Effects of downhill walking on patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Effects of Downhill Walking in Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Not applicable Interventional Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi · NCT06756230

This study is testing if downhill walking can help people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis feel better and improve their exercise ability compared to regular walking programs.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment34 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorSaglik Bilimleri Universitesi Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Üsküdar)
Trial IDNCT06756230 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of downhill walking, a form of eccentric exercise training, on exercise capacity, quality of life, and blood lactate levels in individuals diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Participants will be randomized into two groups: one receiving downhill walking pulmonary rehabilitation and the other undergoing standard pulmonary rehabilitation. The exercise sessions will occur twice a week for eight weeks, with evaluations conducted before and after the program. The aim is to determine if downhill walking offers benefits over traditional walking protocols.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 75 with a confirmed diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who can walk on a treadmill.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cardiovascular disease, orthopedic limitations, or those unable to comply with the rehabilitation protocol may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance exercise capacity and quality of life for patients with IPF.

How similar studies have performed: While eccentric exercise training is a relatively novel approach in this context, similar studies have shown promising results in other populations, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Having a diagnosis of IPF according to the clinical diagnostic criteria of the American Thoracic Society and/or the European Respiratory Society (ATS-ERS).
* Being between the ages of 18 and 75.
* Being able to walk on a treadmill.
* Having the ability to cooperate.
* No change in current medication in the last month.
* Not participating in a structured activity program for at least six months.
* Accepting the purpose and method of this study voluntarily and give informed consent for the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of physical or mental impairment that prevents informed consent or compliance with the protocol.
* Inability to attend more than 20% of pulmonary rehabilitation sessions.
* Presence of major cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease, uncontrolled hypertension, arrhythmias, or heart failure).
* Presence of existing orthopedic and neuromuscular exercise limitations.
* Acute exacerbation

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Üsküdar

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 Idiopathic Pulmonary FibrosisIPFeccentric exercise trainingpulmonary rehabilitation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.