Multidimensional Study of Dyspnea at Rest, During Exertion, Self-induced Through a Virtual Reality Scenario, and Its Placebo Effect in Patients With COPD and Control Subjects.

Starting soon · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

In brief

This quasi-experimental laboratory study aims to describe and compare the multidimensional experience of dyspnea at rest and during exertion in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and healthy controls. The study integrates neurophysiological, somatosensory, and psychological assessments, including prefrontal cortex activity (fNIRS), quantitative sensory testing (QST), and immersive virtual reality (VR) scenarios. Additionally, the study evaluates the modulation of dyspnea perception through expectation mechanisms and placebo intervention using high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). The ultimate goal is to better understand the multidimensional and neurocognitive mechanisms underlying dyspnea.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT07568379
Run by: University of Deusto
People needed: 80
Starts: 2026-04-01
Expected to finish: 2028-01-01
Last updated by the study team: 2026-05-05

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

COPD:
Diagnosed COPD (FEV1/FVC < 0.7 post-bronchodilator)
GOLD stage 2-4
Clinically stable
Signed informed consent
Healthy subjects:
Normal pulmonary function
No chronic diseases
Non-smoker or long-term ex-smoker

You may not qualify if…

COPD patients:
Severe cardiac, neurological, or psychiatric disease
Other respiratory diseases
Recent exacerbation
Use of ventilatory support (except CPAP)
Heatlhy subjects:
Respiratory symptoms
Recent infections
Medication affecting respiratory function
Substance abuse

Where it is running

Univesity of Deusto — San Sebastián, Spain

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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