Assistant Professor
Phone: (619) 594-8283
Office: ENS 305
Email: dcannon@mail.sdsu.edu
Download CV (pdf)
Education
- Postdoctoral Fellowship, LA Biomed at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 2012-2015
- PhD, University of Leeds, 2012
- MS, San Diego State University, 2008
- BS, San Diego State University, 2006
Professional Memberships
- The Physiological Society
- The American Physiological Society
- European Respiratory Society
- American College of Sports Medicine
Research Areas
Exercise intolerance is the strongest predictor of mortality in health and disease, and is therefore a primary focus in our laboratory. Specifically, we are interested in how the skeletal muscle energy supply is disrupted in chronic illness, such as heart and lung disease. Understanding the mechanisms of intolerance is crucial for providing effective prevention and rehabilitation. Below are two examples of our current research efforts.
Imposed expiratory flow limitation, fatigue, and exercise tolerance
We are studying how abnormal lung mechanics initiate a cascade of symptoms, locomotor fatigue, and exercise intolerance. To accomplish this, we are adding artificial resistance to breathing during exercise in healthy volunteers. The imposition of expiratory flow resistance mimics some of the abnormalities faced by patients suffering from obstructive lung disease. We use a combination of non-invasive measurements, such as spirometry, electromyography, and isokinetic ergometry, to measure how dysfunctional lung mechanics affect muscle power and exercise tolerance.
Skeletal muscle abnormalities in pulmonary hypertension
We are investigating the skeletal muscle maladaptations in a mouse model of pulmonary hypertension. This is a disease that starts as high blood pressure in the lungs and leads to right heart failure. In addition, there are substantial skeletal muscle abnormalities that accompany the lung and heart problems. These skeletal muscle deficits may worsen prognosis and quality of life in patients suffering from pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, we are investigating the mechanisms that drive muscle dysfunction in hopes of finding new therapeutic targets.
Links
