COPD Grade INCT07531771
Comparative Effect of Pursed Lip Breathing Alone and Combined With Alternate Nostril Breathing on Pulmonary Function Test and Quality of Life in Patients in Grade I COPD Patients.
A study testing pursed lip breathing and Alternate Nostril breathing: in people with COPD Grade I, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder characterized by airflow limitation, breathlessness, and reduced quality of life. Breathing exercises are commonly used in pulmonary rehabilitation to improve respiratory efficiency and functional capacity. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- COPD Grade I
- What is being tested?
- pursed lip breathing and Alternate Nostril breathing:
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 28 Feb 2026to 15 May 2026
- 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 40 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients diagnosed with Grade I COPD (FEV₁ > 80% predicted)
- Age between 40 to 65 years.
- Both male and female patients.
- Patients able to follow verbal instructions and perform breathing exercises.
- Patients willing to provide written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- History of orthopedic conditions limiting sitting or breathing exercises.
- Recent respiratory infections or COPD exacerbations within the past 4 weeks.
- Neurological or cognitive impairments.
- Recent thoracic or abdominal surgeries.
- Regular practitioners of yoga or alternate nostril breathing.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Foundation University Islamabad
Islamabad
Syeda Sumaira Batool, MSPT-CPT, 03328868680, sumira.batool@fui.edu.pk
About this study
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder characterized by airflow limitation, breathlessness, and reduced quality of life. Breathing exercises are commonly used in pulmonary rehabilitation to improve respiratory efficiency and functional capacity. Among these techniques, pursed lip breathing (PLB) helps slow expiration, reduce air trapping, and improve ventilation, while alternate nostril breathing (ANB), a yogic breathing technique, may enhance respiratory control and relaxation.
The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of pursed lip breathing alone compared with the combined effect of pursed lip breathing and alternate nostril breathing on pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with Grade I COPD. This randomized controlled trial will include approximately 40 participants diagnosed with mild COPD. The participants will be divided into two groups: one group will perform pursed lip breathing exercises, while the other group will perform a combination of pursed lip breathing and alternate nostril breathing.
Pulmonary function tests and quality of life assessments will be used as outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. The study aims to determine whether combining both breathing techniques provides greater improvement in respiratory function and patient well being than pursed lip breathing alone. The findings may contribute to developing more effective physiotherapy based pulmonary rehabilitation strategies for patients with COPD.
Read the detailed description
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition characterized by persistent airflow limitation, chronic inflammation of the airways, and reduced lung function. It is commonly associated with long term exposure to harmful particles or gases, especially cigarette smoke. Patients with COPD often experience symptoms such as breathlessness, chronic cough, sputum production, and reduced exercise tolerance, which significantly affect their daily activities and overall quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation, particularly breathing exercises, plays an important role in the physiotherapy management of COPD.
Among the commonly used breathing techniques, pursed lip breathing is widely recommended for patients with COPD. This technique helps slow down expiration, prevents airway collapse, reduces air trapping, and improves ventilation efficiency. As a result, it may decrease dyspnea and enhance oxygen exchange. Another breathing technique, alternate nostril breathing, is a yogic breathing exercise that promotes better control of respiration, improves relaxation, and may enhance respiratory muscle coordination.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of pursed lip breathing alone and in combination with alternate nostril breathing on patients with Grade I COPD. The study aims to determine whether the combined use of these breathing techniques can provide additional benefits compared to pursed lip breathing alone. By improving breathing patterns and respiratory mechanics, these interventions may help patients manage symptoms more effectively and enhance their functional capacity.
This research will follow an interventional study design in which participants will be divided into two groups. One group will receive pursed lip breathing exercises, while the second group will perform both pursed lip breathing and alternate nostril breathing. The intervention will be conducted over a specified period under proper supervision and guidance.
The findings of this study may contribute to the development of more effective physiotherapy based breathing exercise programs for patients with mild COPD and may support the integration of combined breathing techniques in pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
- Conditions
- COPD Grade I
- Being tested
- pursed lip breathing, Alternate Nostril breathing:
- Keywords
- COPD, breathing, exercise, pursed lip breathing, alternate nostril breathing, pulmonary functions, chest expansion, quality of life
- Medical subject headings
- Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive, Respiratory Aspiration, Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
pursed lip breathingOther
Alternate Nostril Breathing (ANB):
Alternate nostril breathing is a controlled breathing technique commonly used in yogic practices to regulate breathing patterns. In this method, the individual inhales through one nostril while the other is closed, then exhales through the opposite nostril in an alternating pattern. This technique promotes relaxation, improves respiratory control, and may enhance lung function.
Alternate Nostril breathing:Other
Alternate nostril breathing is a simple technique where you inhale through one nostril and exhale through the other in a controlled pattern. It helps calm the mind and improves lung function. This breathing exercise can be beneficial in conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Practicing it regularly enhances relaxation and balances the body.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Pursed lip breathing exercises | Active comparator | Participants in Group A will perform pursed lip breathing exercises. In this technique, patients are instructed to inhale slowly through the nose and then exhale slowly through pursed lips, as if blowing out a candle. The expiration phase is prolonged to help reduce air trapping and improve ventilation. The exercise will be performed under supervision for the prescribed duration and frequency during the intervention period. Receives: Other: pursed lip breathing |
| Pursed lip breathing with alternate nostril breathing | Experimental | Participants in Group B will perform a combination of pursed lip breathing and alternate nostril breathing. Along with PLB, patients will practice alternate nostril breathing, a controlled breathing technique in which inhalation and exhalation occur alternately through one nostril at a time while the other nostril is gently closed using the fingers. This technique helps regulate breathing patterns, improve respiratory control, and promote relaxation. The exercises will be performed under supervision according to the prescribed duration and frequency during the intervention period. Receives: Other: Alternate Nostril breathing: |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pulmonary Function Test
Pulmonary function will be assessed using a calibrated spirometer to evaluate lung function parameters, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), and FEV₁/FVC ratio. The test will be performed according to standardized guidelines, with participants instructed to perform maximal inspiration followed by a forceful and sustained expiration into the spirometer.
Measured: 04 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Apr 2026
- Study start28 Feb 2026
- Primary completion15 May 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion15 May 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for COPD Grade IStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Foundation University IslamabadThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This is a randomized controlled trial having two groups. One group (interventional group) wil receive Pursed lip breathing along with alternate nostril breathing, and the second group (experimental group) will perform pursed lip breathing only.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07531771
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FUCP/CTR/2026/05
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 6 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 15 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 15 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effect of Pursed Lip Breathing Alone and Combined With Alternate Nostril Breathing on Pulmonary Function Test and Quality of Life in Patients in Grade I COPD Patients.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07531771
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FUCP/CTR/2026/05
- Conditions
- COPD Grade I
- Keywords
- COPD, breathing, exercise, pursed lip breathing, alternate nostril breathing, pulmonary functions, chest expansion, quality of life
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 28 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 May 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 May 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 15 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder characterized by airflow limitation, breathlessness, and reduced quality of life. Breathing exercises are commonly used in pulmonary rehabilitation to improve respiratory efficiency and functional capacity. Among these techniques, pursed lip breathing (PLB) helps slow expiration, reduce air trapping, and improve ventilation, while alternate nostril breathing (ANB), a yogic breathing technique, may enhance respiratory control and relaxation.
The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of pursed lip breathing alone compared with the combined effect of pursed lip breathing and alternate nostril breathing on pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with Grade I COPD. This randomized controlled trial will include approximately 40 participants diagnosed with mild COPD. The participants will be divided into two groups: one group will perform pursed lip breathing exercises, while the other group will perform a combination of pursed lip breathing and alternate nostril breathing.
Pulmonary function tests and quality of life assessments will be used as outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. The study aims to determine whether combining both breathing techniques provides greater improvement in respiratory function and patient well being than pursed lip breathing alone. The findings may contribute to developing more effective physiotherapy based pulmonary rehabilitation strategies for patients with COPD.
Detailed description
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition characterized by persistent airflow limitation, chronic inflammation of the airways, and reduced lung function. It is commonly associated with long term exposure to harmful particles or gases, especially cigarette smoke. Patients with COPD often experience symptoms such as breathlessness, chronic cough, sputum production, and reduced exercise tolerance, which significantly affect their daily activities and overall quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation, particularly breathing exercises, plays an important role in the physiotherapy management of COPD.
Among the commonly used breathing techniques, pursed lip breathing is widely recommended for patients with COPD. This technique helps slow down expiration, prevents airway collapse, reduces air trapping, and improves ventilation efficiency. As a result, it may decrease dyspnea and enhance oxygen exchange. Another breathing technique, alternate nostril breathing, is a yogic breathing exercise that promotes better control of respiration, improves relaxation, and may enhance respiratory muscle coordination.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of pursed lip breathing alone and in combination with alternate nostril breathing on patients with Grade I COPD. The study aims to determine whether the combined use of these breathing techniques can provide additional benefits compared to pursed lip breathing alone. By improving breathing patterns and respiratory mechanics, these interventions may help patients manage symptoms more effectively and enhance their functional capacity.
This research will follow an interventional study design in which participants will be divided into two groups. One group will receive pursed lip breathing exercises, while the second group will perform both pursed lip breathing and alternate nostril breathing. The intervention will be conducted over a specified period under proper supervision and guidance.
The findings of this study may contribute to the development of more effective physiotherapy based breathing exercise programs for patients with mild COPD and may support the integration of combined breathing techniques in pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This is a randomized controlled trial having two groups. One group (interventional group) wil receive Pursed lip breathing along with alternate nostril breathing, and the second group (experimental group) will perform pursed lip breathing only.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Pursed lip breathing exercises | Active comparator | Other: pursed lip breathingParticipants in Group A will perform pursed lip breathing exercises. In this technique, patients are instructed to inhale slowly through the nose and then exhale slowly through pursed lips, as if blowing out a candle. The expiration phase is prolonged to help reduce air trapping and improve ventilation. The exercise will be performed under supervision for the prescribed duration and frequency during the intervention period. |
| Pursed lip breathing with alternate nostril breathing | Experimental | Other: Alternate Nostril breathing:Participants in Group B will perform a combination of pursed lip breathing and alternate nostril breathing. Along with PLB, patients will practice alternate nostril breathing, a controlled breathing technique in which inhalation and exhalation occur alternately through one nostril at a time while the other nostril is gently closed using the fingers. This technique helps regulate breathing patterns, improve respiratory control, and promote relaxation. The exercises will be performed under supervision according to the prescribed duration and frequency during the intervention period. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Patients diagnosed with Grade I COPD (FEV₁ > 80% predicted)
- Age between 40 to 65 years.
- Both male and female patients.
- Patients able to follow verbal instructions and perform breathing exercises.
- Patients willing to provide written informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- History of orthopedic conditions limiting sitting or breathing exercises.
- Recent respiratory infections or COPD exacerbations within the past 4 weeks.
- Neurological or cognitive impairments.
- Recent thoracic or abdominal surgeries.
- Regular practitioners of yoga or alternate nostril breathing.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| pursed lip breathingAlternate Nostril Breathing (ANB): Alternate nostril breathing is a controlled breathing technique commonly used in yogic practices to regulate breathing patterns. In this method, the individual inhales through one nostril while the other is closed, then exhales through the opposite nostril in an alternating pattern. This technique promotes relaxation, improves respiratory control, and may enhance lung function. | Other | Pursed lip breathing exercises |
| Alternate Nostril breathing:Alternate nostril breathing is a simple technique where you inhale through one nostril and exhale through the other in a controlled pattern. It helps calm the mind and improves lung function. This breathing exercise can be beneficial in conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Practicing it regularly enhances relaxation and balances the body. | Other | Pursed lip breathing with alternate nostril breathing |
Primary outcome
Pulmonary Function Test
Time frame: 04 weeks
Pulmonary function will be assessed using a calibrated spirometer to evaluate lung function parameters, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), and FEV₁/FVC ratio. The test will be performed according to standardized guidelines, with participants instructed to perform maximal inspiration followed by a forceful and sustained expiration into the spirometer.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 15 Apr 2026.
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing pursed lip breathing and Alternate Nostril breathing: in people with COPD Grade I, run by Foundation University Islamabad 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 5 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 15 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 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?
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 Haleema Sadia Sultan, MSPT-CPT (03325881596, sadiaawan798@gmail.com), 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: 04 weeks). 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 15 Apr 2026.