Functional strength training and electrical stimulation for COPD exacerbations

Effects of Functional Strength Training and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation During Hospitalisation for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: a Randomised Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Hasselt University · NCT05480566

This study is testing whether combining strength training with electrical stimulation can help people with severe COPD recover better and feel less symptoms while they are in the hospital.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHasselt University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Genk)
Trial IDNCT05480566 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of functional strength training combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in patients hospitalized due to severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). The study aims to improve patients' physical performance and reduce symptoms during discharge by implementing these interventions alongside standard medical treatment and routine physiotherapy. Participants will be enrolled within 48 hours of hospital admission and will undergo a randomized controlled approach to assess the outcomes of the interventions on their recovery and rehabilitation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are hospitalized patients diagnosed with severe acute exacerbations of COPD who can provide informed consent and speak Dutch.

Not a fit: Patients requiring mechanical ventilation, those with unstable cardiovascular conditions, or significant musculoskeletal impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance recovery and functional performance in patients recovering from severe COPD exacerbations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that rehabilitation strategies, including strength training and NMES, can be beneficial for patients with COPD, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* hospitalised due to an AECOPD according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria
* included within 48h of hospital admission
* able to provide informed consent
* dutch speaker

Exclusion Criteria:

* need for mechanical ventilation or admission in the intensive care unit
* unstable cardiovascular disease
* hospitalization in the previous month
* significant musculoskeletal or neuromuscular impairment that precludes the performance of the tests or participation in the study
* signs of cognitive impairment
* current neoplastic or immunological disease
* implantable electronic devices (e.g., pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator \[ICD\], cardiac resynchronization therapy \[CRT\] device)
* sensitivity alterations

Where this trial is running

Genk

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 Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseAcute Exacerbation of COPDAcute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseInpatientFunctional strength trainingNMES
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.