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AsthmaNCT07440953

Effects of Papworth Breathing With or Without Bridge Pose Yoga in Asthma Patients

A study testing Papeworth Breathing and Pap-worth Breathing + Bridge Pose Yoga in people with Asthma, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Asthma is a chronic condition causing airway inflammationandconstriction, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, andchest tightness. While medication is the primary treatment,complementary techniques like Papworth breathing and Bridge Pose yoga are gaining recognition for improving respiratory health… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 15 to 20 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Asthma
What is being tested?
Papeworth Breathing and Pap-worth Breathing + Bridge Pose Yoga
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
58 participants
Where
1 sitePakistan
Study dates
10 Feb 2024to 25 Dec 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 15 to 20 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Child, Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age 15-20 years with a confirmed diagnosis of asthma.
  • Both male and female
  • Mild to moderate patients with FEV1 60-80% according to GINA
  • Willing to participate and provide consent form, with parental consent if under 18 years
  • Individuals with stable asthma conditions

Who cannot join

  • Patients with severe asthma or co-existing respiratory diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
  • Any recent upper respiratory tract infections that could interfere with the intervention.
  • Individuals with physical disabilities, orthopedic, or musculoskeletal issues that would hinder safe participation in yoga poses.
  • Participants with known cardiovascular conditions (e.g., hypertension, arrhythmias, or heart failure) that may be exacerbated by physical or breathing exercises.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Pakistan1 site
  • DHQ Muzaffargarh

    Muzaffargarh, Punjab Province, 24200

Other trials in Pakistan

About this study

Official title: Effects of Papworth Breathing With or Without Bridge Pose Yoga on Dyspnea, Pulmonary Functions, Chest Expansion and Quality of Life in Asthma Patients

Asthma is a chronic condition causing airway inflammationandconstriction, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, andchest tightness. While medication is the primary treatment,complementary techniques like Papworth breathing and Bridge Pose yoga are gaining recognition for improving respiratory health and quality of life.

Papworth breathing fo cuses on slow, controlled diaphragmatic breathing to reduce anxiety and improve breathing patterns. Bridge Pose yoga opens the chest and strengthens the back, promoting deeper breathing. This study examines the effects of these techniques on asthma symptoms,lung function, chest expansion, and quality of life over 8 weeks.

Read more

The study will run for 8 weeks. It will divide participants into two groups:one practicing only Pap-worth breathing, and the other combining it with Bridge Pose Yoga. Each group will have sessions 5 times a week treatment by the Papworth method. Measurements will be taken before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in shortness of breath(BORG Scale), lung function (such as FEV1 and FVCandFEV1/FVC via digital spirometer), chest expansion and quality of life (AQLQ).

By comparing these outcomes, this study aims to determine if the combined approach of Pap-worth breathing and Bridge Pose Yoga leadstogreaterbenefits in managing dyspnea, enhancing lung function, andimprovingquality of life. These insights may contribute to enhance chest expansion,and thus relive bronchospasm in asthma patients.

Conditions
Asthma
Being tested
Papeworth Breathing, Pap-worth Breathing + Bridge Pose Yoga
Keywords
Asthma, Papworth breathing, Bridge Pose Yoga(SetuBandha Sarvangasana), Shortness of breath, Lung function, Chest expansion, QoL
Medical subject headings
Asthma, Dyspnea

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Papeworth BreathingOther

    Method: The Papworth technique was a structured breathing method designed to help individuals manage respiratory issues and anxiety through controlled, mindful breathing. Practitioners started by sitting comfortably, placing a hand on their abdomen to feel diaphragmatic movement, ensuring that future breaths originated from the abdomen rather than the chest. They inhaled deeply and slowly through the nose, allowing the abdomen to expand, then exhaled gently, maintaining a steady rhythm of about 8-12 breaths per minute. Nasal breathing was emphasized to filter and regulate airflow, while relaxation techniques helped release body tension. As they continued, practitioners adjusted their breathing to match different levels of activity or stress, using slow, controlled breaths to manage hyperventilation. With consistent practice, this method promoted calmness, improved respiratory efficiency, and reduced symptoms of asthma and anxiety, enhancing future breathing control and resilience.

  • Pap-worth Breathing + Bridge Pose YogaOther

    Method: In the Bridge Pose, or Setu Bandhasana, practitioners began by lying on their back with knees bent and feet hip-width apart on the floor, keeping arms alongside the body with palms down. They positioned their feet close enough for their fingertips to touch their heels. As they inhaled, they pressed their feet into the ground, engaging the glutes to lift the hips toward the ceiling, maintaining alignment with knees over heels. Shoulders were tucked slightly under the back to support the lift, and hands could clasp beneath the pelvis if comfortable. Practitioners breathed deeply and held the position for 15-30 breaths, focusing on elevating the chest and hips with each inhale while keeping the face and neck relaxed. On an exhale, they released by gently lowering the hips back to the floor, allowing the spine to rest before moving on. This practice helped enhance flexibility, strength, and spinal alignment over time.

Study groups in NCT07440953
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Group A: Papeworth BreathingExperimentalFrequency: Participants attended sessions 2-3 times per week for 8 weeks. Intensity: Each session was conducted at a moderate intensity, focusing on controlled, diaphragmatic breathing techniques to regulate breathing patterns and reduce breathlessness. Time: Each session lasted approximately 15-20 minutes, with time allocated to practice diaphragmatic breathing, nose breathing, breath control, and relaxation exercises Type: The intervention consisted of the Papworth breathing technique, which included diaphragmatic breathing, nose breathing, breath counting and control, and relaxation exercises. Each component was practiced under the guidance of a trained therapist.
Receives: Other: Papeworth Breathing
Group B: Pap-worth Breathing + Bridge Pose YogaExperimentalFrequency: Sessions were held 5 times per week for 8 weeks, similar to Group 1. Intensity: Participants engaged in moderate-intensity breathing exercises and yoga postures. Emphasis was placed on controlled breathing during the Bridge Pose toenhance chest opening and increase lung capacity. Time: Each session lasted around 30 minutes, combining approximately 15-20 minutes of Papworth breathing with 5-10 minutes dedicated to practicing the Bridge Pose Type: This group's intervention included both Papworth breathing techniques and the Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana). The Bridge Pose involved lying on the back with knees bent, lifting the hips on inhalation, and focusing on slow, controlled breathing throughout the pose. The pose was held for 15-30 seconds and repeated multiple times
Receives: Other: Pap-worth Breathing + Bridge Pose Yoga

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale

    It is a subjective tool to assess degree of dyspnea in patients. The comprise of 10 grades starting from zero to 10. Zero refers to 'No difficulty in breathing at all 'and 10 refers to 'maximal difficulty ' Readings will be taken at Pre-post intervention.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  2. FEV1

    digital spirometer device will be used to take readings of lung volumes in (ml). These measurements are part of a pulmonary function test, which helps diagnose and monitor respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis. Readings will be taken at Pre-post intervention.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  3. FVC

    digital spirometer device will be used to take readings of lung capacities in (ml). These measurements are part of a pulmonary function test, which helps diagnose and monitor respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis. Readings will be taken at Pre-post intervention.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  4. FEV1/FVC

    digital spirometer device will be used to take readings of FEV1/FVC. Readings will be taken at Pre-post intervention.

    Measured: 8 weeks

  5. Chest Expansion

    Tape measure will be used to take readings of chest expasion before and after intervention, at sternal, axila and xiphoid process. then average will be taken

    Measured: 8 weeks

  6. Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ)

    The Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) is a validated tool designed to measure the impact of asthma on a person's daily life. Developed by Dr. Elizabeth Juniper, it assesses four key areas: symptoms, activity limitations, emotional function, and environmental stimuli sensitivity. Comprising 32 items, the AQLQ is used in both clinical practice and research to evaluate treatment efficacy and monitor patients' well-being over time. Responses are scored on a 7-point scale, with lower scores indicating greater impairment, making it an essential instrument for understanding patient-centered outcomes in asthma management

    Measured: 8 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted27 Feb 2026
  2. Study start10 Feb 2024
  3. Primary completion25 Dec 2025
  4. Study completion25 Dec 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
58 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07440953
Sponsor's protocol ID
REC/RCR/&AHS/24/0387
Status last verified
Feb 2026
First submitted
23 Feb 2026
Last updated
27 Feb 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Martin J, Townshend J, Brodlie M. Diagnosis and management of asthma in children. BMJ Paediatr Open. 2022 Apr;6(1):e001277. doi: 10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001277.

    PubMed 35648804
  • Pijnenburg MW, Fleming L. Advances in understanding and reducing the burden of severe asthma in children. Lancet Respir Med. 2020 Oct;8(10):1032-1044. doi: 10.1016/S2213-2600(20)30399-4. Epub 2020 Sep 7.

    PubMed 32910897
  • Bacharier LB, Jackson DJ. Biologics in the treatment of asthma in children and adolescents. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2023 Mar;151(3):581-589. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.01.002. Epub 2023 Jan 24.

    PubMed 36702649
  • Gupta A, Bush A, Nagakumar P. Asthma in children during the COVID-19 pandemic: lessons from lockdown and future directions for management. Lancet Respir Med. 2020 Nov;8(11):1070-1071. doi: 10.1016/S2213-2600(20)30278-2. Epub 2020 Jun 25. No abstract available.

    PubMed 32593314
  • Santino TA, Chaves GS, Freitas DA, Fregonezi GA, Mendonca KM. Breathing exercises for adults with asthma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Mar 25;3(3):CD001277. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001277.pub4.

    PubMed 32212422
  • Guarnieri G, Pozza M, Vianello A. The role of pulmonary rehabilitation in severe asthma: a comprehensive review. Front Med (Lausanne). 2025 Oct 28;12:1709710. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1709710. eCollection 2025.

    PubMed 41229512

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Papeworth Breathing and Pap-worth Breathing + Bridge Pose Yoga in people with Asthma, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale (time frame: 8 weeks). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07440953, which also lists 6 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 Feb 2026.

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