Breathing training at home may cut hospital returns for COPD patients

NCT ID NCT07213128

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: KU Leuven Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether a home-based breathing exercise program can reduce hospital readmissions and deaths in people recovering from a severe COPD flare-up. About 358 participants will either receive usual care or add daily inspiratory muscle training using a smartphone-connected device. The training involves breathing against resistance for 30 breaths, twice a day for 90 days, then once daily. Researchers will track readmissions, survival, and quality of life for up to a year.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: inspiratory muscle training (breathing exercise device)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, home-based way to help COPD patients avoid hospital readmissions and improve their quality of life after a severe flare-up.
What could go wrong: This is a mid-sized trial testing a non-drug intervention, so results may not be dramatic. The training requires daily effort, and not everyone may stick with it. Also, the study is still recruiting, so outcomes are uncertain.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD, severe early onset Symptom Flare Up

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASES COPD SYMPTOM EXACERBATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

AZ Delta
RECRUITING

Roeselare, 8800, Belgium
AZ Groeninge
RECRUITING

Kortrijk, 8500, Belgium
AZ Maria Middelares
RECRUITING

Ghent, 9000, Belgium
AZORG
RECRUITING

Aalst, 9300, Belgium
Campus Joseph Bracops, Hôpitaux Iris Sud
RECRUITING

Anderlecht, 1070, Belgium
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre
RECRUITING

Brussels, 1000, Belgium
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire UCL Namur
RECRUITING

Yvoir, 5530, Belgium
Centre hospitalier universitaire de Liège
RECRUITING

Liège, 4000, Belgium
Grand Hopial de Charleroi
RECRUITING

Charleroi, 6000, Belgium
Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Edegem, 2650, Belgium
Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent
RECRUITING

Ghent, 9000, Belgium
University Hospitals Leuven
RECRUITING

Leuven, 3000, Belgium

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