Cardiorespiratory Assessment and Training Research Lab

Description

Dr Spahija’s research interests are in the areas of respiratory and exercise physiology, respiratory muscle function, mechanical ventilation and pulmonary rehabilitation. Her research program focuses both on the acute and chronic care phases of rehabilitation with the aim of develping evaluative measures and treatment strategies for the improvement of respiratory and physical function, exercise capacity and quality of life in individuals who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or who have suffered a stroke or spinal cord injury.  The three main themes of her research are:

  • Exploration of new ventilator strategies on respiratory muscle activity, patient-ventilator coordination and immune function in COPD and spinal cord injury
  • Understanding of the mechanisms underlying exercise limitation and the effects of breathing techniques, exercise strategies and adjunct therapies such as mechanical ventilation for improving the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation
  • Investigation of respiratory muscle dysfunction, respiratory muscle training and the interactions between breathing, balance, posture and locomotion in stroke patients.Respiratory physiology; health related quality of life.

Axis and research theme

AXIS 1 – Sensory, Motor and Cognitive Functions and Activities
THEME 1 – Functional Mechanisms

Research Team

Jadranka Spahija, pht., Ph.D.

Contact information

C jadranka.spahija@mcgill.ca

Cardiorespiratory Assessment and Training Research Lab
CRIR–Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital
CISSS de Laval
3205, Alton-Goldbloom Place
Laval QC H7V 1R2
P 450 688-9550 (3834)

School of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
3630 Sir-William-Osler Drive
Montreal QC H3G 1Y5
514-398-4922
P 514-338-2222 Ext. 3654