If you have COPD and want to learn more about your spine and rib cage flexibility, you may be eligible to participate in a research study!

 

Who is conducting the study?

Dr. Lindsay Brandt, physical therapist and owner of Elevate Physical Therapy, under the advisement of Drs. John Krauss, Melodie Kondratek, and Sara Arena, professors of physical therapy at Oakland University in Rochester, MI. 

 

Why is the study being conducted?

People with COPD often get stiff around their ribs and the muscles that attach there, and this can make it harder to breathe. Dr. Brandt wants to measure 30 different people with COPD to see how much stiffness is there. This will help physical therapists and lung doctors decide which patients with COPD might have areas that need to be stretched by a physical therapist. If you take part in the study and the testing shows that you have some stiffness, Dr. Brandt can tell you how to talk to your doctor about trying physical therapy to help.

 

What does the study involve?

Dr. Brandt will come to your home at a date/time that is convenient for you, sometime in early 2020. She will have some forms for you to fill out, she will measure how flexible your spinal joints, rib joints, and muscles are, and how much your ribs move when you take a deep breath. She will also take some pictures to measure your posture, without including your face. The visit will take about 60-90 minutes total.

 

Who can take part in the study?

Adults who have had COPD for six months or more, are not currently taking antibiotics for a lung infection, have not had recent surgery on their upper body, and are able to walk. Walkers, canes, and oxygen are okay!

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Do I need to be a patient at Elevate Physical Therapy to participate?

No! Although Dr. Brandt is the owner of Elevate Physical Therapy, her research is being conducted through her affiliation with Oakland University. Any adult meeting the criteria listed above can participate. There is no expectation that study participants will seek physical therapy from Elevate Physical Therapy, nor is there any expectation that patients of Elevate Physical Therapy will choose to participate in this research. An individual's relationship with Elevate Physical Therapy, Dr. Brandt, and/or Oakland University will not be impacted by a decision to participate or not participate in this study.

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For more information:

Lindsay M. Brandt, DPT, OMPT, ACSM-CEP

Physical Therapist, DScPT Candidate

(248) 220-7740 · lmbrandt@oakland.edu