Breathing exercises to improve lung function in children with beta-thalassemia major
Effect of Incentive Respiratory Training on Pulmonary Functions and Functional Capacity in Children With B-thalassemia Major
This project tests whether breathing exercises using an incentive spirometer plus diaphragmatic, pursed-lip, and costal breathing can improve lung function, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and fitness in children aged 6–10 with beta-thalassemia major.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 10 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Zagazig) |
| Trial ID | NCT07112703 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Children with beta-thalassemia major who receive regular blood transfusions will perform a program of incentive spirometer exercises and guided breathing techniques (diaphragmatic, pursed-lip, and costal breathing). Pulmonary function tests and measures of functional capacity will be collected before and after the intervention, and oxygen saturation and heart rate will be monitored during and after transfusions. The protocol aims to detect changes in lung volumes, gas exchange, and exercise tolerance associated with the breathing program. Physiotherapists may use the findings to inform rehabilitation and daily-activity recommendations for this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 6 to 10 with confirmed beta-thalassemia major who receive regular blood transfusions and can follow simple verbal instructions are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Children with major sensory or cognitive disabilities, visual or hearing defects, existing cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, recent cardiothoracic surgery, or those outside the 6–10 age range are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could increase lung capacity, improve oxygen saturation and heart-rate responses around transfusion, and help children tolerate daily and leisure activities better.
How similar studies have performed: Breathing exercises and incentive spirometry have improved pulmonary function in other pediatric and adult groups, but evidence specifically in children with beta-thalassemia major is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosed as thalassemia \& subjected to blood transfusion 2. Their age range from 6 to 10 years old 3. Both sexes, male and female, will participate. 4. Subjects are able to follow simple verbal commands or instructions included in the procedures. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Children with mental retardation or any other disability . 2. Children with visual or hearing defects. 3. Children with cardiovascular, chest pulmonary, and heart diseases. 4. Children with any postoperative cardiovascular, chest pulmonary, and heart conditions.
Where this trial is running
Zagazig
- Zagazig university hospitals. — Zagazig, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Rawan Muhammed Khairy, physical therapist
- Email: Roonyelsawy2@gmail.com
- Phone: 01125492020
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.