Breathing exercises put to the test for scarred lungs

NCT ID NCT07810153

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First seen Sep 09, 2026 · Last updated Sep 10, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

Researchers compare two breathing techniques added to standard medical care for people with stable pulmonary fibrosis. Forty adults with mild to moderate lung restriction join the study. One group receives a manual diaphragmatic release technique, where a therapist applies gentle traction to the rib cage. The other group uses a handheld device to train inspiratory muscles against resistance. Both groups do their assigned technique three times a week for 12 weeks. The study measures changes in lung function and how far participants can walk in six minutes.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Diaphragmatic Release Technique and Targeted Inspiratory Muscle Training
What this could lead to
If one technique works better, it could give patients with stable pulmonary fibrosis a simple, non-drug way to breathe easier and walk farther.
What could go wrong
This is a small, 40-person study. Breathing exercises may not change the scarring in the lungs, and any gains in lung function or walking distance might be modest or fade without continued practice.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

About 40 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Expected to start

Oct 2026

An estimate. Start dates often move.

Expected to finish

Feb 2027

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

18 to 80 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Confirmed clinical diagnosis of stable pulmonary fibrosis (diagnosed via HRCT scan and medical evaluation). Age 18 years or older (both males and females). Clinically stable condition with no acute pulmonary exacerbations or respiratory tract infections within the last 4 weeks. Mild-to-moderate pulmonary restrictive impairment baseline. Ability to follow verbal instructions and perform spirometry testing, 6-minute walk test, and threshold inspiratory muscle training maneuvers. Exclusion Criteria: * Acute respiratory exacerbation or hospitalization within the past 4 weeks. Severe cardiac comorbidities (e.g., unstable angina, recent myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, or uncontrolled severe hypertension). Severe orthopedic, neuromuscular, or musculoskeletal conditions that prevent participation in exercise training, manual therapy, or 6MWT testing. Recent chest or abdominal surgery (within the past 3 months). Cognitive impairment or psychiatric disorders that impede understanding of instructions or adherence to intervention protocols. Participation in another formal pulmonary rehabilitation program or clinical trial concurrently or within the past 30 days

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Conditions

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As listed by the trial registrant

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