Inspiratory muscle rehabilitation for children with obesity and asthma

Inspiratory Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Children With Obesity and Asthma

Not applicable Interventional Duke University · NCT05608668

This study is testing if a special breathing exercise program can help children with obesity and asthma feel less out of breath and be more active.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorDuke University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT05608668 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study focuses on children aged 8-17 years who have obesity and asthma, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of inspiratory muscle rehabilitation (IMR) as an additional treatment. Conducted at Duke Health Center, the study involves a randomized, sham-controlled design over an 8-week period with 60 participants. The goal is to reduce feelings of breathlessness and encourage increased physical activity among these children. Participants will undergo specific interventions based on their maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) to assess improvements in their respiratory function and overall quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 8 to 17 years with obesity (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) and mild asthma who are currently on asthma medication.

Not a fit: Patients with severe asthma (FEV1 < 50% of predicted) or those with a history of significant pulmonary complications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve respiratory function and quality of life for children suffering from both obesity and asthma.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of inspiratory muscle rehabilitation in this context is novel, similar interventions have shown promise in improving respiratory outcomes in other populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Documented informed consent from legal guardian and assent from participant as appropriate.
* Children 8 to 17 years of age with obesity (BMI ≥ 95th percentile for age and sex) and mild asthma.
* Participants (or parent/guardian) must have access to the internet and an approved smart device/computer.
* Child must have a designated caregiver who expresses a commitment to encourage the participant to complete the study procedures.
* Participant and legal guardian must speak and read English.
* Child is currently taking prescription medicine for asthma (Any type of albuterol or inhaled steroid)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior intubation for asthma
* Current self-reported pregnancy or planning to become pregnant.
* Have an FEV1 \< 50% of predicted at screening
* History of lung surgery in the past two years,
* History of pulmonary embolism in the past two years,
* Any history of recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax, or pneumothorax in the past 12 months
* Current undiagnosed chest pain,
* History of inner ear surgery in the past 12 months,
* Undiagnosed syncopal episodes in the past two years,
* Progressive neurological or neuromuscular disorders or need for chronic O2 therapy.
* Inability to complete baseline measurements satisfactorily according to the research coordinator's or PI's judgment.
* Any condition in the opinion of the PI that would not allow safe conduct of study procedures (including IMR, MIP testing or step-test), such as a physical disability, recent musculoskeletal injury or illness, current and ongoing evaluation for undiagnosed cardiopulmonary or neurologic symptoms

Where this trial is running

Durham, North Carolina

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 Pediatric ObesityPediatric AsthmaAsthmaObesityPediatric
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.