Pulmonary rehabilitation for elderly with respiratory diseases in salt chambers

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

Not applicable Interventional University School of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland · NCT06951633

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment33 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity School of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland Academic / other
Locations1 site (Wieliczka, Wieliczka)
Trial IDNCT06951633 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 65 and older with stable chronic respiratory diseases who can participate in rehabilitation.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to subterraneotherapy or those experiencing health deterioration during the program may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Wieliczka, Wieliczka

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions the ElderlyRespiratory DisordersPulmonary function, speleotherapy, blood tests, 6MWT, chest
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.