Brain zaps for breathlessness: tiny trial tests tDCS in COPD Flare-Ups
NCT ID NCT06944626
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This small study tested whether a painless brain stimulation technique called tDCS could reduce shortness of breath in people hospitalized with a COPD flare-up. Thirty participants received either real tDCS or a sham version, plus standard physiotherapy, over three days. Researchers measured breathing, lung function, and daily activity levels to see if the brain stimulation made a difference.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a new, non-drug way to help COPD patients feel less breathless during a flare-up.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early study with only 30 people. The results may not apply to everyone, and the effect might be small or not last long.
Disclaimer
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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İstinye Üniversitesi
Istanbul, Zeytinburnu, 08100, Turkey (Türkiye)