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NCT Number: NCT07402850

Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure Therapy Versus Autogenic Drainage in Patients With COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that causes breathing difficulty, cough, and sputum production. Airway clearance techniques are commonly used to help reduce symptoms and improve breathing in patients with COPD.

This study compared two airway clearance methods-oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP) therapy and autogenic drainage-to determine which method is more effective in improving lung function, sputum clearance, shortness of breath, and quality of life in patients with COPD.

Participants were divided into two groups and received either OPEP therapy or autogenic drainage for four weeks. Outcomes were measured at the beginning of the study and again after completion of the intervention. The findings of this study aim to support evidence-based physiotherapy management for patients with COPD.

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Key information

Conditions

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

Age range

35 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

About this study

This study was a comparative interventional clinical trial conducted to evaluate the effects of oscillating positive expiratory pressure therapy versus autogenic drainage in patients diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional ethics review committee prior to study initiation, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Eligible participants with stable COPD were enrolled and allocated into two intervention groups. Baseline assessments were performed prior to the initiation of treatment. Participants in the first group received oscillating positive expiratory pressure therapy as part of their airway clearance regimen, while participants in the second group were treated using autogenic drainage techniques. Both interventions were administered over a four-week period.

Outcome measures were assessed at two time points: baseline (pre-intervention) and after completion of the four-week intervention period. Pulmonary function was evaluated using spirometry. Sputum clearance was assessed using the Breathlessness Cough Sputum Scale (BCSS). Dyspnea was measured using the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale, and quality of life was assessed using the COPD Assessment Test (CAT).

The results of this study aim to compare the effectiveness of the two airway clearance techniques and provide evidence to guide clinical decision-making in the physiotherapy management of patients with COPD.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Age between 35 and 50 years
  • Both genders
  • Participants must have a confirmed diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) based on the GOLD 2023 guidelines
  • Clinically stable
  • History of Sputum Culture

Exclusion criteria

  • Acute exacerbation of COPD
  • Severe cardiovascular, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders
  • Recent thoracic or abdominal surgery
  • Presence of other significant respiratory diseases
  • Unwillingness to participate or inability to comply with the study protocol

Treatment and study plan

Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure Therapy

Device

Oscillating positive expiratory pressure therapy was administered using a handheld device to facilitate airway clearance by providing expiratory resistance and oscillations during exhalation. The intervention was applied for four weeks.

Autogenic Drainage

Behavioral

Autogenic drainage is a breathing technique involving controlled breathing at different lung volumes to mobilize and clear bronchial secretions. Participants performed autogenic drainage sessions for four weeks.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV₁ % Predicted)

    Time frame: Baseline and at 4 weeks

    Pulmonary function was assessed using spirometry by measuring forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), expressed as percentage of the predicted value, in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Sputum Clearance as Measured by the Breathlessness, Cough, and Sputum Scale (BCSS)

    Time frame: Baseline and at 4 weeks

    Sputum clearance was assessed using the Breathlessness, Cough, and Sputum Scale (BCSS). The BCSS is a patient-reported outcome measure consisting of three items (breathlessness, cough, and sputum), each scored from 0 to 4, resulting in a total score range of 0 to 12. Higher scores indicate worse symptoms.

  2. Change in Dyspnea Severity as Measured by the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale

    Time frame: Baseline and at 4 weeks

    Dyspnea severity was assessed using the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale, a numerical rating scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 represents no breathlessness and 10 represents maximal breathlessness. Higher scores indicate greater perceived dyspnea.

  3. Change in Health-Related Quality of Life as Measured by the COPD Assessment Test (CAT)

    Time frame: Baseline and at 4 weeks

    Health-related quality of life was assessed using the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), an 8-item questionnaire with total scores ranging from 0 to 40. Higher scores indicate worse health status and greater impact of COPD on daily life.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Adnan Hashim

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure Therapy Versus Autogenic Drainage in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Effects on Pulmonary Function, Sputum Clearance, Dyspnea, and Quality of Life

Acronym: OPEP-AD-COPD

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Feb 11, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 11, 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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