Using wearable devices and AI to predict COPD flare-ups

Early Prediction of Acute Exacerbations of COPD Using Wearable and Portable Remote Monitoring Technology With AI/ML Empowered Platforms: A Prospective Clinical Study

McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre · NCT06802003

This study is testing if wearable devices and daily symptom reports can help predict flare-ups in people with COPD using artificial intelligence.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMcGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (other)
Locations1 site (Montreal, Quebec)
Trial IDNCT06802003 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to gather real-time physiological data from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using wearable devices and handheld oscillometers. Participants will report their symptoms daily, and the collected data will be utilized to develop and validate artificial intelligence and machine learning models for predicting acute exacerbations of COPD. The study also seeks to establish a new classification system for the severity of these exacerbations based on the relationships between physiological measurements and self-reported symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 40 and older with a history of COPD exacerbations and a significant smoking history.

Not a fit: Patients without a COPD diagnosis or those unable to operate the required devices will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enable early prediction of COPD exacerbations, potentially improving patient management and outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using wearable technology and AI for monitoring chronic conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Males/females, age ≥ 40, former/current smokers with ≥10 pack-year smoking history
* FEV1/FVC \< 0.7, with 80% \< FEV1 ≤50% (moderate, 'GOLD 2') 50% \< FEV1 ≤ 30% (severe, 'GOLD 3') or FEV1 \< 30% (very severe, 'GOLD 4') COPD
* History of 2 or more exacerbations in the preceding 12 months requiring corticosteroids, antibiotics, or both
* Ability to provide informed consent
* Ability to access internet at least once daily

Exclusion Criteria:

* No existing COPD diagnosis
* Any medical/cognitive/functional condition which renders inability to operate research equipment/devices, and/or to complete daily symptom response

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec

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, AE COPD, acute exacerbation of COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, artificial intelligence/machine learning, remote patient monitoring, biometric wearable device, oscillometry

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.