Andy Kreutzer ’14 (’22 Ph.D.) is a trailblazer in pediatric respiratory health research,
embarking on a journey that has placed him at the forefront of medical innovation.
He graduated from TCU in 2014 with a Master of Science (MS) in Kinesiology with an emphasis in exercise physiology. Returning to campus, he earned his Ph.D. in Health Sciences in May 2022 with an emphasis in kinesiology. Kreutzer’s journey took a turn as he
shifted his professional focus from academia to the practical application of his research,
quickly gaining industry recognition for his contributions.
Former visiting Assistant Professor at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas, Kreutzer recently transitioned to the prestigious Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth as a research scientist in August 2023. His focus lies in pioneering research projects centered on pediatric respiratory health.
We aim to enhance outcomes for children, enabling them to regain their activities and quality of life,” Kreutzer emphasized.
Currently, Kreutzer is collaborating with John Robertson, MD, a pulmonologist in Prosper, Texas, to establish an exercise respiratory center dedicated to advancing research and understanding in pediatric respiratory health, with a specific emphasis on conditions such as exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) in children and adolescents.
Their research aims to comprehensively understand the underlying mechanisms and contributing factors to EILO, a condition marked by constriction of the larynx during physical activity, leading to breathing difficulties, some of which are often misdiagnosed as exercise-induced asthma in young athletes.
EILO can only be diagnosed with a procedure they perform: a continuous video recording of the larynx during exercise, or continuous laryngoscopy during exercise CLE). To Kreutzer’s knowledge, their facility is the only place in Texas and the surrounding states to perform this procedure on pediatric patients.
During the procedure, they insert a flexible camera through the patient’s nose and film their larynx while they run on a treadmill for a cardiopulmonary exercise test. During the test, they also analyze their expired air, measure oxygen saturation and blood pressure, and record heart activity on an electrocardiogram, or ECG, to test their fitness and evaluate their metabolic and cardiorespiratory response to exercise to rule out other underlying diseases. Watch a video of the procedure here.
Ultimately, Robertson’s team aims to design a study to test a couple of medications for the treatment of EILO.
Data Analysis and Collaborative Care
Kreutzer plays a pivotal role in designing research studies and protocols aimed at investigating exercise-induced respiratory issues. This involves planning and conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting results to derive meaningful conclusions.
In his work at the exercise respiratory center, Kreutzer evaluates patients, particularly children and adolescents experiencing breathlessness during exercise. He collaborates closely with Robertson and other health care professionals to ensure seamless coordination and execution of research activities.
Kreutzer began as a research scientist focusing on pediatric health, involved in data analysis and research within the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Cook Children’s. Today, he solely focuses on the exercise respiratory center.
Utilizing statistical methods and analytical tools, he analyzes collected data to uncover patterns, correlations and trends. This analysis aids in understanding treatment efficacy and predicting patient outcomes. By pinpointing concerns or inefficiencies, he collaborates with the health care team to implement targeted interventions and protocols that enhance patient safety and outcomes.
Influential Mentorships at TCU
Kreutzer attributes his diverse perspectives and enhanced research and analytical skills to the collaborative culture at TCU and its Department of Kinesiology, where he worked alongside other graduate students and faculty members from various disciplines. Expressing deep gratitude for mentorship at TCU, especially from Meena Shah, Ph.D., retired professor of kinesiology and Kreutzer’s graduate program adviser, along with Joel Mitchell, Ph.D., former professor and chair of the department, he highlights the pivotal role TCU played in his academic career.
Engaging with fellow graduate students in the lab, collaborating on projects and problem-solving together was a great experience,” Kreutzer noted. “TCU equipped me with a diverse skill set, from practical lab techniques to advanced statistical analysis and data management.”
Committed to advancing ongoing research in pediatric respiratory health, Kreutzer
aims to delve deeper into various areas, including exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction
and other dysfunctional breathing patterns during physical activity. His unwavering
dedication to excellence, combined with his passion for research, highlights his crucial
role in shaping the future of pediatric respiratory health.
We’re trying to shoot for the moon and generate innovative studies that can lead to significant advancements in our field,” Kreutzer concluded.
As he continues to push boundaries and explore new frontiers in his field, Kreutzer remains steadfast in his mission to improve the lives of young patients through cutting-edge research and innovation.