Magnetic stimulation to strengthen the diaphragm in COPD patients

Effect of Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation on Diaphragm Muscle Thickness, Symptoms and Functional Capacity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Not applicable Interventional Ankara University · NCT06714721

This study is testing if a new magnetic treatment can help strengthen the diaphragm and improve breathing for people with COPD who are also doing rehabilitation exercises.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment66 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAnkara University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ankara)
Trial IDNCT06714721 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) as an adjunct to pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The intervention aims to enhance diaphragm strength, improve exercise capacity, and alleviate symptoms associated with COPD. Participants will undergo rPMS treatment alongside standard rehabilitation practices, with assessments of diaphragm muscle thickness and overall functional capacity. The study seeks to address the significant respiratory limitations and quality of life issues faced by COPD patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who have been diagnosed with COPD for at least six months.

Not a fit: Patients with chest wall deformities, pacemakers, or other significant comorbidities affecting diaphragm function may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve diaphragm function and overall exercise capacity in COPD patients, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of magnetic stimulation in respiratory conditions is emerging, this specific approach in COPD has not been widely tested, making it a novel investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Having been diagnosed with COPD at least 6 months ago
2. Being over 18 years of age
3. Having the cognitive ability to understand the questions and fill out the questionnaires
4. Agreeing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of chest wall deformity
2. Presence of pacemaker/defibrillator
3. Pregnancy
4. Presence of acute respiratory tract infection and/or pneumonia
5. Suspicion of underlying hemidiaphragmatic paresis (defined as elevation of one hemidiaphragm \>2.5 cm compared to the other on chest radiography)
6. Known history of inflammatory rheumatologic or neuromuscular disease that may affect the mechanics of the diaphragm (cerebrovascular accident, spinal cord injury, epilepsy, peripheral neuropathy, and muscle diseases, etc.)
7. Suspected paraneoplastic or myopathic syndromes and/or use of medications known to alter muscle structure and/or function, including oral corticosteroids
8. History of recent thoracic and/or abdominal surgery
9. History of COPD exacerbation within the last 4 weeks
10. COPD disease is accompanied by bronchial asthma, interstitial lung diseases, lung neoplasia, metabolic diseases (diabetes mellitus, uremia and liver failure)
11. Body mass index greater than 40
12. Presence of contraindications for exercise program (uncontrolled atrial/ventricular arrhythmia, resting systolic blood pressure ≥ 200 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 110 mm Hg, severe aortic stenosis, recent history of embolism, decompensated heart failure, cardiac ischemic event within the last four weeks)
13. Presence of systemic disease and/or musculoskeletal disease that may prevent exercise

Where this trial is running

Ankara

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 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseasePulmonary RehabilitationDiaphragmRepetitive Peripheral Magnetic StimulationStrengthening Exercise
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.