Breathe better in 30 seconds: 4-7-8 technique tested for COPD
NCT ID NCT06966063
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether adding a specific breathing technique called 4-7-8 breathing to standard COPD care can reduce shortness of breath, improve lung function, and boost quality of life. Forty adults with mild to moderate COPD were enrolled. The technique involves breathing in for 4 seconds, holding for 7, and exhaling for 8. The goal is to see if this simple, drug-free method can help manage COPD symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- 4-7-8 breathing technique
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this simple breathing exercise could be a low-cost way to help COPD patients feel less breathless and improve their daily life.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with only 40 participants. Results may not apply to everyone with COPD, and the technique may not work for severe cases.
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
-
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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40 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jun 2024
- Finished
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Jul 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
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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18 to 64 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults: aged (40-64 years) * Gender: Both males and females * Grade1- Grade 1-3 on Modified MRC dyspnea scale * COPD mild and moderate according to GOLD classification * Mild: FEV1 \> 80% predicted * Moderate: FEV1 \>50% predicted Exclusion Criteria: * Severe and very severe stage of COPD according to GOLD classification. * Patients having Acute exacerbation of COPD. * Patients diagnosed with acute infections. * Patients unable to follow commands/ instructions.
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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
Locations
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Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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