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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional

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

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

Run by University of British Columbia · NCT05553223 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

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Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
SexAll
Enrollment20 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of British Columbia
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kelowna, British Columbia)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 12, 2022
Main results expectedSeptember 1, 2026
Study endsSeptember 1, 2026
Registry record updatedApril 4, 2025
Trial IDNCT05553223 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

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

Probably 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.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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 gone: 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.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • University of British Columbia
    Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 118Endothelial Dysfunction 78Vascular Stiffness 8Hypertension 1034Cardiovascular Diseases 365University of British Columbia 139
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.