RecruitingNot Applicable

Continuous Versus High Intensity Interval Exercise in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Greece12 participantsStarted 2026-06

Plain-language summary

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by exercise intolerance, which is a prognostic factor of disease severity and mortality and is usually attributed to ventilatory limitations. Emerging evidence indicates that cerebral oxygenation may also be an important contributor, being impaired both at rest and during exercise in COPD patients. Furthermore, abnormal systemic hemodynamic responses and autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction have been observed, which may further impair cerebral oxygenation. The type of exercise training applied in pulmonary rehabilitation (continuous versus interval) appears to influence these mechanisms differently, yet evidence on their impact on cerebral oxygenation in COPD remains scarce. The aim of this study is to compare, for the first time, the acute changes in cerebral oxygenation, CPET parameters, systemic hemodynamic responses, and autonomic responses in patients with COPD who undergo a high-intensity interval aerobic exercise (HIIE) protocol versus a moderate-intensity continuous aerobic exercise (MICE) protocol. These findings will have important clinical implications, as they may guide the choice of the most appropriate exercise modality in pulmonary rehabilitation.

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.

Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of COPD based on smoking history (pack/years) or exposure to other risk factors and post bronchodilation forced expiratory volume (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio \<0.7 * Resting arterial oxygen partial pressure at room air \>60 mmHg, according to recent (within a week) arterial blood gases assessment * Disease being stable and treated optimal, based on current GOLD guidelines. * Provision of informed written signed consent prior to study entry Exclusion Criteria: * Recent respiratory infection or exacerbation (as indicated by deterioration of respiratory symptoms, hospital admission and/or change in medication within the previous month), within the past 3 months * Changes in COPD medication with the past month * History of asthma and/or reversible airway obstruction (post bronchodilation FEV1/ FVC \>0.7) * Pulmonary hypertension * Congestive heart failure (Left Ventricle Ejection Fraction \<50% in recent echocardiography) * Severe peripheral artery disease * Chronic Kidney disease with eGFR \< 30 ml/min (KDIGO stages 3b, 4 ,5) * Active acute or chronic infectious diseases * Active malignant disease or hematologic disorder under treatment * History of neuromuscular disorder * History of severe intellectual disability or mental disorder * Any contradiction to moderate-high intensity exercise or cardiopulmonary exercise testing according to ATS/ACCP guidelines, such as: myocardial infarction within the past 6 months, unstab…

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

Differences between MICE and HIIE protocol in brain HbO2 (changes from the baseline) during rest

Timeframe: The MICE and HIIE protocols will be conducted within 2 weeks from enrollment and will be separated by one week.

Differences between MICE and HIIE protocol in brain HbO2 (changes from the baseline) during exercise

Timeframe: The MICE and HIIE protocols will be conducted within 2 weeks from enrollment and will be separated by one week.

Differences between MICE and HIIE protocol in brain HbO2 (changes from the baseline) during recovery

Timeframe: The MICE and HIIE protocols will be conducted within 2 weeks from enrollment and will be separated by one week.

Differences between MICE and HIIE protocol in brain HHb (changes from the baseline) during rest

Timeframe: The MICE and HIIE protocols will be conducted within 2 weeks from enrollment and will be separated by one week.

Differences between MICE and HIIE protocol in brain HHb (changes from the baseline) during exercise

Timeframe: The MICE and HIIE protocols will be conducted within 2 weeks from enrollment and will be separated by one week.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07707271

SponsorGeorge Papanicolaou Hospital

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-06

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