Micro-doses of physical activity for improving blood vessel health in COPD patients

Can Micro-doses of Physical Activity Offset the Negative Cardiovascular Consequences of Being Sedentary in Patients With COPD?

Not applicable Interventional University of British Columbia · NCT05553223

This study tests if short walks can help improve blood vessel health in people with COPD who sit for long periods.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of British Columbia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kelowna, British Columbia)
Trial IDNCT05553223 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of short bouts of walking on blood vessel health in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Participants will be monitored for changes in endothelial function after sitting for three hours, both with and without interspersed micro-doses of physical activity. The primary hypothesis is that regular low-intensity physical activity can mitigate the negative cardiovascular effects associated with prolonged sedentary behavior. The study aims to provide insights into how breaking up sitting time with walking can improve vascular health in COPD patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are non-smoking individuals with stable moderate-to-severe COPD who have not experienced exacerbations in the past six weeks.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced cardiac or cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, or those currently engaged in structured exercise training may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance cardiovascular health and reduce risks associated with prolonged sitting in COPD patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of micro-doses of physical activity in COPD is novel, similar studies have shown positive outcomes in other populations regarding the benefits of breaking up sedentary time.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Non-smoking (\>6 months) patients with stable moderate-to-severe COPD (post bronchodilator forced expired volume in 1 sec/forced vital capacity\<0.7 and \<lower limit of normal, 30%\<Forced Expired Volume in 1 sec\<80% predicted and exacerbation free for \>6 weeks) will be recruited for the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. performing structured exercise training (or pulmonary rehabilitation)
2. have a history of deep vein thrombosis
3. are on anticoagulant medication
4. have advanced cardiac or cerebrovascular disease (i.e. heart failure, previous stroke or myocardial infarction)
5. have diabetes
6. have musculoskeletal contraindications that limit their ability to perform physical activity
7. vascular ultrasound measurements cannot be obtained.

Where this trial is running

Kelowna, British Columbia

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 DiseaseEndothelial DysfunctionVascular StiffnessHypertensionCardiovascular DiseasesMicrodoses of Physical ActivityFlow Mediated DilationReactive Hyperemia
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.