Rehabilitation training using music for COPD and chronic respiratory failure patients

Can Rehabilitation Training With Music-support Increase Exercise Tolerance in Individuals With COPD and CRF Compared to Rehabilitation Training Alone? A Randomized Control Trial.

Not applicable Interventional Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA · NCT05720780

This study tests if adding music to rehabilitation training can help people with COPD and chronic respiratory failure exercise better and feel less short of breath.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment156 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA Academic / other
Locations6 sites (Telese Terme, Benevento and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05720780 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of incorporating music as a distracting auditory stimulus during rehabilitation training for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and chronic respiratory failure (CRF). The study aims to compare exercise capacity, endurance, and perception of dyspnea between a group receiving music-supported training and a control group undergoing standard rehabilitation without music. By utilizing music therapy techniques, the trial seeks to enhance the psychological and physiological outcomes of rehabilitation. Participants will be monitored for improvements in exercise tolerance and overall quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with COPD and chronic respiratory failure who are clinically stable and have been on long-term oxygen therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments, active infections, or other significant comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve exercise capacity and quality of life for patients with COPD and CRF.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with music therapy in rehabilitation contexts, suggesting potential for success in this novel application for COPD patients.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of COPD (Forced expiratory volume in 1 second / post-bronchodilator forced vital capacity \< 0.7) without functional reversibility
* Chronic respiratory failure with stable hypoxia (PaO2 \< 60 mmHg in room air)
* Long Term Oxygen Therapy (LTOT) for at least 3 months
* Clinical stability: pH range 7.38-7.42, with no recent exacerbations in the last 7 days and no changes in drug therapy in the previous 7 days

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-invasive ventilation at home
* Cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination Score \< 22)
* Asthma or evidence of bronchodilator response
* Pulmonary fibrosis
* Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
* Lung cancer
* Active microbial infections
* Neuromuscular, orthopedic, and/or medical conditions that preclude testing
* Pulmonary rehabilitation program in the previous 6 months

Where this trial is running

Telese Terme, Benevento and 5 other locations

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 COPDdistracting auditory stimulusCRFmusic therapyrehabilitation
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.