Pulmonary rehabilitation for elderly with respiratory diseases in salt chambers
Official title: Functional Efficiency, Respiratory Parameters and Blood Rheological Tests in Elderly People With Respiratory Diseases Participating in Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Underground Salt Chambers - a Prospective Experimental Study, Controlled in a Crossover Design
Run by University School of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland · NCT06951633 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if pulmonary rehabilitation in a salt mine can help elderly people with chronic respiratory diseases breathe better and improve their overall health.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 33 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University School of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Wieliczka, Wieliczka) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 4, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 28, 2026 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 30, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06951633 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 65 and older with stable chronic respiratory diseases who can participate in rehabilitation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with contraindications to subterraneotherapy or those experiencing health deterioration during the program 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 aims to evaluate the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation conducted in the underground Health Resort of the 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine on elderly patients aged 65 and older suffering from chronic respiratory diseases. Participants will undergo a series of tests to measure functional capacity, respiratory parameters, and blood rheology before, immediately after, and three months following their rehabilitation stay. The study employs a crossover design, ensuring that each participant serves as their own control, with a total of 33 patients needed to achieve statistically significant results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the functional efficiency and overall health of elderly patients with respiratory disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using salt chambers for pulmonary rehabilitation is less common, similar studies have shown positive outcomes in respiratory health through various rehabilitation methods.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * people aged 65 and older with chronic respiratory diseases in a stable period of the disease (without exacerbations), qualified to participate in a rehabilitation and treatment stay in the underground Health Resort 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine in Wieliczka, * patients who gave informed, written consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * patients with contraindications to subterraneotherapy and physical exercise, * lack of written consent to participate in the study, * deterioration of health during the implementation of the program.
Where it's running
-
Health Resort 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine in Wieliczka
Wieliczka, Wieliczka, Poland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sylwia Mętel, PhD
- Email: sylwia.metel@awf.krakow.pl
- Phone: +48606480472
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.