Effects of nasal high flow on exercise tolerance in COPD patients

Physiologic Effects of Nasal High Flow on Exercise Tolerance in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Not applicable Interventional University of Miami · NCT06578156

This study is testing if using a high flow nasal oxygen therapy can help people with COPD walk longer and feel less short of breath during exercise compared to regular low flow oxygen.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Miami Academic / other
Locations1 site (Miami, Florida)
Trial IDNCT06578156 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of nasal high flow (NHF) therapy at 70 liters per minute on exercise tolerance in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) using a 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT). It aims to determine the relationship between self-reported dyspnea and the use of NHF compared to low flow nasal cannula during exercise. The study will involve COPD patients who can ambulate independently and are currently using low-flow oxygen or none at all. Participants will be monitored for their exercise performance and breathing difficulties during the test.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with COPD who can walk independently and use low-flow oxygen.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, on bedrest, or require high-flow oxygen or non-invasive ventilation during the day may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve exercise tolerance and quality of life for COPD patients by optimizing oxygen delivery during physical activity.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with nasal high flow therapy in respiratory conditions, suggesting potential benefits in similar approaches.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Able to consent
* Age 18 years or older
* Diagnosis of COPD
* Ability to ambulate without assistance
* Use of low-flow nasal cannula ≤ 4 L/min or no supplemental oxygen (O2) at all

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Being on bedrest
* Inability to consent or cooperate with the study
* Using of \> 4 L/min of supplemental O2 or requiring non-invasive ventilation during the daytime
* Hemodynamic instability (resting heart rate \> 130/minute, systolic blood pressure of ≤ 90 mmHg or ≥ 180 mmHg)
* Metal implants in the thoracic regions (pacemakers, Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD), plates, screws, rods, and disc replacements)

Where this trial is running

Miami, Florida

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 2026-06-13 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.