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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)NCT07509606

Acute Effect of Different Frequency of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) on Healthy and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A study testing Whole body vibration in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Whole Body Vibration, run by National Cheng Kung University at 1 site in Taiwan.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an irreversible disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation and increased lung compliance. It leads to dyspnea, skeletal muscle dysfunction, impaired functional capacity, and reduced quality of life. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
What is being tested?
Whole body vibration
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
102 participants
Where
1 siteTaiwan
Study dates
7 Apr 2025to 31 Dec 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

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 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • No prior experience with whole-body vibration therapy or exposure to vibration-related occupations or sports.
  • Aged between 18 and 65 years.
  • Clinically diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and classified as Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage II, III, or IV.
  • No history of hospitalization within the past two months.
  • No participation in any rehabilitation program within the past two months.
  • Able to comply with the exercise training program.
  • Aged 18 years or older.

Who cannot join

  • Pregnancy.
  • Acute thrombosis.
  • Severe cardiovascular disease.
  • Presence of a cardiac pacemaker.
  • Recent wounds due to injury or surgery.
  • Hip or knee implants.
Show all 42Show fewer
  • Acute hernia, intervertebral disc degeneration, or spondylolysis.
  • Severe diabetes mellitus.
  • Epilepsy.
  • Recent infection.
  • Severe migraine.
  • Tumor.
  • Recently implanted intrauterine device, metal pins, or metal plates.
  • Kidney stones.
  • Organ failure.
  • Presence of musculoskeletal, respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular conditions, or any form of acute or chronic pain.
  • Participation in other research studies concurrently.
  • Regular exercise habits (engaging in moderate-intensity exercise ≥3 times per week).
  • COPD
  • Severe respiratory diseases (e.g., bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, or tuberculosis).
  • Current smokers.
  • Hip or knee implants.
  • Severe joint disease or history of lower extremity surgery.
  • History of vitreous hemorrhage.
  • Dependence on supplemental oxygen.
  • Severe alcohol abuse (>80 g/day).
  • Severe malnutrition (BMI < 19 kg/m²).
  • Pregnancy.
  • Acute thrombosis.
  • Presence of a cardiac pacemaker.
  • Recent wounds due to injury or surgery.
  • Acute hernia, intervertebral disc degeneration, or spondylolysis.
  • Severe diabetes mellitus.
  • Epilepsy.
  • Recent infection.
  • Severe migraine.
  • Tumor.
  • Recently implanted intrauterine device, metal pins, or metal plates.
  • Kidney stones.
  • Organ failure.
  • Altered consciousness or inability to comply with assessments.
  • Participation in other research studies concurrently

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Taiwan1 site, 1 recruiting
  • National Cheng Kung University Hospital

    Tainan, 701

    Kun-Ling Tasi, PhD, 062353535 Ext. 6219, Kunlingtsai@mail.ncku.edu.tw

    Recruiting

Other trials in Taiwan

About this study

Official title: Acute Effect of Different Frequency of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) on Lung Function, Respiratory Function, Upper Extremity Strength and Flexibility, Cardiac Automatic Function and Quality of Life in Healthy and Moderate and Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an irreversible disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation and increased lung compliance. It leads to dyspnea, skeletal muscle dysfunction, impaired functional capacity, and reduced quality of life. Physical inactivity is considered a major contributor to symptom deterioration, the development of a vicious cycle, and ultimately increased mortality.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the American Thoracic Society (ATS), and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), pulmonary rehabilitation should include aerobic and resistance exercise for at least 20 minutes per session, performed three to five times per week for a minimum of 12 weeks. Exercise intensity should be progressively increased to exceed 60% of peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak), and patients are encouraged to maintain long-term exercise habits. However, there is still no consensus regarding the optimal initial intensity, progression strategy, and exercise duration.

Read more

Previous studies have demonstrated that whole-body vibration (WBV) can improve lower extremity muscle strength, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with COPD. However, its effects on lung function and the optimal training dose remain unclear. In addition, COPD also affects respiratory muscles, upper extremity strength and flexibility, as well as cardiac autonomic function.

Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of different WBV frequencies on lung function, respiratory muscle function, upper extremity strength and flexibility, and cardiac autonomic function, in order to determine the optimal training dose.

Being tested
Whole body vibration
Medical subject headings
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

What participants receive

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

  • Whole body vibrationBehavioural

    All participants will receive three different frequencies of WBV (15, 25, and 35 Hz) in a block-randomized order, with a washout period of at least 7 days between conditions. Subsequently, participants will undergo three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency over one week to evaluate the cumulative effects.

Study groups in NCT07509606
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
healthy individuals aged 18-39ExperimentalHealthy individuals aged 18 to 39 years will receive whole-body vibration at different frequencies for five sessions.
Receives: Behavioral: Whole body vibration
healthy individuals aged 40-65ExperimentalHealthy individuals aged 40 to 65 years will receive whole-body vibration at different frequencies for five sessions.
Receives: Behavioral: Whole body vibration
COPDExperimentalThe patients with COPD will receive whole-body vibration at different frequencies for five sessions.
Receives: Behavioral: Whole body vibration

What is being measured

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

  1. Pulmonary function test

    Pulmonary function test is examined by spirometry, which measures the ability to inhale and exhale air over time. The results include forced vital capacity (FVC in L), forced exploratory volume in the first second (FEV1 in L), and the FVC/FEV1 ratio.

    Measured: Changes from baseline (week 0) to the three WBV frequency conditions (weeks 1-3) and the cumulative effects after three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency (week 6) will be assessed.

  2. Diaphragm excursion and thickness

    Diaphragm excursion (unit: mm) and thickness (unit: mm) are examined by diaphragmatic ultrasound when a participant performs maximal inspiration and expiration.

    Measured: Changes from baseline (week 0) to the three WBV frequency conditions (weeks 1-3) and the cumulative effects after three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency (week 6) will be assessed.

  3. Respiratory muscle strength

    Respiratory muscle strength is measured using a manometer, which records both maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) in cmH₂O

    Measured: Changes from baseline (week 0) to the three WBV frequency conditions (weeks 1-3) and the cumulative effects after three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency (week 6) will be assessed.

  4. cardiopulmonary response

    A cardiopulmonary exercise test collects gases (including measures of oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production in ml/kg/min) and records heart rate (beat/min), which can be used to estimate cardiopulmonary response.

    Measured: Changes from baseline (week 0) to the three WBV frequency conditions (weeks 1-3) and the cumulative effects after three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency (week 6) will be assessed.

Secondary outcomes (13)
  1. Upper limb muscle strength

    Maximal voluntary contraction of upper limbs muscles. (unit: N)

    Measured: Changes from baseline (week 0) to the three WBV frequency conditions (weeks 1-3) and the cumulative effects after three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency (week 6) will be assessed.

  2. Handgrip strength

    Maximal voluntary handgrip strength. (unit: N)

    Measured: Changes from baseline (week 0) to the three WBV frequency conditions (weeks 1-3) and the cumulative effects after three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency (week 6) will be assessed.

  3. Upper limb flexibility

    Flexibility is examined by scratch test (unit: cm)

    Measured: Changes from baseline (week 0) to the three WBV frequency conditions (weeks 1-3) and the cumulative effects after three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency (week 6) will be assessed.

  4. Heart rate variability (Standard Deviation of Normal-to Normal intervals, SDNN)

    Heart rate variability (HRV) is examined to assess the automatic nervous system. Standard deviation of normal-to-normal (SDNN in ms) reflects overall heart rate variability and automatic function

    Measured: Changes from baseline (week 0) to the three WBV frequency conditions (weeks 1-3) and the cumulative effects after three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency (week 6) will be assessed.

  5. Heart rate variability (Root mean square of successive differences, RMSSD)

    Root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD in ms) represents short-term HRV and parasympathetic activity

    Measured: Changes from baseline (week 0) to the three WBV frequency conditions (weeks 1-3) and the cumulative effects after three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency (week 6) will be assessed.

  6. Heart rate variability (Low frequency, LF)

    Low frequency power (LF in ms2) reflects both sympathetic and parasympathetic modulation.

    Measured: Changes from baseline (week 0) to the three WBV frequency conditions (weeks 1-3) and the cumulative effects after three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency (week 6) will be assessed.

  7. Heart rate variability (High frequency power, HF)

    High frequency power (HF in ms2) reflects parasympathetic (vagal) activity.

    Measured: Changes from baseline (week 0) to the three WBV frequency conditions (weeks 1-3) and the cumulative effects after three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency (week 6) will be assessed.

  8. Heart rate variability (LF/HF ratio)

    LF/HF ratio represents sympathovagal balance.

    Measured: Changes from baseline (week 0) to the three WBV frequency conditions (weeks 1-3) and the cumulative effects after three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency (week 6) will be assessed.

  9. St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)

    The St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) is a standardized self-administered tool designed to measure the impact of chronic respiratory diseases, such as COPD and asthma, on a patient's health-related quality of life. It consists of 50 items divided into three domains-Symptoms, Activity, and Impacts-with scores ranging from 0 to 100, where a higher score indicates greater impairment. In clinical research and practice, a decrease of 4 points is typically recognized as the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID), signifying a meaningful improvement in the patient's well-being.

    Measured: Changes from baseline (week 0) to the three WBV frequency conditions (weeks 1-3) and the cumulative effects after three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency (week 6) will be assessed.

  10. COPD Assessment Test (CAT)

    The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) is a concise, 8-item self-administered questionnaire designed to provide a simple and reliable measure of the health status of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Unlike more complex tools, it evaluates a broad range of symptoms-including cough, phlegm, chest tightness, breathlessness, activity limitation, confidence, sleep, and energy levels-using a 6-point scale (0-5) for each item. The total score ranges from 0 to 40, where a score of 10 or higher typically indicates a significant impact of the disease on daily life, making it a highly practical instrument for routine clinical monitoring and patient management.

    Measured: Changes from baseline (week 0) to the three WBV frequency conditions (weeks 1-3) and the cumulative effects after three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency (week 6) will be assessed.

  11. Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)

    The fatigue severity scale (FSS) is a 7-point scale questionnaire that measures the patients's level of fatigue. It contains 9 questions, and a total score of 36 points or higher indicates that the patient may be experiencing clinically significant fatigue and requires further evaluation.

    Measured: Changes from baseline (week 0) to the three WBV frequency conditions (weeks 1-3) and the cumulative effects after three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency (week 6) will be assessed.

  12. Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC)

    The modified medical research council (mMRC) dyspnea scale consists of 4 levels that describe respiratory difficulty during daily activities, higher levels indicate more severe symptoms

    Measured: Changes from baseline (week 0) to the three WBV frequency conditions (weeks 1-3) and the cumulative effects after three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency (week 6) will be assessed.

  13. Short Form-36 (SF-36)

    The short form-36 (SF-36) measures physical and social health status, with higher scores representing better overall health

    Measured: Changes from baseline (week 0) to the three WBV frequency conditions (weeks 1-3) and the cumulative effects after three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency (week 6) will be assessed.

Timeline

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

  1. First posted3 Apr 2026
  2. Study start7 Apr 2025
  3. Primary completion8 May 2025
  4. Study completion31 Dec 2027 (estimated)

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
Prevention
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
102 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07509606
Sponsor's protocol ID
A-ER-114-109
Status last verified
Mar 2026
First submitted
29 Mar 2026
Last updated
3 Apr 2026
Results posted
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: IPD sharing plan will be decided after summarized data being published

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Whole body vibration in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Whole Body Vibration, run by National Cheng Kung University at 1 site in Taiwan.

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 7 inclusion and 42 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Apr 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 Taiwan. 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?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

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

Contact Kun-Ling Tasi, PhD (886-6-2353535 Ext.5078, Kunlingtsai@mail.ncku.edu.tw), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Pulmonary function test (time frame: Changes from baseline (week 0) to the three WBV frequency conditions (weeks 1-3) and the cumulative effects after three additional sessions at the final randomized frequency (week 6) will be assessed.). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
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 3 Apr 2026.

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