Diaphragm training for GERD symptoms
Diaphragmatic Training for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise and Incentive Spirometry Training on Esophageal Dynamics and Quality of Life
This study will test whether diaphragm-focused breathing exercises or using a volume-based incentive spirometer can help people with GERD have fewer reflux episodes and better symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Changhua Christian Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Changhua, Changhua County) |
| Trial ID | NCT07544433 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study randomly assigns adults with confirmed GERD to diaphragmatic breathing exercises, volume-oriented incentive spirometry, or usual care to compare outcomes. Researchers will measure symptom scores (GERDQ), esophageal acid exposure and number of reflux episodes, lower esophageal sphincter pressure, esophageal motility, and GERD-related quality of life. Interventions are non-invasive, home-based breathing protocols or spirometry use with scheduled follow-up visits and physiologic testing. Results will determine whether adding diaphragm-oriented respiratory training provides measurable improvements over standard care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 20–80 with a confirmed GERD diagnosis by recent endoscopy or 24-hour pH monitoring and who can adhere to breathing training and follow-up visits are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have had anti-reflux or major upper GI surgery, or have significant cardiopulmonary disease are excluded and may not benefit from these interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the interventions could reduce acid exposure and reflux episodes and improve GERD symptoms and quality of life without surgery or medications.
How similar studies have performed: Some small studies have suggested diaphragmatic breathing can reduce reflux symptoms, but randomized comparisons with incentive spirometry and robust physiologic outcomes are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Include Criteria: * Age between 20 and 80 years.2. A confirmed diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), defined by at least one of the following criteria * Endoscopic examination within the past 3 months demonstrating Los Angeles (LA) grade A reflux esophagitis with regular use of acid-suppressive medication (e.g., proton pump inhibitors) for more than 2 months. * 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring showing acid exposure time (AET) \> 6%. * Endoscopic examination within the past 3 months demonstrating LA grade B or higher reflux esophagitis. * Willingness and ability to participate in the intervention program, including adherence to training protocols, scheduled follow-up visits, and completion of all required assessments during the study period. Exclusion Criteria * Pregnant or breastfeeding women. * History of anti-reflux surgery or other upper gastrointestinal surgical procedures related to GERD. * Presence of significant cardiopulmonary disease or chronic respiratory disease that may compromise the safety or feasibility of performing breathing training. * Inability to comply with the study protocol, including participation in training procedures and scheduled follow-up visits, due to conditions such as cognitive impairment, physical limitations, or inability to attend regular visits.
Where this trial is running
Changhua, Changhua County
- Changhua Christian Hospital — Changhua, Changhua County, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kun-Chin Chou, MD
- Email: 84798@cch.org.tw
- Phone: +886-4-723-8595
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.