NCT07506317

Comparative Effects of Wim Hoff Method and Box Breathing Method in Mild COPD

Comparative Effects of Wim Hoff Method and Box Breathing on Anxiety, Dyspnea and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Mild Copd

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (actual)
• Sponsor: Riphah International University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 35 Years – 50 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to support the role of effective, non-pharmacological interventions in the management of the symptoms of mild Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or the anxiety, dyspnea, and peak expiratory flow rate decline. The main questions it aims to answer are * There are no significant effects of wim hoff breathing and box breathing technique on dyspnea, anxiety, and PEFR in mild COPD patients. * There are significant effects of wim hoff breathing and box breathing technique on dyspnea, anxiety, and PEFR in mild COPD patients. There 2 study groups, group A received box breathing technique and Group B of mild COPD patients received wim hoff breathing technique.

Detailed description

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition that causes airflow limitation, leading to symptoms such as dyspnea, chronic cough, and anxiety. COPD significantly affects patients' quality of life, with anxiety and breathlessness often exacerbating the disease's impact. Traditional treatments primarily focus on medication, but non-pharmacological interventions like controlled breathing techniques have gained attention for their potential benefits in symptom management. The objective is to determine the effects of the Wim Hof Method and Box Breathing on anxiety, dyspnea, and pulmonary function (PEFR and FEV1) in patients with mild COPD, assessing which method offers greater benefits in managing these symptoms. It is a randomized clinical trial was conducted with 60 participants diagnosed with mild COPD. Participants were assigned to either the Wim Hof Method group or the Box Breathing group by simple randomization technique of computer-generated random number table. Over 8 weeks, both groups practiced their respective breathing techniques, and assessments of anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), dyspnea (Borg Dyspnea Scale), and pulmonary function (PEFR and FEV1) were performed pre- and post-treatment. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.

Conditions

• COPD

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Box Breathing	The protocol for box breathing, which is a powerful technique for stress management and relaxation, guided patients through a structured breathing exercise. The box breathing exercise consisted of the following steps: * Inhaled Deeply: Patients breathed in slowly through their nose, counting to 4, allowing their lungs to fill fully and gradually. * Held the Breath: They held their breath for a count of 4, maintaining a sense of calm as they allowed the air to settle. * Exhaled Slowly: They released the breath through their mouth over a count of 4, focusing on the slow, controlled release of air. * Paused Again: After exhaling, they held the breath out for a final count of 4, embracing the brief stillness before the next cycle.
OTHER	Wim Hoff Breathing Technique	The Wim Hof Breathing Technique was introduced as a powerful method to improve physical and mental resilience, boost energy, and enhance control over the nervous and immune systems. The protocol for the Wim Hof Breathing Technique included the following steps: Preparation: Participants began by sitting or lying down in a comfortable position in a safe, quiet environment where they could practice without disturbances. Step 1: 30-40 Deep, Rhythmic Breaths Step 2: Hold Your Breath (Retention Phase) Step 3: Recovery Breath Step 4: Repeat the Cycle Duration of Practice: Each full session of the Wim Hof Breathing Technique, including all breathing cycles, took around 15-20 minutes. These treatment sessions continued for 8 weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-01-01
• Primary completion: 2025-10-01
• Completion: 2025-10-01
• First posted: 2026-04-01
• Last updated: 2026-04-01

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan