CompletedNot Applicable

Respiratory Exercises in Frail Elderly COPD Patients

Turkey (Türkiye)66 participantsStarted 2023-08-01

Plain-language summary

Purpose: This study evaluated the impact of a structured intervention on frailty, lung function, physical capacity, and dyspnea in elderly COPD patients. COPD, common in older adults, often coexists with frailty, which worsens health outcomes. While pulmonary rehabilitation improves function, its effect on frailty remains unclear. Procedures: A total of 66 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD were randomly allocated into two equal groups: an intervention group (n=33) and a control group (n=33). Participants in the intervention group completed a six-week pulmonary rehabilitation program. Both baseline and post-intervention evaluations comprised spirometric measurements (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, FEF25-75, and PEF), the Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS), the six-minute walk test (6MWT), oxygen saturation levels, and assessments of dyspnea severity. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the intervention group in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and PEF (p\<0.05). Total EFS scores and subdimensions such as mood, general health, and cognitive status also improved significantly (p\<0.05). Additionally, the intervention group showed increased 6MWT distance, higher oxygen saturation, and reduced dyspnea scores post-intervention (p\<0.05), with minimal changes in the control group. Conclusion: The findings suggest that pulmonary rehabilitation not only enhances pulmonary function and exercise capacity but also reduces frailty severity in elderly COPD patients. Integrating frailty-focused strategies into routine COPD management may improve outcomes and quality of life in this population.

Who can participate

Age range

65 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: * a diagnosis of COPD for at least one year prior to participation, * age 65 years or older, * normal thoracic and vertebral spine and lower extremities, * a score of 5 or higher on the Edmonton Frailty Scale, * no participation in any pulmonary rehabilitation or exercise program within the last year Exclusion Criteria: * a history of myocardial infarction within the last 3 months, * a history of angina pectoris or cerebrovascular event within the last month, * uncontrolled arrhythmia, * heart rate \>120 beats/min, * uncontrolled hypertension (BP \>180/100 mmHg), * advanced heart failure (Stage 3/Stage 4), * severe anemia (Hb \<7 g/dL), * active or chronic infection (COPD exacerbation, Tuberculosis, Osteomyelitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis), * resting or exertional dyspnea, exertional angina, * increased cough and sputum complaints within the last week, * hospitalization within the last month, * blood transfusion within the last month * the presence of physical or mental health problems that would impede communication

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

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)-FVC

Timeframe: 8 WEEKS

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)- FEV1

Timeframe: 8 WEEKS

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)- FEF25-75

Timeframe: 8 WEEKS

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07472530

SponsorÇankırı Karatekin University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-10-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Fraility trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

65 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.