Using lung ultrasound to improve physiotherapy for hospitalized patients with respiratory issues

The Value of Point-of-care Lung Ultrasound for Physiotherapy in Hospitalized Patients With Acute Respiratory Symptoms

Observational Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain · NCT06412081

This study tests if using lung ultrasound can help physiotherapists create better treatment plans for hospitalized patients with breathing problems.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain Academic / other
Locations1 site (Brussels, Brussels Capital)
Trial IDNCT06412081 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of point-of-care lung ultrasound (LUS) in enhancing physiotherapy treatment plans for hospitalized patients experiencing respiratory complications. By comparing initial assessments made by physiotherapists with those adjusted after incorporating LUS findings, the study aims to determine how LUS can provide more tailored and effective interventions. The focus is on patients admitted to a general ward with acute respiratory symptoms, utilizing readily available imaging data to inform treatment decisions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are hospitalized patients in a general ward with acute respiratory symptoms lasting less than 48 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that prevent the use of lung ultrasound or those unable to understand instructions due to cognitive impairment or language barriers may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more personalized and effective physiotherapy treatments for patients with respiratory complications.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of lung ultrasound in various clinical settings has shown promise, this specific application in physiotherapy for respiratory complications is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Hospitalization in a general ward
* Acute respiratory symptoms (\< 48h)
* Chest X-ray available within 24h before or after the use of LUS

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any conditions precluding the use of LUS (thoracic skin lesions, thoracic bandage, subcutaneous emphysema)
* Inability to understand instructions due to cognitive impairment or due to language barrier

Where this trial is running

Brussels, Brussels Capital

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.
Conditions Respiratory Complication
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.