Can a simple home breathing device keep COPD patients out of the hospital?

NCT ID NCT06970054

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

Summary

This study tests whether using a handheld breathing device (OPEP) at home, combined with aerobic exercise, can reduce serious flare-ups and hospital visits in people with moderate to severe COPD. About 312 participants aged 40-80 will be split into four groups: standard care, OPEP alone, exercise alone, or both together. They will use wearable monitors and follow training plans for 8 weeks, with follow-ups over two years.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP) device and aerobic exercise

What this could lead to

If successful, this could offer a practical home-based program to reduce COPD flare-ups and hospital stays, improving daily life for people with moderate to severe COPD.

What could go wrong

This is a mid-stage study with 312 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The interventions require daily effort, and long-term benefits or risks are not yet fully known.

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 COPD, severe early onset

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine

    Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, China