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 type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Medical Center Groningen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Groningen, Provincie Groningen) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 31, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05938738 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
- Study coordinator: Jorine Hartman, PhD
- Email: j.hartman@umcg.nl
- Phone: +31503616161
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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.