Measuring muscle mass and stiffness in COPD patients

Clinimetric Properties Assessment of Quadriceps Muscle Mass and Stiffness Using Perimetry and ShearWave Elastography in Patients With COPD : a Prospective Observational Study

Observational Groupe Hospitalier du Havre · NCT06994689

This study is testing simple ways to measure muscle mass and stiffness in people with COPD to see if these methods can help track their muscle health before and after rehab.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorGroupe Hospitalier du Havre Academic / other
Locations1 site (Le Havre)
Trial IDNCT06994689 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the clinimetric properties of quadriceps muscle mass and stiffness measurements in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It aims to assess the validity and reliability of simple methods like perimetric tape measurement and ShearWave elastography to monitor muscle function. By evaluating these measurements before and after a pulmonary rehabilitation program, the study seeks to improve the management of muscle dysfunction associated with COPD. The findings could lead to better monitoring strategies that could enhance patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who have been diagnosed with COPD and are starting a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with lower limb amputations, neuromuscular diseases, or cardiovascular contraindications for pulmonary rehabilitation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a cost-effective method for early detection and monitoring of muscle dysfunction in COPD patients, potentially improving their quality of life and management.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using simple measurement techniques for muscle assessment is established, the specific application of ShearWave elastography in COPD patients is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* COPD patients
* Adults (\>18 years old)
* Patients starting a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programme

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients included in other research protocol
* Minors or under guardianship
* Pregnancy
* Patients with lower limb amputation or history of neuromuscular disease
* Cardiovascular contradications for PR

Where this trial is running

Le Havre

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 COPDQuadriceps Muscle AtrophyClinimetric propertiesMuscle massMuscle strength
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.