Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 40 and up

Using a device to help manage breathlessness in COPD patients

Official title: A Portable Dyspnea Relief Device for Episodic Breathlessness in COPD (PEP-buddy): Effect on Dyspnea Severity and Mechanism of Action

Run by University Medical Center Groningen · NCT05938738 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if a hands-free device can help people with COPD breathe easier during activities and improve their overall quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment25 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Medical Center Groningen
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Groningen, Provincie Groningen)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 31, 2024
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2026
Study endsDecember 31, 2026
Registry record updatedApril 24, 2026
Trial IDNCT05938738 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 40 and older with COPD classified as Gold class II-IV and experiencing episodic breathlessness at least three days a week.

Probably not a fit

Patients with other severe diseases causing breathlessness or those with a life expectancy of three months or less may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the PEP-buddy, a hands-free device that generates positive expiratory pressure, in reducing dyspnea severity in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The research aims to explore how this device can improve episodic breathlessness during physical activities and enhance overall quality of life. Participants will be monitored for improvements in their symptoms and the long-term usability of the device will also be assessed. The study focuses on patients experiencing significant breathlessness despite optimized standard therapy.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this device could significantly improve the quality of life for COPD patients by reducing episodes of breathlessness.

How similar studies have gone: While evidence for the PEP-buddy's effectiveness is currently limited, similar approaches using positive expiratory pressure devices have shown promise in improving dyspnea in COPD patients.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥40 years
2. Read, understood and signed Informed Consent
3. COPD Gold class II-IV/ B or E (FEV1\<60% of predicted, CAT ≥10 points)

5\. Optimized standard therapy according to the study physician 6. Episodic breathlessness requiring intervention (i.e. taking rest during physical activities, as needed inhalation medication, breathing techniques, as needed opioids) at least three days per week

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Other severe disease causing episodic breathlessness
2. Life expectancy ≤ 3 months
3. Exacerbation of COPD 4 weeks prior to inclusion
4. Change in COPD management targeted at breathlessness 8 weeks prior to inclusion
5. Inability to use the PEP buddy device
6. Currently participating in another interventional clinical study
7. Any other conditions, which, in the opinion of the investigator would make the patient unsuitable for inclusion, or could interfere with the patient participating in or completing the study.

Where it's running

  • Umcg
    Groningen, Provincie Groningen, Netherlands
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.