Can a sleep apnea machine help people with collapsing airways walk farther?
NCT ID NCT04217603
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
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.
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.
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 EXCESSIVE DYNAMIC AIRWAY COLLAPSE 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
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.