Breathing muscle training for gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
Official title: The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Inspiratory Strength in People With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
Run by University of West Attica · NCT07131397 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether a 3-month inspiratory muscle training program helps adults with GERD strengthen their breathing muscles and reduce reflux symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of West Attica Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Athens, Attica) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 8, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 20, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07131397 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with a clinical diagnosis of GERD or an RDQ score above 8 who can attend in-person sessions at the University of West Attica and do not meet exclusion criteria are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with prior stomach or duodenal surgery, systemic connective tissue disease, active tuberculosis, pregnancy, significant mental disorders, or those without diaphragm weakness may be unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This single-center, randomized, two-arm parallel equivalence trial will assign 30 adults with diagnosed GERD or an RDQ score >8 to either active inspiratory muscle training (IMT) or a sham IMT control. The active group will complete 36 sessions of tapered flow resistive loading starting at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure with weekly increases, while the sham group will receive 36 sessions at a constant low resistance (7 cmH2O). Outcomes measured at baseline, immediately after the 3-month program, and at 6-month follow-up include maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), dynamic inspiratory power (s-index), GERD symptom frequency (RDQ), and reflux-related quality of life. The trial tests whether targeted respiratory muscle training can improve inspiratory strength and patient-reported reflux symptoms compared with sham therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, IMT could offer a low-risk, noninvasive way to strengthen the diaphragm, reduce reflux symptoms, and improve quality of life for people with GERD.
How similar studies have gone: Small prior studies and physiological data suggest inspiratory muscle training can improve diaphragmatic strength and sometimes reduce reflux symptoms, but high-quality randomized evidence is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: people diagnosed with GERD or had a score of more than 8 on the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire Exclusion Criteria: systemic connective tissue diseases, mental disorders, stomach or duodenal surgery, tuberculosis, pregnancy
Where it's running
-
University of West Attica
Athens, Attica, Greece Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Irini Patsaki, PhD
- Email: ipatsaki@uniwa.gr
- Phone: +306942064363
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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.