Improving breathing function with digital biofeedback

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate whether a digital breathing biofeedback system can enhance the effectiveness of physiotherapist-guided breathing retraining for individuals with dysfunctional breathing. Approximately 10% of the UK population experiences dysfunctional breathing, which can lead to symptoms like breathlessness and dizziness. The intervention involves using a digital health system that provides real-time biofeedback on muscle patterns to help patients learn proper breathing control. Participants will undergo four sessions of breathing retraining while utilizing this system, with assessments of lung function and quality of life conducted before and after treatment.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Ability to stand and walk independently
* History of breathing difficulties, such as breathlessness and difficult or laboured breathing for at least previous 6 months.
* Clinical diagnosis of dysfunctional breathing, sometimes referred to as breathing pattern disorder.
* If participants have co-existing respiratory problems, e.g. asthma, these should not be felt (in the opinion of the referring clinician) to be the cause of the current symptoms of breathlessness.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to speak and understand English sufficient to read and understand the information sheet and sign the consent form.
* BMI \>34
* Currently receiving active treatment for dysfunctional breathing
* Received treatment for acute lower respiratory tract infection or asthma exacerbation with last 4 weeks
* Significant respiratory co-morbidity (i.e. where the major respiratory diagnosis is not asthma)

Where it's running

• University of Salford
  Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Stephen J Preece, PhD
• Email: s.preece@salford.ac.uk
• Phone: +44 161 295 2273

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.