Assessing how cool air affects breathlessness during exercise
Move With Air: Can a Fan Reduce Exertional Breathlessness During a 4-minute Constant Rate Walking Test in Adults With Cardiopulmonary Disease?
This study is testing if blowing cool air on the face during exercise can help people with breathing problems feel less breathless.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 21 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | McGill University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | cart |
| Locations | 1 site (Montreal, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT05659550 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the physiological mechanisms behind breathlessness relief using a fan blowing cool air on the face during exercise in individuals with cardiorespiratory diseases. Participants will undergo a series of constant work rate treadmill tests under three conditions: with the fan directed at the face, with the fan directed at the leg, and with no fan at all. The intensity of the exercise will be tailored based on previous endurance tests to ensure appropriate exertion levels. The study aims to gather detailed respiratory and cardiac data to better understand how airflow impacts breathlessness.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, or heart failure who meet specific exercise and health criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with recent exacerbations of their condition, significant contraindications to exercise, or those who have recently changed their medication may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for breathlessness in patients with chronic respiratory and cardiac conditions.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using fan-to-face therapy is novel, similar studies have shown promise in alleviating breathlessness through non-pharmacological interventions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * have a physician diagnosis of cardiopulmonary disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, heart failure) * have a body mass index of \>18.5 kg/m2 and \<35 kg/m2 * must be cleared by a physician to perform physical activity/exercise following the completion of the 'Medical Clearance Form for Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing'. Exclusion Criteria: * have changed their respiratory or cardiac medication dosage and/or frequency of administration in preceding two weeks * have had a disease exacerbation/hospitalization in preceding six weeks * have important contraindication(s) to exercise (e.g., significant musculoskeletal or neurological disease) or pulmonary function testing (e.g., eye, chest or stomach surgery, or any history of coughing up significant amounts of blood in the previous 3 months).
Where this trial is running
Montreal, Quebec
- Centre of Innovative Medicine of the McGill University Health Centre — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dennis Jensen, PhD — McGill University
- Study coordinator: Rachelle I Aucoin, PhD Student
- Email: rachelle.aucoin@mail.mcgill.ca
- Phone: 514-398-4184
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.