Pulmonary Rehabilitation Frequency in COPD Patients (NCT07575841) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Frequency in COPD Patients
158 participantsStarted 2027-01
Plain-language summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common condition that can cause breathlessness and reduced physical capacity. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an effective treatment, but traditional programs often require patients to attend sessions several times per week, which may limit participation.
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two supervised pulmonary rehabilitation programs: one performed 3 days per week and another performed 1 day per week, both over an 8-week period and including additional home-based exercises.
The main objective is to determine whether the lower-frequency program is not inferior to the higher-frequency program in improving functional capacity, measured by the six-minute walk test. Secondary outcomes include dyspnea, quality of life, muscle strength, physical activity, adherence, exacerbations, and safety.
The results of this study may help optimize pulmonary rehabilitation programs and improve accessibility for patients with COPD.
Who can participate
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.
IInclusion criteria
* Diagnosis of COPD confirmed by spirometry (FEV₁/FVC \<0.70)
* Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea scale ≥2
* Ability to actively participate and perform physical exercise
* Signed informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Unstable cardiac or musculoskeletal comorbidity contraindicating or limiting exercise
* Moderate to severe cognitive impairment or inability to understand instructions
* Recent participation (\<6 months) in a complete pulmonary rehabilitation programme
* Inability to attend the centre 1-3 days/week according to group allocation
* Current participation in any structured pulmonary rehabilitation programme or supervised rehabilitation intervention in another centre.
* Active oncological treatment
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
1
Functional capacity assessed by the six-minute walk test (6MWT)
Timeframe: Change from baseline to 8 weeks (end of intervention)