Unsupervised inspiratory muscle training for post-COVID-19 patients

Effects of Unsupervised Inspiratory Muscle Training on Ventilation Variability in Post-covid-19 Patients: Protocol for Randomized Clinical Trial.

Not applicable Interventional Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte · NCT06362499

This study is testing if a self-guided breathing exercise program can help people recovering from COVID-19 improve their breathing and overall well-being.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Natal, Rio Grande Do Norte and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06362499 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effects of an unsupervised inspiratory muscle training (IMT) protocol on ventilation variability in patients recovering from COVID-19. The study aims to assess how IMT can improve symptoms related to dysfunctional breathing and hypocapnia, which are common in these patients. Participants will undergo a series of assessments before and after a 6-week training period to measure changes in respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, quality of life, and functional capacity. The trial is randomized, controlled, and double-blind, ensuring unbiased results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and reduced respiratory muscle strength, without underlying respiratory or cardiac diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with severe health complications or those unable to participate in assessments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly alleviate respiratory symptoms and improve the quality of life for post-COVID-19 patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of unsupervised IMT in post-COVID-19 patients is novel, similar interventions have shown promise in improving respiratory function in other populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects of both sexes will be included, with a diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR, aged over 18 years, without any underlying respiratory or cardiac disease and reduced respiratory muscle strength (≤100 cmH2O). Reduced inspiratory muscle strength will be defined using MIP.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with conditions impairing assessments, health complications that justify interrupting data collection (e.g., syncope, intense chest pain, or cough with blood-tinged sputum), hospitalized due to exacerbation of clinical conditions, or requested to leave the study will be excluded.

Where this trial is running

Natal, Rio Grande Do Norte and 1 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 COVID-19
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.