Pursed lip breathing alone versus combined with alternate nostril breathing for people with mild (Grade I) COPD.
Official title: Comparative Effect of Pursed Lip Breathing Alone and Combined With Alternate Nostril Breathing on Pulmonary Function Test and Quality of Life in Patients in Grade I COPD Patients.
Run by Foundation University Islamabad · NCT07531771 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether adding alternate nostril breathing to pursed lip breathing helps people with mild (Grade I) COPD breathe and feel better.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Foundation University Islamabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 28, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | May 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07531771 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults 40–65 years old with Grade I COPD (FEV1 > 80% predicted) who can follow verbal instructions and are not regular practitioners of yoga or alternate nostril breathing.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with more advanced COPD (FEV1 ≤ 80% predicted), recent respiratory exacerbations, significant orthopedic or neurological limitations, recent thoracic or abdominal surgery, or those who already practice alternate nostril breathing are unlikely to benefit from this specific intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll about 40 adults with Grade I (mild) COPD and randomly assign them to perform pursed lip breathing alone or pursed lip breathing combined with alternate nostril breathing. Participants will be taught the breathing exercises and followed to measure changes in pulmonary function tests and quality of life. Primary outcomes include spirometric measures (such as FEV1) and validated quality-of-life scores. The intervention focuses on nonpharmacologic breathing techniques as part of pulmonary rehabilitation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined breathing program could improve lung function, reduce breathlessness, and enhance daily quality of life for people with mild COPD.
How similar studies have gone: Pursed-lip breathing has supporting evidence for symptomatic relief in COPD, while the combination with alternate nostril breathing is less studied and represents a relatively novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients diagnosed with Grade I COPD (FEV₁ \> 80% predicted) * Age between 40 to 65 years. * Both male and female patients. * Patients able to follow verbal instructions and perform breathing exercises. * Patients willing to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * History of orthopedic conditions limiting sitting or breathing exercises. * Recent respiratory infections or COPD exacerbations within the past 4 weeks. * Neurological or cognitive impairments. * Recent thoracic or abdominal surgeries. * Regular practitioners of yoga or alternate nostril breathing.
Where it's running
-
Foundation University Islamabad
Islamabad, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Haleema Sadia Sultan, MSPT-CPT
- Email: sadiaawan798@gmail.com
- Phone: 03325881596
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.