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NCT Number: NCT07112703

Effect of Incentive Respiratory Training on Pulmonary Functions and Functional Capacity in Children With B-thalassemia Major

The study was done to:

1. Investigate the effect of respiratory training on functional lung capacity and 2. To detect the effect of respiratory training on pulmonary functions in children with β-thalassemia major. 3. To detect the level of oxygen saturation and heart rate during and after blood transfusion in children with β-thalassemia major.

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Key information

Conditions

Incentive Spirometer Anemia Anemia, Hemolytic Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital Child, Only Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities Functional Capacity Genetic Diseases, Inborn Hematologic Diseases Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases Hemoglobinopathies Pulmonary Function Thalassemia Thalassemia Major beta-Thalassemia

Age range

6 year–10 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Zagazig university hospitals.

Zagazig, Egypt

Location status: Recruiting

About this study

Children with thalassemia require regular blood transfusions, which can lead to complications and affect lung capacity, oxygen saturation, and heart rate. To improve lung function capacity, this study aims to enhance physical fitness for children with B-thalassemia major, enabling optimal performance in daily activities and leisure activities. Physical activity focused on fitness is essential for children to find pleasure in physical activities and improve oxygen saturation levels. This study may also help physiotherapists understand the importance of improving lung function capacity for children with B-major thalassemia.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Diagnosed as thalassemia & subjected to blood transfusion
  • Their age range from 6 to 10 years old
  • Both sexes, male and female, will participate.
  • Subjects are able to follow simple verbal commands or instructions included in the procedures.

Exclusion criteria

  • Children with mental retardation or any other disability .
  • Children with visual or hearing defects.
  • Children with cardiovascular, chest pulmonary, and heart diseases.
  • Children with any postoperative cardiovascular, chest pulmonary, and heart conditions.

Treatment and study plan

Incentive spirometer exercises

Other

The study group was instructed to use an incentive spirometer, which should be held upright, sealed around the mouthpiece, and taken slowly and deep breaths. They will be motivated to achieve a preset volume through visual feedback. The child will hold their breath for 2-3 seconds at full inspiration and, after each set of 10 breaths, cough to clear mucus from the lungs. The exercise duration is 15 minutes.

Diaphragmatic breathing

Other

The child will lie on their back, place one hand on their belly and one on their chest, and use a balloon or doll to fill both belly and chest up like a balloon. Inhale deeply, let the hands on the belly rise, then exhale slowly, making the belly down. The exercise will last for 10 minutes.

Pursed lip breathing:

Other

Sit in a seated position with crossed legs or knees. Inhale slowly through the nose for three seconds, then exhale through pursed lips, similar to blowing out birthday candles.

Costal breathing exercises

Other

The study involves conducting Costal breathing exercises for children. The exercises involve placing hands on the apical region of the lung, turning the child's head, relaxing the shoulder and neck muscles, taking a deep breath, pushing the hand out, holding, and exhaling slowly. The hands provide pressure and resistance after initiation of inspiration, and the children rest for 2 minutes between exercises. The duration of the exercise varies between the control and study groups.

Primary outcomes

  1. assessment of oxygen saturation

    Time frame: before exercises and immediately after blood transfusion

    A child should rest for five minutes before taking an oximeter reading. The meter should be placed on the child's fingertip, and if the numbers fluctuate, the oxygen saturation level will be clearly labeled on the screen device.

  2. assessment of heart rate

    Time frame: before exercises and immediately after blood transfusion

    A child should rest for five minutes before taking an oximeter reading. The meter should be placed on the child's fingertip, and if the numbers fluctuate, the heart rate level will be clearly labeled on the screen device.

Secondary outcomes

  1. assessment of slow vital capacity

    Time frame: before exercises and immediately after blood transfusion

    Using neuro-soft spirometer. The process involves calibrating an instrument, data entry, and child preparation for measurements. Calibration involves removing the mouthpiece, attaching it to the flow sensor, and adjusting the device pump. Data entry involves sterilizing the mouthpiece and entering patient information. Assessment procedures involve sitting comfortably, recording data, performing test maneuvers, and repeating the test if results aren't acceptable.

    The child is instructed to take two to three normal breaths, exhale slowly and inhale gently, with a diagram displayed on the screen to measure their breathing strength. The record icon is closed after the test, and 1-2 minutes of rest is allowed between measurements.

  2. assessment of forced expiration

    Time frame: before exercises and immediately after blood transfusion

    Using neuro-soft spirometer. The process involves calibrating an instrument, data entry, and child preparation for measurements. Calibration involves removing the mouthpiece, attaching it to the flow sensor, and adjusting the device pump. Data entry involves sterilizing the mouthpiece and entering patient information. Assessment procedures involve sitting comfortably, recording data, performing test maneuvers, and repeating the test if results aren't acceptable.

    A forced expiration test involves a child taking two to three breaths, inhaling deeply, and blowing air through the mouthpiece until no air is left. A candle is shown on the screen to motivate the child. The test is repeated three times, and the record icon is closed.

  3. assessment of Maximal voluntary ventilation test

    Time frame: before exercises and immediately after blood transfusion

    Using neuro-soft spirometer. The process involves calibrating an instrument, data entry, and child preparation for measurements. Calibration involves removing the mouthpiece, attaching it to the flow sensor, and adjusting the device pump. Data entry involves sterilizing the mouthpiece and entering patient information. Assessment procedures involve sitting comfortably, recording data, performing test maneuvers, and repeating the test if results aren't acceptable.

    A maximal voluntary ventilation test is conducted by inhaling and exhaling rapidly for 10 seconds, with a diagram showing inspiration and expiration strength. The record icon is closed after 10 seconds, and the test is repeated three times.

  4. Assessment of functional capacity:

    Time frame: before exercises and immediately after blood transfusion

    The study uses a six-minute walk test to assess children's functional capacity. The child walks on a 10 meter unobstructed path, with a therapist monitoring their progress. They cover as many turns as possible without running. Chairs are placed at each 5 meter distance for rest and recovery.

Interested in participating?

Recruiting

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Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Rawan Mohammed Khairy Mostafa Elsawy

Other

Collaborators

  • Cairo University

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Aug 8, 2025
Registry last updated
Aug 8, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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