Comparing blood-flow restricted exercise to traditional exercise for COPD patients

The Acute Cardiorespiratory Response to Blood-flow Restricted Versus Traditional Exercise Training Regimens (CaRe BFR):4 Randomized Crossover Studies

Not applicable Interventional University of Zurich · NCT05163600

This study tests if exercising with blood-flow restriction can help people with COPD improve their strength and breathing better than traditional exercise.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Zurich Academic / other
Locations1 site (Zurich)
Trial IDNCT05163600 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the acute cardiorespiratory responses to blood-flow restricted (BFR) exercise compared to traditional exercise regimens in both healthy individuals and those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Participants will engage in strength training using a Leg Press machine, with specific methodologies designed to enhance muscle strength. The study employs a randomized crossover design to assess differences in exercise responses and blood pressure levels between the two training approaches. The goal is to determine if BFR training offers distinct advantages for individuals with COPD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with COPD according to GOLD guidelines.

Not a fit: Patients with acute exacerbations of COPD or those with physical impairments that prevent participation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into more effective exercise regimens for improving the health and quality of life for COPD patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with blood-flow restricted training, suggesting potential benefits for muscle strength and cardiovascular responses.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion and exclusion for the healthy participants are defined by the following criteria.

Inclusion criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Clinically healthy

Exclusion criteria:

* Physical or intellectual impairment precluding informed consent or protocol adherence
* Non-German speaking (precluding informed consent)
* Pain during exercise of any origin
* Pregnancy
* History of thromboembolic event in the lower extremity
* Resting systolic blood pressure \<100 mmHg

Inclusion and exclusion for the COPD participants are defined by the following criteria.

Inclusion criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Diagnosed COPD according to GOLD-guidelines12

Exclusion criteria:

* Physical or intellectual impairment precluding informed consent or protocol adherence
* Non-German speaking (precluding informed consent)
* Acute or recent (within the last 6 weeks) exacerbation of COPD
* Pain during exercise of any origin
* Pregnancy
* History of thromboembolic event in the lower extremity
* Resting systolic blood pressure \<100 mmHg

Where this trial is running

Zurich

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions COPD
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.