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Completed

NCT Number: NCT06966063

Additive Effects of 4-7-8 Breathing Technique With Standard Management on Dyspnea, Pulmonary Function and Quality of Life in Patients With COPD.

A heterogeneous lung condition characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, cough, expectoration and/or exacerbations) due to abnormalities of the airways (bronchitis, bronchiolitis) and/or alveoli (emphysema)-- cause persistent, often progressive, airflow obstruction.

Breathing exercises help to manage dyspnea and reduced pulmonary function often seen in COPD patients. To handle respiratory complications COPD patients are advised to practice breathing techniques in conjunction with their prescribed medications.

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Key information

Conditions

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Chronic Disease Disease Attributes Dyspnea Lung Diseases Lung Diseases, Obstructive Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive Respiration Disorders Respiratory Tract Diseases Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms, Respiratory

Age range

18 year–64 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Foundation University College of Physical Therapy

Islamabad, 44000, Pakistan

About this study

COPD is a very common chronic respiratory disease with symptoms (dyspnea, cough, expectoration and/or exacerbations) due to abnormalities of the airways (bronchitis, bronchiolitis) and/or alveoli (emphysema)-- cause persistent, often progressive, airflow obstruction.

Breathing exercises help to manage dyspnea associated with COPD. In order to manage respiratory conditions COPD patients are encouraged for nasal breathing techniques along with standard management. Hence the objective of the study is to compare the effects of 4-7-8 breathing along with standard management versus standard management alone on dyspnea, pulmonary function, and quality of life in patients with COPD.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults: aged (40-64 years)
  • Gender: Both males and females
  • Grade1- Grade 1-3 on Modified MRC dyspnea scale
  • COPD mild and moderate according to GOLD classification
  • Mild: FEV1 > 80% predicted
  • Moderate: FEV1 >50% predicted

Exclusion criteria

  • Severe and very severe stage of COPD according to GOLD classification.
  • Patients having Acute exacerbation of COPD.
  • Patients diagnosed with acute infections.
  • Patients unable to follow commands/ instructions.

Treatment and study plan

4-7-8 breathing along with standard management.

Procedure

For 4-7-8 breathing, Patient is asked sit in comfortable position. Patient is asked place the tip of your tongue up against the back of your front teeth. Keep it there through the entire breathing process. Instruct the patient to breathe in silently through your nose to the count of four (4sec) and Hold your breath to the count of seven (7sec). Exhale through your mouth to the count of eight (8sec), making an audible "whoosh" sound. That completes one full breath. Repeat the cycle another three time, and gradually in increase the cycle four time.

Total 4 weeks protocol. Two sessions per week will be supervised by physiotherapist and 5 days at home. Week 01 and 02 Frequenc: 01 session/day Intensity: Start with comfortable duration. Time: 10 minutes Week 03 and 04 Frequecy: 02 sessions/day Intensity: 4 sec inhale, 7 sec hold and 8 sec exhale Time: 15 minutes

Control Group

Procedure

Patients will recieve medication as prescribed by pulmonologist through stepwise approach according to symptoms and severity.

Total 4 weeks protocol. Before and after 4 weeks pre and post interventional values will be taken.

Week 01 and 02 Patients will receive medications prescribed by pulmonologist. Week 03 and 04 Patients will receive medications prescribed by pulmonologist.

Primary outcomes

  1. Dyspnea

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    Evaluation will be done using Dyspnea-12 questionnaire for dyspnea

  2. pulmonary function

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    spirometer to measure volume of air inspired and exhale through lungs.

  3. Quality of Life of COPD patients

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    COPD assessment test (CAT) will be used to evaluate quality of life of COPD patients

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Foundation University Islamabad

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
May 11, 2025
Registry last updated
Sep 15, 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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