High-intensity interval training for COPD patients

Cardiopulmonary Adaptations to High-intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in COPD: a Randomized Controlled Trial (the COPDEX Study)

Not applicable Interventional Rigshospitalet, Denmark · NCT06551441

This study tests if high-intensity interval training can help people with COPD improve their lung function and overall physical performance over six months.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment66 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorRigshospitalet, Denmark Academic / other
Locations1 site (Copenhagen)
Trial IDNCT06551441 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on pulmonary blood volume and gas exchange in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Over six months, participants will undergo supervised HIIT to assess improvements in lung function, symptom severity, and overall physical performance. The study aims to determine if increased pulmonary blood volume correlates with new lung tissue formation and other functional outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the HIIT intervention or a control group, with various health metrics evaluated throughout the trial.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 40 to 80 with COPD (GOLD stage I to III) and a modified Medical Research Council score of 0 to 3.

Not a fit: Patients with ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or other significant comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved lung function and quality of life for COPD patients through enhanced rehabilitation techniques.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with HIIT in improving outcomes for COPD patients, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria

* Men and women
* Age \>=40 and \<80 years
* COPD (GOLD stage I to III)
* Modified Medical Research Council score (mMRC) of 0 to 3
* Resting arterial oxygenation \> 90% Exclusion criteria
* Symptoms of ischaemic heart disease
* Known heart failure
* Unable to complete or understand HIIT training
* Claudication
* Symptoms of disease within 2 weeks prior to the study
* Participation in pulmonary rehabilitation within 3 months
* Known malignant disease
* Pregnancy
* Unstable cardiac arrhythmic disease
* Renal or liver dysfunction

  * Known chronic kidney or liver disease
  * Elevated creatinine, urea, alanine transaminase (ALAT), aspartate transaminase (ASAT), bilirubin, basic phosphatases at blood test
* Completion of pulmonary rehabilitation within the last 3 months

Where this trial is running

Copenhagen

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 COPDRehabilitation
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.