NCT Number: NCT07706101
The goal of this pilot randomized controlled trial is to determine whether volume-oriented incentive spirometry-assisted diaphragmatic breathing exercise (VIS-assisted DBE) can improve reflux-related symptoms and health-related quality of life in adults with functional heartburn (FH) or reflux hypersensitivity (RH).
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does VIS-assisted DBE reduce reflux-related symptoms compared with usual care? Does VIS-assisted DBE improve health-related quality of life compared with usual care? Researchers will compare VIS-assisted DBE plus usual care with usual care alone to determine whether the intervention provides additional benefits in symptom relief and quality of life.
Participants will:
Complete baseline clinical evaluations and symptom questionnaires. Be randomly assigned to either the VIS-assisted DBE group or the usual care group.
Receive either VIS-assisted diaphragmatic breathing exercises twice daily for 20 minutes over a 4-week period in addition to usual care, or usual care alone.
Complete follow-up assessments after the 4-week intervention, including symptom and quality-of-life questionnaires
Trial opening soon.
Get Notified20 year–100 year
All sexes
Interventional
Not applicable
Functional heartburn (FH) and reflux hypersensitivity (RH) are disorders of gut-brain interaction characterized by persistent reflux-related symptoms despite the absence of significant esophageal acid exposure or structural abnormalities. Although proton pump inhibitors are widely used for reflux-related disorders, many patients with FH and RH continue to experience persistent symptoms, resulting in reduced health-related quality of life. Current evidence suggests that altered esophageal sensory processing, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and impaired gut-brain axis regulation contribute to symptom generation in these disorders.
Diaphragmatic breathing exercise has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention that may improve diaphragmatic function, enhance vagal activity, and reduce reflux-related symptoms. Volume-oriented incentive spirometry (VIS) provides visual feedback during breathing training and may improve the consistency and effectiveness of diaphragmatic breathing. However, evidence regarding the therapeutic effects of VIS-assisted diaphragmatic breathing exercise in patients with FH or RH remains limited.
This prospective, parallel-group, pilot randomized controlled trial is designed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of VIS-assisted diaphragmatic breathing exercise in adults with FH or RH. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either VIS-assisted diaphragmatic breathing exercise in addition to usual care or usual care alone. The study will assess whether the intervention improves reflux-related symptoms and health-related quality of life compared with usual care.
The findings of this study are expected to provide preliminary evidence regarding the feasibility and potential clinical benefits of VIS-assisted diaphragmatic breathing exercise as an adjunctive non-pharmacological treatment for functional heartburn and reflux hypersensitivity, and to support the design of future larger randomized controlled trials.
Healthy volunteers accepted: No
Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.
Participants will perform diaphragmatic breathing exercises assisted by a volume-oriented incentive spirometer twice daily for 20 minutes per session over a 4-week intervention period under standardized instructions.
Participants will receive standard pharmacological treatment and lifestyle modification education without structured diaphragmatic breathing exercise.
Time frame: From baseline to Week 4
The primary outcome is the change in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GERDQ) score from baseline to the end of the 4-week intervention. The GERDQ is a validated patient-reported questionnaire used to assess the frequency and severity of reflux-related symptoms. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms. The change in GERDQ score will be compared between the intervention and usual care groups
Time frame: From baseline to Week 4
The secondary outcome is the change in the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) score from baseline to the end of the 4-week intervention. The GERD-HRQL questionnaire evaluates the impact of reflux-related symptoms on health-related quality of life. Higher scores indicate poorer health-related quality of life. The change in GERD-HRQL score will be compared between the intervention and usual care groups
Time frame: From baseline to Week 4
The secondary outcome is the change in the Reflux Disease Questionnaire (RDQ) score from baseline to the end of the 4-week intervention. The RDQ is a validated patient-reported questionnaire that assesses the frequency and severity of reflux-related symptoms. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms. The change in RDQ score will be compared between the intervention and usual care groups.
Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.
Changhua Christian Hospital
Other
Effect of Volume-Oriented Incentive Spirometry-Assisted Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise in Patients With Functional Heartburn or Reflux Hypersensitivity: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Acronym: VISDBE
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