Using virtual reality to enhance rehabilitation for COPD exacerbation

Virtual Reality in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Randomized Contolled Trial

NA · Pamukkale University · NCT05687396

This study is testing if using virtual reality during rehab can help people in the hospital with COPD feel better and recover faster compared to regular exercises.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPamukkale University (other)
Locations1 site (Denizli, Pamukkale)
Trial IDNCT05687396 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of incorporating virtual reality into the rehabilitation of patients hospitalized for COPD exacerbation. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will engage in traditional pulmonary rehabilitation exercises, while the other will perform the same exercises using a virtual reality cycling simulation set in a forest environment. The aim is to assess whether the virtual reality experience can improve rehabilitation outcomes during the hospital stay. Various scores related to health status and daily activities will be measured before and after the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing a COPD exacerbation with a FEV1 less than 70% and who are willing to participate voluntarily.

Not a fit: Patients with more severe respiratory diseases or significant comorbidities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved rehabilitation outcomes and quality of life for patients with COPD exacerbation.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in rehabilitation is a growing field, this specific application in COPD exacerbation is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who are in COPD exacerbation period, FEV1 \<70%, GOLD 2-3 spirometric stage, Hodkinson mental test score \> 6 and who want to participate in the study voluntarily will be included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* If there is respiratory disease considered more significant than COPD (bronchiectasis, lung cancer requiring active therapy, or asthma), Heart failure New York Heart Association (NYHA) stage 3-4, Significant hemoptysis, surgical or non-surgical lung volume in the past 6 months Individuals with reduction procedures, Lung transplantation or pneumonectomy surgery in the last 6 months, pulmonary embolism or pulmonary edema, acute myocardial infarction, acute heart failure, vertigo, epilepsy and visual impairment will be excluded from the study.

Where this trial is running

Denizli, Pamukkale

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: COPD Exacerbation, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, COPD, pulmonary rehabilitation, virtual reality

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.