Hospital workout boost for COPD patients shows promise

NCT ID NCT05480566

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether adding functional strength training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation to usual hospital care helps people with COPD exacerbations recover better. The 35 participants did exercises like sit-to-stand and received mild electrical pulses to their thigh muscles. The goal was to improve their ability to stand up from a chair repeatedly and reduce breathlessness and fatigue.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
functional strength training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation
What this could lead to
If it works, this approach could help COPD patients leave the hospital stronger and with less shortness of breath and fatigue.
What could go wrong
The trial was terminated early with only 35 participants, so results are limited. It is unclear if the added therapy provides meaningful benefit over standard care alone.

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 ACUTE EXACERBATION OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

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

  • Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg

    Genk, Belgium

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.