Using elastic tape to improve rehabilitation in COPD patients

Effects of Elastic Tape on Pulmonary Rehabilitation of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

NA · University of Sao Paulo General Hospital · NCT05939999

This study is testing if using elastic tape on the chest and abdomen can help people with COPD feel better and improve their physical and mental health during rehabilitation.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment42 (estimated)
SexMale
SponsorUniversity of Sao Paulo General Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (São Paulo, São Paulo)
Trial IDNCT05939999 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of elastic tape applied to the chest wall and abdomen on the physical capacity and psychosocial well-being of individuals with moderate to very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation. Participants will undergo assessments of clinical data, quality of life, and anxiety and depression levels before and after an eight-week rehabilitation program. They will be randomized into two groups: one receiving the elastic tape treatment and the other receiving a sham treatment. The study aims to determine if the elastic tape enhances the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are male patients with moderate to very severe COPD who are clinically stable and not currently participating in a rehabilitation program.

Not a fit: Patients with musculoskeletal, cognitive, neurological, or cardiological dysfunctions that prevent physical training will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the physical and mental health outcomes for patients with COPD.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of elastic tape in rehabilitation is a novel approach, similar studies have shown positive outcomes in enhancing physical therapy results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Moderate to very severe COPD diagnosis according to Global Iniciative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2020
* Clinical stability (i.e., no exacerbations for at least 30 days)
* Male
* Non-obese (BMI ≤29.9 kg/m2)
* No musculoskeletal limitation
* Not included in a pulmonary rehabilitation program in the last 6 months.
* Do not perform home oxygen therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Present osteoarticular, cognitive, neurological, and/or cardiological dysfunctions that prevent physical training

Where this trial is running

São Paulo, São Paulo

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, rehabilitation, exercise capacity, health-related quality of life, elastic tape

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.