Can a sleep apnea machine help people with collapsing airways walk farther?
NCT ID NCT04217603
First seen Apr 14, 2026 · Last updated Jun 21, 2026 · Updated 17 times
Summary
This study tests whether using a CPAP machine during a 6-minute walk test helps people with excessive central airway collapse (ECAC) walk farther and feel less breathless. ECAC is a condition where the central airways narrow or collapse during breathing, making exercise difficult. Researchers will compare CPAP to a sham device in 32 adults, measuring walking distance, breathing effort, and cough. CPAP is already FDA-approved for sleep apnea but not for ECAC.
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the original study
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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.
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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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device
What this could lead to
If it works, CPAP could become a non-invasive way to improve exercise capacity and reduce shortness of breath in people with excessive central airway collapse.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage trial with only 32 participants. CPAP is not yet approved for this condition, and the sham comparison may show no meaningful benefit.
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.