Active Cycle Of Breathing Technique And Pursed Lip Breathing in Moderate to Severe COPD Patients

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Moderate to Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

In brief

Purpose of the Study Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive, long-term lung condition that limits airflow and makes breathing difficult. People with COPD frequently experience shortness of breath, chronic coughing, and mucus buildup, which can severely impact their daily activities and overall quality of life. While medications are commonly used, non drug therapies like specialized breathing exercises are becoming vital tools to help relieve symptoms. The purpose of this study is to compare two popular breathing techniques the Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) and Pursed-Lip Breathing (PLB) to determine which method is more effective at improving lung function, reducing breathlessness, and enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals living with moderate to severe COPD. Study Plan and Methods This study is a randomized controlled trial lasting approximately 8 to 10 months. A total of 40 eligible participants (both men and women aged 40 to 55) will be recruited and randomly split into two equal groups: Group A (Active Cycle Breathing): Participants will practice ACBT, which combines relaxed breathing, deep chest-expanding breaths, and a specialized coughing technique ("huffing") to clear trapped mucus from the lungs Group B (Pursed-Lip Breathing): Participants will practice PLB, a technique where they inhale slowly through the nose and exhale gently through puckered lips (like blowing out a candle) to slow down breathing and improve ventilation Both groups will receive their assigned breathing exercise alongside standard medical care and a baseline postural drainage treatment. Exercises will be performed in 15-to-20-minute sessions, twice a day, for a total of 8 weeks. Expected Outcomes Researchers will evaluate participants before and after the 8-week program using standard lung function tests (spirometry), breathlessness questionnaires, and quality-of-life assessments. The study expects both techniques to offer relief, but aims to identify if one method provides superior evidence-based benefits. The ultimate goal is to help physical therapists and doctors design more effective, personalized pulmonary rehabilitation programs for COPD patients.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07742033

Run by

University of Lahore

People needed

40

Starts

2025-01-11

Expected to finish

2026-06-30

Last updated by the study team

2026-08-03

Who can join

Age: 40 and older, up to 55. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Both genders.
• Subjects with the 40-55 age years.
• Diagnosed with COPD
• Subjects who are on regular treatment
• Subjects who are conscious and cooperative
• Subjects who can understand and follow instruction

You may not qualify if…

• • Patients with recent abdominal, and thoracic surgery.
• Patients with any Disability; Physical or Mental.
• Patients with unstable angina, advanced congestive heart failure, or severe pulmonary hypertension, because altered intrathoracic pressures during forced expirations strain the heart.
• Patients with advanced kyphoscoliosis or severe pectus excavatum, as baseline structural restrictions prevent optimal diaphragmatic excursion and chest wall expansion.
• Patients presenting with severe resting hypoxemia or highly volatile blood oxygen values at baseline that require continuous emergency clinical monitoring.
• Patients who have experienced a sudden worsening or an acute clinical crash within the past 4 weeks, as the forced expiratory components (such as huffing) involved in active airway clearance can severely exacerbate active bronchospasms.

Where it is running

• Dr.Sidra Faisal — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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