NCT07518472

Additional Effects of Box Breathing Technique With Short Term Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Dyspnea and Functional Capacity in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Foundation University Islamabad · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 40 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is progressive and irreversible respiratory condition characterized by persistent airflow limitation leading to dyspnea and reduced functional capacity. Pulmonary rehabilitation along with different technqiues of breathing exercises reduces dyspnea and enhance functional capacity by improving ventilatory efficiency, respiratory muscle control and overall exercise tolerance in patients with COPD.

Detailed description

Chronic Obstructive pulmonary Disease is a progressive and irreversible respiratory condition characterized by persistent airflow limitation leading to dyspnea and reduced functional capacity. Pulmonary Rehabilitation, a cornerstone in COPD management helps to reduce dyspnea and improve functional capacity. Although long-term PR programs yield sustained benefits, shorter-duration PR (e.g., 3-week interventions) may offer greater feasibility and higher patient adherence. Total 40 participants will be allocated into two groups. Group A will be provided with short term Pulmonary rehabilitation along with pharmacological management and group B will be given additional Box breathing along with short term pulmonary rehabilitation The objective of this study is to determine the additional effects of Box breathing technique with short term pulmonary rehabilitation versus short term pulmonary rehabilitation alone on Dyspnea, Functional capacity and quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Conditions

• Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive (COPD)

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Short term Pulmonary Rehabilitation	Patients in this group will receive short term pulmonary rehabilitation along with pharmacological management. A total of 3 weeks protocol will be followed in which 2 seesions per week will be supervised by physiotherapist. Short term pulmonary rehabilitation includes: Warm-up(5-7min): light walking Aerobic training: mild-moderate intensity (40-60% of MHR) cycling or walk on treadmill/over ground Strength training: Exercises for major muscle groups (upper limb, lower limb and trunk) using body weight based on 1RM. Upper limb: upright row, shoulder press, bicep curls Lower limb: sit-to-stand, mini knee lifts, 3 steps calf raises Core: Seated abdominal contraction, back extension Perform 1-2 sets of 5-10 repetitions for each exercise, resting 1-2 mins between sets. Breathing exercise: pursed-lip breathing (1-3 sets of 5-10 reps) Cool down: (5-10min) Pharmacological management: Patient will receive medications as per prescribed by pulmonologist
OTHER	Box breathing with short term pulmonary rehabilitation	Patients in this group will receive box breathing with short term pulmonary rehabilitation along with pharmacological management. A total 3 weeks protocol will be followed in which 2 sessions per week will be supervised by physiotherapist and box breathing will be performed daily. Patient will receive short term pulmonary rehabilitation including: Warm -up (5-7 min): light walking Aerobic training: mild-moderate intensity (40-60%of MHR) cycling or walk on treadmill/over ground. Strength training: Exercises for major muscle groups (upper limb, lower limb and trunk) using body weight based on 1RM. Upper limb: upright row, shoulder press, bicep curls Lower limb: sit-to-stand, mini knee lifts, 3 steps calf raises Core: seated abdominal contractions, back extensions Perform 1-2 sets of 5-10 repetitions for each exercise resting 1-2 min between sets. Breathing exercise: pursed-lip breathing (1-3 sets of 5 -10 repetitions) Cool down: (5-10 min) Box breathing: The patient will be instructed

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-28
• Primary completion: 2026-05-15
• Completion: 2026-05-15
• First posted: 2026-04-08
• Last updated: 2026-04-08

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan