Box breathing added to short pulmonary rehabilitation for COPD breathlessness and exercise capacity
Additional Effects of Box Breathing Technique With Short Term Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Dyspnea and Functional Capacity in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
NA · Foundation University Islamabad · NCT07518472
This test will see whether adding box breathing to a short pulmonary rehabilitation program helps people aged 40–65 with mild COPD breathe easier and improve their functional capacity.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Foundation University Islamabad (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad) |
| Trial ID | NCT07518472 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Forty participants with mild COPD will be assigned to two groups: short-term pulmonary rehabilitation with usual pharmacologic care, or the same program plus box breathing practice. The short-term program is delivered over a brief multi-week course to maximize feasibility and adherence. Outcomes will include measures of dyspnea, functional capacity, and quality of life collected before and after the intervention. The trial aims to identify any additional benefit from teaching a structured box breathing technique alongside standard rehabilitation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 40–65 with mild COPD (FEV1 ≥80% predicted) and mMRC dyspnea grade 1–3 who can follow instructions and participate in exercise.
Not a fit: Patients with severe COPD, recent acute exacerbations or active respiratory infections, significant orthopedic or neuromuscular limits, or inability to follow commands are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding box breathing could reduce breathlessness and modestly improve exercise capacity and daily functioning for people with mild COPD.
How similar studies have performed: Pulmonary rehabilitation and many breathing exercises have demonstrated benefits for COPD, but the specific incremental effect of box breathing is relatively novel and has limited prior evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 40-65 years * Both genders (male and female) * Grade 1-3 on mMRC scale of dyspnea * COPD mild stage according to global initiative for chronic obstructive lung -disease (GOLD) classification; Mild = FEV1 greater than or equal to 80% predicted Exclusion Criteria: * Patients having acute exerbation of COPD * Patients diagnosed with acute infection (pmeumonia, T.B) * Any orthopedic or neuromuscular condition that hinders participation in exercise training program * Patients unable to follow command and instructions
Where this trial is running
Islamabad
- Foundation University Islamabad — Islamabad, Pakistan (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Fanila Tamdeen, MSPT-CPT
- Email: fanilatamdeen69@gmail.com
- Phone: +923185085604
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.
Conditions: Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive, COPD, Short term pulmonary rehabilitation, box breathing, dyspnea, functional capacity