RecruitingNot Applicable

Effects of Isocapnic Respiratory Muscle Endurance Training in Healthy Adults

Canada32 participantsStarted 2025-08-04

Plain-language summary

Respiratory muscle training (RMT) strengthens breathing muscles and may improve exercise performance and reduce breathlessness. However, different training methods and devices create controversy in the field. Two main types of RMT exist: inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and respiratory endurance training, like voluntary isocapnic hyperpnea (VIH). While IMT is well-studied, the impact of VIH on breathlessness remains unclear. This study will use the Canadian-developed BreathWayBetter device to examine how 5 weeks of VIH affects breathing discomfort and muscle function. Findings may help personalize RMT for athletes and clinical patients, improving respiratory care and exercise tolerance.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 55 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * 18-55 years of age (inclusive) * Male or Female (biological sex) * Body mass index greater than 18 or less than 30 kg/m2 * Normal pulmonary function: FEV1/FVC \> 0.70 and FEV1 ≥ 80% * Able to read and understand English * Regularly trains and/or competes at a regional, national, or international level as a road cyclist or triathlete * Access to a device with the capability to download the Isocapnic app (Apple IOS or Google Play/Android) or the ability to use the Web Based application. Exclusion Criteria: * Currently smoke, vape, or use cannabis, or have a history of frequent smoking, vaping or cannabis use * History of, or current symptoms of cardiopulmonary (i.e., lung and/or heart) disease (excluding controlled asthma) * Heart problem; a serious infection within the body; a neuromuscular (nerve to muscle) or musculoskeletal (muscle, ligament and/or bone) disorder; or other health problem that will be made worse with exercise testing * Contraindications to exercise testing defined as anything that would prevent exercise under proper and safe conditions (e.g. a problem with the heart or lungs, muscle or bone injury, a serious infection) * Currently pregnant * Required to read and understand English due to the nature of the consent form and study materials, including questionnaires and training instructions, which are only available in English.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change from baseline in dyspnoea ratings on the 0-10 Borg scale after respiratory endurance training

Timeframe: Up to 7 weeks

Difference in maximal oxygen consumption (VO2peak) following high intensity training program compared to sham comparator program.

Timeframe: Up to 7 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07103291

SponsorUniversity of British Columbia

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-08-01

Contact for this trial

Olivia Ferguson, MSc

604-806-8835 Olivia.Ferguson@hli.ubc.ca

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