Laughter may be the best medicine for COPD breathlessness
NCT ID NCT05997550
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether pursed lip breathing exercises and laughter therapy can reduce shortness of breath, improve health status, and lower care dependence in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 63 adults with COPD were split into three groups: one did breathing exercises, one did laughter therapy, and one received standard education. The interventions lasted 8 weeks, and symptoms were measured at 4, 8, and 12 weeks.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- pursed lip breathing exercise and laughter therapy
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer simple, drug-free ways to help people with COPD feel less breathless and more independent.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study with only 63 participants. The results may not apply to everyone with COPD, and the benefits might be modest.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
-
Bilkent City Hospital
Ankara, Çamlıca Mahallesi, 06520, Turkey (Türkiye)
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Smart breathing machines at home: a new way to predict COPD crises?
- Breathing easy? new X-Ray method may spot COPD decline early
- Could a common heart drug cut COPD hospitalizations?
- Which inhaler breathes better? a Head-to-Head COPD showdown
- Could tiny lung valves revive heart and muscle strength in COPD?
- One lung or two? surgery trial aims to find the best approach for severe COPD