Balance training after pulmonary rehab for COPD to help steadiness and reduce falls
Official title: A Pilot Feasibility, Multi-centre, Randomised Controlled Trial of Balance Training Following Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Balance in People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Run by Teesside University · NCT07750821 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A COPD-focused balance training program called Sport4Steadiness is being tested to see if people with COPD will accept it and if the study processes work well.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 77 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Teesside University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Middlesbrough and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 27, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07750821 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with COPD confirmed by spirometry or physician diagnosis who report recent imbalance or fall risk and can consent in English.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals for whom balance issues are caused by other primary conditions or who cannot safely participate in pulmonary rehabilitation and balance training may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study tests the Sport4Steadiness balance training program designed for people with COPD. It aims to determine whether the program is acceptable to participants and whether recruitment, consent, and outcome collection are feasible. The study uses co-design methods to tailor the balance training and assesses safety and practicality in a real-world setting. No phase information is provided. The lead sponsor is Samantha Harrison, with collaborating NHS trusts and Teesside University participating at multiple sites in Teesside and surrounding areas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improved balance and reduced risk of falls after COPD rehabilitation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous innovations in balance training and rehabilitation for COPD have shown benefit in balance and fall prevention, though this exact co-designed program is being evaluated.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adults with spirometry confirmed diagnosis of COPD as per GOLD guidelines (FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.7) or physician confirmed COPD diagnosis 2. Answers yes to one or more of the Three Key Questions\* or Timed up and Go Test result \> 11 seconds 3. An ability and capacity to provide consent to the trial * Q1. Have you fallen in the past year? Q2. Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking? Q3. Do you have worries about falling? Exclusion Criteria: 1. Any neurological, musculoskeletal, chronic pain or other diagnoses that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with the ability of the participant to safely complete PR and balance training 2. Unable to comprehend instruction given verbally in English language 3. Where there is concern that the primary cause of balance issues could be due to problems with visual function, vestibular disturbance or peripheral neuropathy 4. Diagnosis of, or patient-reported symptoms of, vasovagal syncope
Where it's running
-
Teesside University
Middlesbrough, United Kingdom Recruiting -
South Tees Hospital Trust
Northallerton, United Kingdom Recruiting -
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Stockton-on-Tees, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Samantha Harrison, Professor — Teesside University
- Study coordinator: Samantha Harrison, Professor
- Email: s.l.harrison@tees.ac.uk
- Phone: +1642738512
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.