Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 40 to 64

Pilates breathing versus pursed‑lip breathing for adults with mild COPD

Official title: Comparative Effects of Pilates Breathing and Pursed Lip Breathing on Chest Expension and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease

Run by Foundation University Islamabad · NCT07177976 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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.

More Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages40 Years to 64 Years
SexAll
Enrollment46 (estimated)
SponsorFoundation University Islamabad
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rawalpindi)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 15, 2025
Main results expectedJanuary 1, 2026
Study endsFebruary 1, 2026
Registry record updatedOctober 7, 2025
Trial IDNCT07177976 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a 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.

Probably 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.

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

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.

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 gone: 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.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Foundation University College of Physical Therapy, Islamabad, 44000
    Rawalpindi, Pakistan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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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.
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.