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.

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

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