Comparing breathing muscle training methods for adults undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant

Effects of Different Inspiratory Muscle Training Protocols in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients

Not applicable Interventional Istinye University · NCT07061444

This trial tests whether different inspiratory muscle training programs help improve breathing strength, reduce breathlessness and fatigue, and boost exercise ability in adults having a hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment45 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstinye University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Zeytinburnu)
Trial IDNCT07061444 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation often develop respiratory weakness, fatigue and reduced quality of life. This study compares three inspiratory muscle training protocols—standard IMT, functional IMT, and a sham IMT—delivered during the transplantation process to see which approach produces the best improvements. Eligible adults aged 18–65 without major orthopedic, neurological, cardiac, or chronic pulmonary comorbidities will be assigned to one of the training protocols while receiving standard medical care. Outcomes include respiratory muscle strength and endurance, dyspnoea, maximal exercise capacity, diaphragmatic and pulmonary function, peripheral muscle strength, fatigue, quality of life, and blood markers of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults 18–65 who are planned for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, are able to walk and follow instructions, are clinically stable, and have no orthopedic, neurological, cardiac, or chronic pulmonary conditions are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with active pulmonary disease (like asthma or COPD), acute infections, cognitive impairment, or medical contraindications to exercise are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the preferred IMT protocol could strengthen breathing muscles, lessen breathlessness and fatigue, and speed functional recovery after transplant.

How similar studies have performed: Inspiratory muscle training has shown benefit in populations such as COPD and perioperative patients, but evidence specifically in HSCT recipients is limited and this application is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Planned haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the adult bone marrow transplant unit
* Between the ages of 18-65
* Under standard medical treatment, including immunosuppressives, antibiotics and other medications
* Ability to walk, co-operate and be clinically stable
* No history of orthopaedic, neurological, cardiac disorders

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive disorders
* Have orthopaedic or neurological diseases that may affect the assessment of physical fitness tests
* Having comorbidities such as asthma, COPD
* Conditions in which exercise training is contraindicated, such as acute bleeding, haemoglobin value \<5 g/dl, platelet count ≤10000 mm3, high fever (body temperature \>38◦C), severe pain, confusion, dizziness, nausea and vomiting
* Patients with pneumonia or any acute infection

  -≥ 3 consecutive sessions of interruption of the exercise group subjects' attendance to the training protocol
* Loss of willingness to participate in the research during the research process
* Development of clinical haemodynamic instability in patients

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Zeytinburnu

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 Hematopoietic Stem Cell TransplantationPulmonary RehabilitationInspiratory Muscle Traininginspiratory muscle trainingpulmonary rehabilitationhematopoietic stem cell transplantationrespiratory therapyrespiratory muscle
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.