Incline walking may ease COPD breathlessness, new study suggests
NCT ID NCT06749262
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether walking on an incline is better than walking faster on flat ground for people with COPD. The goal is to find ways to improve exercise programs so patients feel less short of breath. About 54 veterans with COPD will take part, and researchers will measure breathing rate, breathlessness, and walking time.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 54 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 2026
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a US federal agency other than the NIH.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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45 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Veterans from all sex/gender, race, and ethnicity will be recruited * All subjects will undergo post-bronchodilator spirometry and be clinically stable * All subjects must have documented FEV1/FVC ratio of \<0.7, and between 30% to 80% FEV1% predicted * If subjects have non-qualifying spirometry, they will not be screened further * Subjects with qualifying spirometry will be screened further * Potential subjects must have a BMI of less than 35 kg/m2 and must be free from co-morbidities that may affect walking patterns * e.g., peripheral arterial disease, diabetes, low back pain Exclusion Criteria: * Confounding effects such as neurological, musculoskeletal, or metabolic disease * Subjects taking medications that alter mood or metabolic demand will be excluded * All potential subjects must be cleared for participation by a physician after undergoing a cardiopulmonary exercise test * Require an O2 mask during rest or activity
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Omaha VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE
RECRUITINGOmaha, Nebraska, 68105-1850, United States
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