on Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing in subjects who are experiencing shortness of breath.

Determinants of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Effects of HIIT in Patients With ANOCA Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease(ANOCA)

The main goal is to understand what causes reduced fitness in ANOCA and whether targeted exercise can help improve it. This study aims to better understand why patients with Angina and No Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease (ANOCA) have poor cardiorespiratory fitness and its effect on quality of life. Investigators also want to see if a structured high-intensity exercise program (HIIT), done with remote monitoring, can safely improve heart function, fitness, and quality of life in these patients. The Investigators will use a special exercise test called cardiopulmonary exercise testing to look for patterns that can help explain exercise limitations and quality of life in ANOCA before and after a remote high-intensity exercise program.

Training Strategies to Maintain Performance

• Statement of the Problem and Justification Cognitive performance under physiologically stressful conditions is critical in high-demand environments such as military operations, diving, and firefighting. One such stressor is restricted breathing, which can occur due to equipment (e.g., masks, regulators) or environmental pressures (e.g., underwater). Restricted breathing has been shown to increase physiological strain, which may in turn impact attention, reaction time, and task execution. Despite this, there is limited research examining how different breathing strategies can mitigate the cognitive effects of restricted respiration. Understanding whether specific breathing techniques can preserve cognitive function under stress has practical implications for operational readiness, safety, and task performance in extreme or demanding environments. • Synopsis of Relevant Research Previous human studies have shown that controlled breathing techniques, such as tactical or box breathing (inhale-hold-exhale-hold patterns), can reduce anxiety and improve focus in stressful situations. For example, tactical breathing has been adopted in military and law enforcement settings to enhance performance under pressure. Other research in sports psychology and respiratory therapy suggests that altering breathing frequency or depth can modulate autonomic nervous system activity, potentially affecting cognitive control and reaction time. Additionally, psychomotor vigilance tasks (PVTs) have been widely used to assess the impact of physiological stressors - such as sleep deprivation, hypoxia, and fatigue - on sustained attention and reaction time. However, few studies have directly examined the interaction between structured breathing patterns and PVT performance during restrictive breathing loads. • Importance and Next Step This study represents a logical next step in understanding how breathing techniques can buffer against cognitive decline under conditions that simulate real-world respiratory restriction (e.g., underwater diving). By directly comparing the effects of two distinct breathing strategies during a controlled, restrictive breathing task, this research will help determine whether certain techniques are more effective in preserving attention and reaction time. The findings could inform training and operational protocols for individuals working in challenging environments, as well as guide future studies into breathing-cognition interactions under physical stress.

Work of Breathing Assessment in Triage Scale

The proposed research study will be a prospective observational study designed to validate the Canadian Triage Assessment Scale (CTAS) in regard to work of breathing in patients in the emergency department. The investigators will assess inter-rater agreement between nurses \& emergency physicians for assessment of work of breathing.

A Validation Study to Evaluate the Performance of Caption Health Lung Guidance and Interpretation

The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of Caption LungAI.

Prospective Multicentre Study on Symptoms in First-onset Bronchial Asthma in Children and Adolescents

Bronchial asthma may present with symptoms other than the commonly reported complaints (cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing). Less common symptoms include chronic or recurrent productive cough, inspiratory dyspnoea or recurrent pneumonia. Children presenting with these symptoms are often diagnosed with asthma bronchiale and benefit from antiasthmatic management.