The Pulmonary Physiology Laboratory includes a full service exercise physiology laboratory, pulmonary function laboratory, and body composition laboratory. These facilities have been used for NIH funded research studies in pulmonary disease, normal aging, obesity, ventilatory control during exercise, and clinical cardiopulmonary exercise testing, which is part of our locally and nationally recognized referral center for the examination of patients with unexplained shortness of breath on exertion. Interests
Dr. Babb’s laboratory focuses on studies of respiratory function during exercise. Dyspnea on Exertion in Obesity: Perceived breathlessness is a common complaint of many obese individuals. By testing pulmonary function, exercise capacity, respiratory mechanics, work of breathing, and body composition, we are able to identify connections between physiological markers, respiratory mechanics, and shortness of breath on exertion. Our overall goal is to find better approaches regarding the prevention, care, and treatment of exertional dyspnea in obesity. Short Term Modulation (STM) of the Ventilatory Response to Exercise: STM represents the ability of the respiratory control system to accommodate changes in environmental or physiological conditions by adjusting breathing in order to keep blood gases at appropriate levels. Our laboratory seeks to understand the effects of respiratory mechanics, intermittent hypoxia (primary symptom of obstructive sleep apnea) and serotonin availability on the ventilatory control during exercise. Currently, we have studied age and gender effects on STM and have new investigations in obese and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) patients. Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing: Determination of ventilatory limitations during exercise remains an important clinical issue. By examining the ventilatory response to exercise in combination with measures of respiratory mechanics and cardiovascular function, we are able to investigate the importance of respiratory constraints in exercise ventilatory limitation in cardiopulmonary patients. Current Projects
Obesity Weight Loss Intervention: Does weight loss alone, especially the loss of chest wall fat, ameliorate exertional dyspnea in obese adults with dyspnea on exertion? (funded by the NIH – NHLBI)
Obesity Exercise Training Intervention: Does endurance exercise training alone ameliorate exertional dyspnea in obese adults with dyspnea on exertion? (funded by the NIH – NHLBI)
Short Term Modulation of the Exercise Ventilatory Response in OSA patients: The mechanism of an exaggerated ventilatory response to exercise in obese OSA patients is unknown. By investigating whether OSA patients have a diminished capacity for STM we hope to better understand limitations to exercise in these patients.
