Breathing exercises for patients with post-COVID-19 diaphragm issues
Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises for Post-COVID-19 Diaphragmatic Dysfunction (DD)
This study is testing if a special breathing exercise program can help people who have trouble with their diaphragm after having COVID-19 feel better and breathe easier.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT06330376 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study focuses on patients experiencing diaphragmatic dysfunction following COVID-19 infection, which can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. Participants will engage in a specific diaphragmatic breathing program alongside usual care to improve respiratory function. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of these exercises in enhancing diaphragmatic performance and alleviating post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. Diaphragmatic ultrasound will be utilized to evaluate diaphragmatic function in participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing new-onset symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath at least four weeks post-infection.
Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing lung diseases or significant cardiovascular issues may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve respiratory function and quality of life for patients suffering from post-COVID-19 symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: While there is emerging interest in rehabilitation for post-COVID-19 conditions, the specific approach of diaphragmatic breathing exercises for this population is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female age 18 and above * PCR or home kit positive 4 weeks prior to the development of the PASC symptoms * new diagnosis of PASC (defined as new-onset symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath, chest tightness or persistence of symptoms 4 weeks following a positive PCR test for COVID-19) * patients did not need hospitalization of 5 days or more and did not need ICU admission via chart review or history taking. * nose breathers as reported by patient at the time of screening by history taking * symptoms should include shortness of breath/chest tightness/fatigue Exclusion Criteria: * pre-existing lung disease such as COPD, IPF, Asthma, Exercise induced Asthma, Lung cancer, or history of Lung transplant * history of current smoking and pack years of 10 * history of coronary artery disease * general anxiety disorder without changes in medication and dosage for treatment in the last 4 weeks. * unable to have full range of motion of the shoulders * stable dose of antidepressants prior to covid-19 infection * Pregnant women/fetuses/neonates via self-report. * non-English speakers * patients with previously diagnosed severe cognitive deficits such as dementia, developmental defects, those with acute medical conditions, psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, mania, and psychosis, neurologic disorders such as stroke, Parkinson's disease and Multiple sclerosis * unable to read * Individual or group with a serious health condition for which there are no satisfactory standard treatments
Where this trial is running
Minneapolis, Minnesota
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Farha Ikramuddin, MD — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Farha Ikramuddin, MD
- Email: ikram002@umn.edu
- Phone: 952-905-9803
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.