Investigating chest physiotherapy effects on lung function in cystic fibrosis patients

Effects of Autogenic Drainage on Ventilation Inhomogeneity in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis

Not applicable Interventional Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain · NCT03655249

This study is testing if a special breathing technique called autogenic drainage can improve lung function in people with cystic fibrosis when used with aerosol therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages6 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain Academic / other
Locations1 site (Brussels)
Trial IDNCT03655249 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines how a specific chest physiotherapy technique, known as autogenic drainage, impacts ventilation inhomogeneity in individuals diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Participants will undergo assessments using electrical impedance tomography and multiple breath nitrogen washout before, immediately after, and two hours post-intervention. The study employs a cross-over design where each participant will receive either aerosol therapy alone or in combination with chest physiotherapy over two consecutive days. The primary outcome measured will be the lung clearance index (LCI).

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with cystic fibrosis who have an FEV1 greater than 40% and can tolerate 30 minutes of chest physiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with Burkholderia cepacia or non-tuberculous mycobacteria infections, or those with significant orthopedic, neuromuscular, or cardiac disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve lung function and overall respiratory health in cystic fibrosis patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on chest physiotherapy in cystic fibrosis, the specific combination of techniques and assessments in this study may provide novel insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Cystic fibrosis diagnosis
* FEV1 \> 40%
* Able to sustain 30min of chest physiotherapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of Burkoldheria cepacia or non tuberculous mycobacteria
* Orthopedic, neuromuscular or cardiac disorder likely to impact respiratory system
* Need for supplemental oxygen
* Cardiac pacemaker or internal cardiac defibrillator

Where this trial is running

Brussels

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 Cystic FibrosisMultiple breath washoutElectrical impedance tomographyLung clearance indexChest physiotherapyAutogenic drainageCystic fibrosis
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.