Can simple breathing exercises help ICU patients get stronger?

NCT ID NCT07055789

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a combined breathing muscle training program is safe and practical for adult ICU patients who are on or recently off a ventilator. Twenty-two patients received the training alongside usual care. The main goal was to see if patients could stick with the program and if staff found it easy to use. This is a very early feasibility trial, so it does not yet prove the training improves outcomes.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: combined respiratory muscle training (inspiratory and expiratory muscle training)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a practical breathing exercise program that helps ICU patients recover faster from ventilator weakness.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early feasibility study with only 22 participants and no comparison group. It is designed to test whether the training is possible, not whether it works.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute quadriplegic myopathy Critical Illness

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CRITICAL ILLNESS CRITICAL ILLNESS MYOPATHY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Tallaght University Hospital

Dublin, Tallaght, D24NR0A, Ireland

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