Patric Gonçalves’ MSc Thesis Proposal – March 2

Title: “Pulmonary and cardiovascular adaptations to a 5-day exercise protocol of ozone airway exposure in individuals with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction”

Supervisor: Dr. Michael Koehle
Committee members: Dr. Nadine Borduas-Dedekind, Dr. Bill Sheel

Abstract: Although exercise is key across all clinical populations, in environments with higher levels of air pollutants, physically active people with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) are at a greater risk of developing symptoms (DelGiacco, 2015). Airway hyperresponsiveness and symptoms can impair performance in athletes and reduce engagement in physical activity in non-athletes. However, it is still unknown whether those diagnosed with asthma or EIB can adapt to repeated exposures of O3 while exercising. In this study, we intend to examine the adaptive effect of an O3 training protocol on the pulmonary and cardiovascular function in individuals with EIB.