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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 40 and up

Using heat therapy to improve health in people with COPD

Official title: The Acute and Chronic Benefits of Passive Heat Therapy for People With COPD

Run by University of British Columbia · NCT05962164 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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

Study typeInterventional
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment32 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of British Columbia
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kelowna, British Columbia)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 17, 2023
Main results expectedMay 31, 2026
Study endsMay 31, 2026
Registry record updatedApril 4, 2025
Trial IDNCT05962164 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are non-smoking individuals over 40 years old with stable, moderate-to-severe COPD.

Probably not a fit

Patients with advanced cardiac or cerebrovascular diseases or those currently engaged in structured exercise training 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 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.

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 gone: While passive heat therapy has shown promise in healthy older adults, this approach in COPD patients is novel and has not been previously tested.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • University of British Columbia
    Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
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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.