Can acupuncture help COPD patients breathe easier?
NCT ID NCT04947800
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study explored whether adding acupuncture to standard pulmonary rehabilitation can improve lung function, exercise tolerance, and quality of life in people with COPD. Thirteen adults took part, receiving either electro-acupuncture at specific points or a control acupuncture while also completing a rehab program. The study was terminated early, so findings are limited.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- electro-acupuncture
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a way to boost the benefits of pulmonary rehab for people with COPD.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study (13 people) that was terminated early, so results are limited. It is too early to know if acupuncture adds real benefit.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03756, United States
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