Breathlessness in respiratory diseases: who feels it and why
Official title: Exploring Differences in Breathlessness Perceptions Within Respiratory Diseases
Run by University Hospitals, Leicester · NCT07648082 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how physiology, psychology, function, and breathing patterns relate to breathlessness in people with respiratory conditions compared with healthy controls.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospitals, Leicester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Leicester, Leicestershire) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 6, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07648082 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–100 with a known respiratory diagnosis and ongoing breathlessness (MRC score ≥2) or healthy controls, able to consent and attend two study visits.
✕Probably not a fit
People without breathlessness or with conditions not affecting breathing pattern may not experience direct benefits.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This cross-sectional study compares adults with known respiratory diseases or breathlessness to healthy controls to explore factors that influence breathlessness. Researchers will measure lung function with spirometry, gather psychological data through questionnaires, assess physical function via an exercise test, and analyze breathing patterns using optoelectronic plethysmography. The aim is to understand how physiological, psychological, functional, and breathing-pattern factors together affect health-related quality of life in respiratory diseases. Results may help explain why breathlessness varies between individuals and identify potential targets for personalized management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify key contributors to breathlessness and guide more personalized approaches to treatment and rehabilitation.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have used similar multi-factor assessments to understand breathlessness, but this approach with breathing pattern analysis is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* • Aged 18 or over up to 100
* Known respiratory diagnosis\* OR Healthy control\*\*
* Ongoing symptoms of breathlessness defined as ≥2 MRC dyspnoea scale
* Able to communicate in English
* Able to attend two study visits
* Able to provide written informed consent
* Known respiratory diagnosis could include, but is not limited to, COPD, Asthma, Bronchiectasis or ILD.
* Healthy controls are required to have an absence of a functionally limiting condition such as respiratory, cardiovascular, or musculoskeletal.
Exclusion Criteria:
* • Unstable disease or undergoing investigations for unexplained symptoms
* Undergone a surgery within past six weeks
* Contraindications for exercise outlined by ACSM guidelines (Unstable CVD, hypertension etc)
* BMI ≥ 35kg/m2
* Unable to communicate in English
* Unable to provide written informed consent
* Unable to abstain from smoking for 8 hours prior to testing
Where it's running
-
Glenfield Hospital
Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Enya Daynes, PhD — University Hospitals, Leicester
- Study coordinator: Enya Dr. Daynes, PhD
- Email: e.daynes@nhs.net
- Phone: 0116 273 0333
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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.