Blood Flow Restriction During Low-Intensity Exercise in COPD

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

In this randomized study, 34 adults with COPD are assigned to either a blood flow restriction (BFR) aerobic training group or a conventional pulmonary rehab (PR) group. Both groups receive core PR components, with the experimental group performing low‑intensity aerobic exercise under BFR and the control group performing moderate‑intensity aerobic exercise without BFR, twice weekly for eight weeks under supervision. The study measures systemic inflammation, hypoxemia, exercise capacity, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and quality of life. The aim is to determine if BFR can provide additional benefits over standard PR in tolerability and physiological outcomes for COPD patients.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals aged between 40 and 80 years
* Clinically stable patients diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) according to GOLD 2024 criteria with post-bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC \< 0.70
* Stable clinical condition (no acute exacerbation within the past 4 weeks)
* Individuals clinically evaluated and approved as suitable for pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) participation by a cardiology specialist
* Functional capacity sufficient to participate in PR (e.g., 6-Minute Walk Test ≥150 m)
* No contraindications to blood flow restriction (BFR) training (e.g., no peripheral vascular disease, no active thrombosis)
* Ability to understand and follow instructions (adequate auditory and cognitive function)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Acute exacerbation of COPD, hospitalization, or systemic corticosteroid treatment within the past 4 weeks
* Severe cardiovascular disease (uncontrolled hypertension \>180/110 mmHg, myocardial infarction within the past 6 months, unstable angina, congestive heart failure NYHA Class III-IV)
* Neurological or orthopedic conditions significantly limiting lower-extremity function (e.g., hemiplegia, amputation, severe osteoarthritis, knee prosthesis)
* Severe renal impairment (GFR \<30 mL/min/1.73 m²) or severe hepatic failure
* History of lower-extremity surgery within the past 3 months
* Active malignancy or systemic infection
* Anemia or chronic inflammatory/autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease)
* History of venous thromboembolism
* Peripheral arterial disease
* Physician-diagnosed sarcopenia
* Psychiatric disorders (major depression, dementia, psychotic disorders) limiting adherence to the study protocol

Where it's running

• Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital
  Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Fahrettin Özelçi
• Email: fahrettin.ozelci@stu.istinye.edu.tr
• Phone: +90 531 886 5717

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.