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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Dyspnea

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)