Pulmonary rehabilitation at moderate altitude to change airway resistance in people with COPD
Effect of Rehabilitation at Moderate Altitude on Airway Resistance Measured With Forced Oscillation Technique in Patients With COPD
This test tries whether a pulmonary rehabilitation program at moderate altitude, delivered with ambient air or supplemental oxygen, changes airway resistance in people with COPD who develop low oxygen during exercise.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07063563 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with stable COPD and exercise-induced desaturation will complete a cycle of pulmonary rehabilitation performed at moderate altitude. Airway resistance and reactance (Rrs, Xrs, and ΔXrs) will be measured using the forced oscillation technique before and after the rehabilitation cycle. Results from sessions conducted with ambient air and with supplemental oxygen will be compared, and measurements at moderate altitude will be contrasted with those at low altitude. The design aims to determine how altitude and oxygen supplementation influence airway mechanics during rehabilitation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with COPD who are clinically stable, not on long-term oxygen therapy, and who show a drop in SpO₂ during exercise (e.g., ≥4% drop or below 90% on a 6MWT).
Not a fit: Patients with severe resting hypoxemia (SpO₂ <88%), those on long-term oxygen therapy, or with unstable comorbidities are unlikely to benefit or be eligible for this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could show whether moderate-altitude rehabilitation or supplemental oxygen improves airway mechanics and help tailor rehab settings for COPD patients.
How similar studies have performed: Pulmonary rehabilitation at different altitudes has improved exercise capacity in prior work, but using forced oscillation measurements to track airway resistance across altitudes is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged ≥18 years * Stable clinical condition for \>3 weeks (e.g., no exacerbations) * Resting SpO₂ ≥88% and exercise-induced hypoxemia defined as a drop in SpO₂ of ≥4% and/or a level below 90% during the 6MWT * Informed consent documented by signature Exclusion Criteria: * Severe daytime resting hypoxemia (SpO₂ \<88%) * Long-term oxygen therapy * Unstable clinical condition requiring adjustment of pharmacological or other treatment modalities, need for intensive care, or presence of relevant severe comorbidities * Inability to comply with study procedures (e.g., due to language barriers, psychological disorders, neurological or orthopedic impairments, walking disability, or inability to ride a bicycle) * Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding * Enrolment in another clinical trial involving active treatment
Where this trial is running
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and 1 other locations
- National center for cardiology and internal medicine — Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Kyrgyzstan (Recruiting)
- Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences — Sankt Gallen, Canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland (Active_not_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Stéphanie Saxer, Dr.
- Email: stephanie.saxer@ost.ch
- Phone: +41 58 257 12 97
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.