Adding Subtle Touch to breathing exercises for people with mild to moderate COPD
Combined Effects of Subtle Touch Technique and Active Cycle of Breathing Technique in COPD
This study will test whether using a gentle Subtle Touch relaxation technique together with regular Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques (ACBT) helps people aged 45–65 with mild to moderate COPD breathe and relax better than ACBT alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 45 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07065162 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a single-center randomized controlled trial enrolling 40 adults with mild to moderate COPD who are randomized to two groups for an eight-week intervention. One group will perform ACBT three times daily for 15 minutes, while the other group will perform the same ACBT schedule plus a Subtle Touch (Calatonia) technique. Participants are recruited by convenience sampling and allocated using sealed opaque envelopes. The trial is conducted at Gulab Devi Hospital in Lahore and excludes people with musculoskeletal disorders, recent chest injuries, active lung infections, or pulmonary hypertension.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged about 45–65 years with mild to moderate COPD (GOLD criteria) who can follow a thrice-daily 15-minute home regimen and attend the single-center sessions.
Not a fit: People with severe COPD, recent chest injuries, active lung infections, pulmonary hypertension, or significant musculoskeletal problems are excluded and unlikely to benefit from the interventions tested here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding Subtle Touch could improve respiratory symptoms, relaxation, and respiratory muscle function for people with mild to moderate COPD.
How similar studies have performed: Active breathing techniques like ACBT have evidence for symptom management in COPD, but combining ACBT with Subtle Touch (Calatonia) is a relatively novel approach with limited prior research.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 45 to 65 * Patients with mild to moderate COPD (according to Gold Criteria) * Both male and female (18). Exclusion Criteria: * Musculoskeletal disorders * Any recent chest injuries * Lung infections * Pulmonary hypertension (18)
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Gulab Devi Hospital — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: iram nawaz, mphill — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: imran amjad, phD
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.du.pk
- Phone: 03324390125
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.