High Intensity Interval Training for COPD Patients

Mitochondrial Adaptations and Oxidative Stress With High Intensity Interval Training During Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand · NCT05858463

This study tests if high intensity interval training can help people with COPD exercise better and improve their lung function compared to regular exercise.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand Academic / other
Locations1 site (Clermont-Ferrand)
Trial IDNCT05858463 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) compared to continuous exercise training in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) who experience exercise-induced oxygen desaturation. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the HIIT group or the continuous exercise group as part of a pulmonary rehabilitation program. The study will measure various physiological parameters, including oxygen consumption and mitochondrial oxidative capacity, before and after the intervention. The goal is to determine if HIIT can improve exercise capacity and mitochondrial function in this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are COPD patients with exercise-induced oxygen desaturation who have not experienced an exacerbation in the last month.

Not a fit: Patients with acute exacerbations of COPD, significant cardiac issues, or those unable to perform exercise tests may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance exercise tolerance and quality of life for COPD patients who currently do not respond to standard pulmonary rehabilitation.

How similar studies have performed: While HIIT has shown promise in other populations, this specific application in COPD patients with exercise-induced desaturation is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* COPD diagnosed according to Global Obstructive Lung Diagnosis criteria; no exacerbation of COPD in the last month
* Referred for a pulmonary rehabilitation program
* Exercise-induced oxygen desaturation during a CardioPulmonary Exercise Test, defined as a decrease of oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry \>4% from resting value.
* Written informed consent
* Negative pregnancy test whenever applicable.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Acute exacerbation of COPD during the last 4 weeks
* Physical or psychological inability to perform exercise tests
* Life-threatening cardiac events contra-indicating exercise training
* Anticoagulant treatment (muscle biopsy)
* Pregnant or breastfeeding womenFemmes
* Subject with curator, deprived of freedoms or in safeguard of justice
* Non covered by the french social security system

Where this trial is running

Clermont-Ferrand

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 Pulmonary Disease, Chronic ObstructiveMitochondrial AlterationOxygen Deficiency
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.