Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 20 to 50

Improving lung function in sickle cell disease with acupuncture-like stimulation

Official title: Pulmonary Functions in Sickle Cell Disease: Response of Adding Acu-TENS to Inspiratory Muscle Training

Run by Cairo University · NCT06757829 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether combining breathing exercises with a special type of electrical stimulation can help improve lung function in people with sickle cell disease.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages20 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
Enrollment40 (estimated)
SponsorCairo University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dokki, Giza Governorate)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 15, 2024
Main results expectedMay 1, 2025
Study endsMay 1, 2025
Registry record updatedJanuary 3, 2025
Trial IDNCT06757829 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are non-obese patients diagnosed with sickle cell disease.

Probably not a fit

Patients with systemic, chest, renal, hepatic, or neurological diseases, as well as those experiencing vaso-occlusive crises, may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) combined with acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (AC-tens) on pulmonary function in patients with sickle cell disease. Forty participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving IMT and AC-tens, and the other receiving only IMT. Each group will undergo three sessions per week for 12 weeks, with specific training protocols designed to enhance respiratory function. The study aims to assess the efficacy of these interventions in alleviating pulmonary complications associated with sickle cell disease.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve respiratory function and quality of life for patients with sickle cell disease.

How similar studies have gone: While the combination of IMT and AC-tens is a novel approach, similar studies have shown positive outcomes with respiratory training in patients with pulmonary complications.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* sickle cell disease patients
* non obese patients

Exclusion Criteria:

* patients with any systemic or chest or renal or hepatic or neurological diseases
* women with lactation or pregnancy
* patients atacks of vasoocclusive crisis

Where it's running

  • faculty of physical therapy Cairo university
    Dokki, Giza Governorate, Egypt
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

  • Cerebrovascular Reactivity Testing with HD-DOT in Sickle Cell Patients

    This study tests whether high-density diffuse optical tomography can measure brain blood flow and oxygen use in people with sickle cell disease, to see how these signals relate to stroke risk.

    Recruiting Washington University School of Medicine · St Louis, Missouri · NCT07776444

  • Adapting and testing PEN-Plus in Zambian primary care

    Aiming to see if the PEN-Plus package can be adapted and used in two Zambian hospitals to better manage chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and sickle cell in primary care.

    Recruiting Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia · Lusaka, Lusaka Province · NCT07753681

  • Newborn Sickle Cell Screening in Mozambique

    We’re testing a three-part plan to help babies in Mozambique get diagnosed early for sickle cell disease and start care quickly.

    Recruiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · Nhamatanda, Sofala · NCT07719972

  • Optimizing Hydroxyurea in Children with Sickle Cell in Africa

    This study tests whether raising hydroxyurea to a maximum tolerated dose is safe and beneficial for Ugandan children with sickle cell anemia already taking a fixed daily dose.

    Recruiting Phase 1/2 Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati · Kampala · NCT07708714

  • Hematopoietic stem cell editing to treat sickle cell disease

    This study tests whether a patient’s own blood stem cells can be edited to remove the sickle cell triggering gene and then returned to the patient.

    Recruiting Phase 1 Boston Children's Hospital · Boston, Massachusetts · NCT07708350

  • Virtual reality options to help with VOC pain in adults with SCD

    This study tests whether headset-based virtual reality can help reduce pain for adults with sickle cell disease during vaso-occlusive crises treated in an infusion center.

    Recruiting University of Maryland, Baltimore · Baltimore, Maryland · NCT07674277

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.