Assessing lung ventilation in COPD patients during breathing exercises

Influence of Airway Clearance Techniques on Ventilation Distribution in the Lateral Posture in COPD and Healthy Individuals

Not applicable Interventional Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain · NCT06381973

This study is testing a new breathing technique to see if it can help people with COPD breathe better by improving how air moves in their lungs.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain Academic / other
Locations1 site (Brussels, Brussels Capital)
Trial IDNCT06381973 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the distribution of ventilation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and healthy individuals using a technique called ELTGOL, which involves slow expiration with an opened glottis while lying on the side. Participants will undergo various breathing maneuvers, including spontaneous breathing and techniques assisted by manual pressures from a physiotherapist. The study employs electrical impedance tomography to measure the effects of these techniques on lung ventilation. The goal is to understand how different positions and breathing methods can optimize lung function in COPD patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include stable COPD patients with a forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) of 80% or less, as well as healthy individuals without respiratory diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with severe obesity, significant cardiovascular or neuromuscular diseases, or those with active implants may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve airway clearance techniques for COPD patients, enhancing their lung function and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies have explored ventilation differences in healthy subjects, this approach in COPD patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy subjects: No acute or chronic respiratory disease, normal lung function, non-smoker.
* Patients with COPD: forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) ≤ 80% predicted value, in stable state.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Healthy subjects: obesity (BMI \> 35kg/m²); active or former smoker; severe scoliosis; cardiovascular or neuromuscular disease; active implant (cardiac pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD); thoracic skin lesion.
* Patients with COPD: obesity (BMI \> 35kg/m²); severe scoliosis; severe cardiovascular disease; neuromuscular disease; active implant (cardiac pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD); thoracic skin lesion.

Where this trial is running

Brussels, Brussels Capital

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseHealthy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.