Breathing techniques to reduce stress in COPD patients
A Controlled Breathing Intervention to Reduce Stress and Improve Symptoms in COPD Patients (REST): A Randomized Pilot Trial
This study is testing a new breathing technique to see if it can help reduce stress in people with COPD.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Texas at Austin Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Austin, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06404008 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot trial evaluates a controlled breathing intervention called REST, designed to reduce stress in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Participants will be randomly assigned to either the breathing intervention or usual care, with the intervention consisting of a 15-minute breathing protocol based on Pranayama techniques. The study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of the intervention, as well as gather data on stress measures to inform future larger trials. Participants will undergo evaluations including surveys, lung function tests, and cardiac assessments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged over 40 with spirometry-confirmed COPD and moderate levels of perceived stress.
Not a fit: Patients who regularly practice breathing exercises or have severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce stress and improve symptoms for patients with COPD.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, similar breathing interventions have shown promise in managing stress and symptoms in respiratory conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of spirometry confirmed COPD (FEV1/FVC \<0.70 + FEV1\<80%) * Perceived Stress Scale \> 13 * Age \>40 years old * Able to read, write, and speak in English * Able to attend 1 in person training session and 1 in person trial sessions Exclusion Criteria: * Current regular practice of breathing exercises or pranayama * No access to internet or telephone * Recent hospitalization for COPD exacerbation or any reason in the past 30 days * Other primary lung disease (ILD, asthma, bronchiectasis) by self-report or chart review * Non-correctable hearing impairment (i.e. hearing impairment despite hearing aids) * Severe cognitive impairment
Where this trial is running
Austin, Texas
- Ascension Seton Medical Center — Austin, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kristina Kashyap
- Email: kristina.kashyap@austin.utexas.edu
- Phone: (512) 270-0614
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.