Pilates breathing versus pursed‑lip breathing for adults with mild COPD
Comparative Effects of Pilates Breathing and Pursed Lip Breathing on Chest Expension and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
For adults 40–64 with mild COPD, this will test whether adding Pilates breathing or pursed‑lip breathing to regular medicines improves chest expansion, peak expiratory flow, breathlessness, and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 46 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Foundation University Islamabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rawalpindi) |
| Trial ID | NCT07177976 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study enrolls 46 adults with mild COPD who are divided into two groups: one group practices Pilates breathing plus standard pharmacological management and the other practices pursed‑lip breathing plus standard pharmacological management. Outcomes measured include chest expansion, peak expiratory flow rate, dyspnea, and quality of life before and after the intervention. Eligible participants are aged 40–64, have GOLD mild COPD (FEV1 ≥80% predicted) with mMRC grade 1–3 dyspnea, and can follow instructions. The trial is conducted at the Foundation University College of Physical Therapy in Islamabad and focuses on simple, non‑invasive breathing techniques added to usual care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 40–64 with GOLD mild COPD (FEV1 ≥80% predicted), mMRC grade 1–3 dyspnea, and the ability to follow breathing instructions.
Not a fit: Patients with moderate to very severe COPD, those experiencing an acute COPD exacerbation or acute infection, or those unable to follow commands are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding these simple breathing techniques to standard treatment could improve lung expansion, airflow, and reduce breathlessness, helping patients function better day to day.
How similar studies have performed: Pursed‑lip breathing has shown benefits in prior COPD studies, while Pilates‑style breathing methods have been less widely studied and are relatively novel in this population.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 40-64 years * Both genders (male and female) * Grade 1-3 on mMRC scale of dyspnea * COPD mild stage according to global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) classification; Mild = FEV1 greater than or equal to 80% predicted Exclusion Criteria: * Moderate, severe and very severe stage of COPD according to GOLD classification * Patients having acute exerbation of COPD * Patients diagnosed with acute infection * Patients unable to follow command and instructions
Where this trial is running
Rawalpindi
- Foundation University College of Physical Therapy, Islamabad, 44000 — Rawalpindi, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sana Kalim, DPT
- Email: sanakalim408@gmail.com
- Phone: 03369169645
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.