Using heat therapy to improve health in people with COPD
The Acute and Chronic Benefits of Passive Heat Therapy for People With COPD
This study is testing if soaking in hot water can help people with COPD improve their blood flow and reduce their risk of heart problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kelowna, British Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05962164 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of passive heat therapy on individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) who are at risk for cardiovascular diseases. Participants will undergo a 45-minute hot-water footbath to assess immediate changes in leg blood flow, followed by a 6-week regimen of hot-water footbaths to evaluate long-term impacts on blood pressure and heart disease risk indicators. The goal is to determine if this therapy can mimic the benefits of exercise, which many COPD patients find difficult due to their condition.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are non-smoking individuals over 40 years old with stable, moderate-to-severe COPD.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced cardiac or cerebrovascular diseases or those currently engaged in structured exercise training may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could provide a non-exercise alternative to improve cardiovascular health in COPD patients.
How similar studies have performed: While passive heat therapy has shown promise in healthy older adults, this approach in COPD patients is novel and has not been previously tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Non-smoking individuals * \>40 years of age * Stable (exacerbation free for \>6 weeks), moderate-to-severe COPD (post bronchodilator FEV1/FVC \<lower limit of normal and FEV1 z-score \<2.51) Exclusion Criteria: * Performing structured exercise training (i.e. pulmonary rehabilitation) * Have advanced cardiac or cerebrovascular disease (i.e. a history of heart failure, previous stroke or myocardial infarction) * Have uncontrolled hypertension (\>160/95 mmHg at rest) * Have hypotension (\<110/60 mmHg) * Are taking Beta Blockers * Regularly (\>1/week) have hot baths (\>30 min) or use a hot tub or sauna. Exclusion Criteria for exercise outcomes: * Have resting blood pressure \> 150/95 mmHg * On supplemental oxygen for hypoxemia. * Musculoskeletal pain that limits their ability to perform stationary cycling.
Where this trial is running
Kelowna, British Columbia
- University of British Columbia — Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Neil Eves, PhD — Associate Professor
- Study coordinator: Neil Eves, PhD
- Email: neil.eves@ubc.ca
- Phone: (250) 807-9676
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.