IONA Study Study information IONA Study Team Study Protocol Science and News
Adults who were diagnosed with asthma on or before the age of 16, have a prescription for regular inhaled corticosteroid medication, and are able to use a static exercise bicycle.
You cannot participate if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, smoke tobacco or live with someone who smokes, have a BMI over 30, have been hospitalised for asthma within the last 12 months, have had chest surgery within the last 6 months, or have any other major lung disease. People who work as taxi drivers, couriers, waste removal drivers, or utility service drivers are also not able to participate in this study.
You will be asked to attend one screening visit, three field-testing site visits, and follow-up visits.
During the screening visit, you will be asked to perform an exercise cycling test and lung function assessment. A blood sample will be collected. To check if there are any restriction in their airways, participants will be asked to use four puffs of a blue inhaler (salbutamol) during the screening assessment.
For three days before visiting a field-testing site you will be asked to wear a personal air quality monitor and an activity monitor.
You will visit three different field-testing sites around London. A taxi will be provided for all visits. These sites will be near:
You will be asked to pedal on stationary exercise bikes for 6 rounds of 15 minutes across 2.5 hours at each of the field-testing sites. You will also be asked to perform lung function assessments and provide blood, urine, and snot samples.
During the follow-up visits, the day after your cycling, you will come to our laboratory in Queen Mary Univers London in Whitechapel or Imperial College London to do the same tests and provide samples again.
After completing the study you will receive £200.
The full Participant infomation sheet can be downloaded here
Spirometry
Spirometry is a test that measures how much air you can breathe out in one forced breath and is often used to diagnose lung conditions. You will be asked to inhale fully and then blow into a small tube. For more information, please see this NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/spirometry/
Impulse oscillometry
Impulse oscillometry is a test that measures the resistance of normal air movement in your lungs. You will be asked to breathe normally through a tube. The test is often used for diagnosing lung diseases. For more information, please see this NHS website: https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/patient-information/impulse-oscillometry-test/
FeNO test
The FeNo test measures the level of nitric oxide in your breath and is often used to diagnose asthma. You will be asked to breathe into a machine. For more information, please see this NHS website: https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/sites/default/
Venepuncture
Blood will be drawn from a vein in your arm using a needle. Drawing blood is one of the most common medical tests and can be used to assess your health. For more information, please see this NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/blood-tests/
Nasal lavage
Nasal rinses are often used to clean out the sinuses. This allows us to collect mucus (snot). For more information, please see this website: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24286-nasal-irrigation
Urine samples
You will be asked to collect urine at home. Urine samples are often collected for medical diagnostics. For more information, please see this NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/infections/how-should-i-collect-and-store-a-urine-sample/
No, it is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. You can stop taking part in some parts of this study, or all of it, at any time and without giving a reason.
This research will be used to inform government air quality policy and health guidance for people living with asthma.
You will get a free spirometry check for you lungs. We will reimburse your travel and the time you provide for the study, up to £200.