Improve Muscle Weakness in Patient With COPD

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of combining aerobic exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) training in patients with emphysematous chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study aimed to determine whether adding BFR to aerobic exercise could enhance muscle strength and functional capacity compared with conventional training alone. The findings demonstrated that aerobic exercise combined with BFR significantly improved lower-limb muscle strength, exercise tolerance, and functional performance in patients with emphysematous COPD. These results suggest that BFR-assisted aerobic training may serve as an effective and safe rehabilitation strategy to improve physical function and quality of life in this population.

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Key information

Conditions

Emphysema or COPD Chronic Disease Disease Attributes Emphysema Lung Diseases Lung Diseases, Obstructive Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive Respiratory Tract Diseases

Age range

50 year–70 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

Patients diagnosed with emphysematous chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Clinically stable COPD patients with no acute exacerbation within the previous 4-6 weeks.
Mild to moderate disease severity according to GOLD criteria.
Ability to participate safely in aerobic exercise training.
Medically stable and cleared by a physician for pulmonary rehabilitation.
Ability to understand and follow study instructions.

Exclusion criteria

Acute COPD exacerbation or respiratory infection during the study period.
Severe cardiovascular diseases (e.g., unstable angina, uncontrolled hypertension, recent myocardial infarction).
Peripheral vascular disease or contraindications to blood flow restriction (BFR) training.
Severe musculoskeletal, neurological, or orthopedic disorders limiting exercise performance.
Cognitive impairment affecting cooperation or informed consent.
Participation in another structured rehabilitation program during the study period.
Severe hypoxemia requiring continuous oxygen therapy during exercise.
History of deep vein thrombosis or clotting disorders.

Treatment and study plan

Aerobic Exercise Combined with Blood Flow Restriction

Other

Aerobic exercise combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) is a rehabilitation technique in which patients perform low- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, such as treadmill or cycling training, while a specialized cuff is applied around the proximal part of the limb to partially restrict blood flow. This method aims to enhance muscle strength and functional performance using lower exercise intensity, making it suitable for patients with limited exercise tolerance, such as individuals with COPD.

Aerobic Exercise

Other

The control group performed conventional aerobic exercise training at low to moderate intensity without the application of blood flow restriction. The program included activities such as treadmill walking or cycling to improve cardiovascular endurance, functional capacity, and overall physical fitness in patients with COPD.

Primary outcomes

muscle strength

Time frame: 8 weeks

quadriceps strength by isokinetic: Quadriceps strength will be measured using an isokinetic dynamometer at an angular velocity of 60°/s. Participants will perform three to five maximal concentric knee extension efforts after familiarization. Peak torque (Nm) will be recorded, and the highest value will be used for statistical analysis

Secondary outcomes

function capacity

Time frame: 8 weeks

Functional capacity will be assessed using the 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test (1STS). Participants will be instructed to sit and stand from a standard chair as many times as possible within one minute without using their upper limbs for assistance. The total number of completed repetitions will be recorded, with higher scores indicating better functional capacity.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

hanan mohamed

CONTACT

[email protected]

+962775661825

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Aerobic Exercise Combined With Blood Flow Restriction Improves Muscle Strength and Functional Capacity In Patients With Emphysematous COPD: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Jun 16, 2026
Registry last updated: Jun 16, 2026

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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