Harmonica playing to improve lung function in COPD patients

The Effectiveness of Harmonica Playing in Improving Lung Function Among In-home Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

NA · The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University · NCT05995847

This study is testing if playing the harmonica can help people with COPD breathe better and improve their overall well-being compared to just regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment248 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (other)
Locations2 sites (Guangzhou, Guangdong and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05995847 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of harmonica playing as a form of pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It compares a group receiving harmonica training combined with basic pulmonary rehabilitation care to a control group receiving only basic care. The study aims to assess improvements in lung function, self-efficacy, quality of life, compliance with training, and emotional distress among participants. By addressing the limitations of previous studies, this research seeks to provide robust evidence on the benefits of harmonica playing for COPD patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals clinically diagnosed with COPD who meet the inclusion criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with recent COPD exacerbations, severe comorbidities, or cognitive disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance lung function and overall quality of life for COPD patients.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies on harmonica playing have been limited, this approach is novel and aims to provide more comprehensive evidence of its effectiveness.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

● Clinical diagnosis of COPD.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals with a history of COPD exacerbation within the last 6 weeks. An exacerbation is defined as a deterioration in at least two respiratory symptoms that necessitate hospitalization.
* Individuals with comorbidities that affect physical activity, such as severe cardiac or neurological disorders, cancer, or musculoskeletal problems.
* Individuals with cognitive disorders.
* Individuals unable to speak or understand spoken/written Chinese.
* Individuals who have participated in pulmonary rehabilitation (or any other structured, disease-related physical training) within the previous 6 months.
* Individuals who have played the harmonica, or other similar instrument, regularly in the previous 6 months.

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong and 1 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: COPD

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.