Pursed lip breathing alone versus combined with alternate nostril breathing for people with mild (Grade I) COPD.

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.

Not applicable Interventional Foundation University Islamabad · NCT07531771

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorFoundation University Islamabad Academic / other
Locations1 site (Islamabad)
Trial IDNCT07531771 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Islamabad

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 COPD Grade ICOPDbreathingexercisepursed lip breathingalternate nostril breathingpulmonary functionschest expansion
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.