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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)PLB I:E RatioNCT07573826

Effect of Pursed-Lip Breathing With Different I:E Ratios on Respiratory Outcomes in COPD Patients

A study testing Participants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:3 (2 seconds inspiration, 6 seconds expiration), Participants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:4 (2 seconds inspiration, 8 seconds expiration) and Participants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:5 (2 seconds inspiration, 10 seconds expiration) in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), run by Scholastica Fina Aryu Puspasari.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether different inspiratory-expiratory (I:E) ratios in the pursed-lip breathing (PLB) technique can improve respiratory outcomes in patients with stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) aged 40 years and older. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 40 years and older
What is being tested?
Participants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:3 (2 seconds inspiration, 6 seconds expiration), Participants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:4 (2 seconds inspiration, 8 seconds expiration) and Participants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:5 (2 seconds inspiration, 10 seconds expiration)
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
122 participants
Where
No sites listed yet
Study dates
4 May 2026to 14 Aug 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 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Diagnosed with stable COPD
  • Age ≥ 40 years
  • Able to follow breathing instructions
  • Willing to participate and provide informed consent

Who cannot join

  • Cognitive impairment or decreased consciousness
  • Severe cardiovascular disease (heart failure, coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension)
  • Asthma-COPD overlap (ACO)
  • Acute respiratory infection (e.g., pneumonia)
  • Neuromuscular disorders affecting respiratory muscles

Trial locations and contacts

No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Scholastica Fina Aryu Puspasari, Master contact

+62821-3433-1244

scholastica_fina@stikespantirapih.ac.id

Bernadeta Eka Noviati, Magister contact

+62 896-2816-5916

eka_noviati@stikespantirapih.ac.id

About this study

Official title: Effectiveness of Different Inspiratory-Expiratory Ratios (1:3, 1:4, and 1:5) in Pursed-Lip Breathing on Respiratory Rate, Oxygen Saturation, and Dyspnea in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Quasi-Experimental Study

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether different inspiratory-expiratory (I:E) ratios in the pursed-lip breathing (PLB) technique can improve respiratory outcomes in patients with stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) aged 40 years and older. The primary purpose is to determine whether a specific breathing intervention can improve respiratory function.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

Read more

Does PLB with different I:E ratios (1:3, 1:4, and 1:5) reduce respiratory rate in COPD patients? Does PLB with different I:E ratios improve oxygen saturation and reduce dyspnea severity?

Researchers will compare PLB with I:E ratios of 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5 and a control group receiving standard care to see if different ratios produce different effects on respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and dyspnea levels.

Participants will:

Perform pursed-lip breathing using assigned I:E ratios (1:3, 1:4, or 1:5) for 10 minutes Be assigned to either an intervention group or a control group (standard care) Have their respiratory rate measured before and after the intervention Have their oxygen saturation measured using a pulse oximeter Report their dyspnea level using the Modified Borg Scale before and after the intervention

Read the detailed description

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition characterized by persistent airflow limitation, dyspnea, and impaired gas exchange. It remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a disproportionately high burden in low- and middle-income countries. Dyspnea is one of the most debilitating symptoms experienced by COPD patients and is closely associated with reduced functional capacity and quality of life. Non-pharmacological interventions, particularly breathing exercises, play an important role in symptom management.

Pursed-lip breathing (PLB) is a simple, low-cost, and widely recommended breathing technique in COPD management. It works by prolonging the expiratory phase, increasing positive airway pressure, preventing airway collapse, and improving ventilation efficiency. Despite its widespread use, there is currently no standardized inspiratory-expiratory (I:E) ratio for PLB. Variations in clinical practice may result in inconsistent outcomes, and evidence comparing different I:E ratios remains limited.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of three commonly recommended I:E ratios (1:3, 1:4, and 1:5) in PLB on respiratory outcomes in patients with stable COPD. The outcomes of interest include respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂), and dyspnea severity as measured by the Modified Borg Scale. By comparing these ratios, the study seeks to identify the most effective breathing pattern for optimizing respiratory function.

This study employs a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group approach. A total of 122 participants diagnosed with stable COPD will be recruited from Respira Hospital Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Participants will be randomly assigned into four groups: three intervention groups receiving PLB with different I:E ratios (1:3, 1:4, and 1:5), and one control group receiving standard care without structured PLB intervention.

The intervention will be conducted in a controlled clinical setting. Participants in the intervention groups will be instructed to perform PLB in a seated high-Fowler position for 10 minutes under supervision. Each group will follow a specific breathing pattern: inhalation through the nose followed by prolonged exhalation through pursed lips according to the assigned I:E ratio. The control group will receive standard care without guided PLB.

Outcome measurements will be taken at baseline (pre-intervention) and immediately after the intervention. Respiratory rate will be measured by direct observation for one minute, oxygen saturation will be assessed using a calibrated pulse oximeter, and dyspnea will be evaluated using the Modified Borg Scale (0-10). Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical tests to compare within-group and between-group differences.

This study is expected to contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines for PLB implementation in COPD management, particularly in determining the optimal I:E ratio. The findings may help standardize clinical practice, improve respiratory outcomes, and enhance the quality of life of COPD patients. Additionally, the results may provide a foundation for future research on breathing techniques and non-pharmacological interventions in respiratory care.

Being tested
Participants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:3 (2 seconds inspiration, 6 seconds expiration), Participants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:4 (2 seconds inspiration, 8 seconds expiration), Participants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:5 (2 seconds inspiration, 10 seconds expiration)
Keywords
Pursed-Lip Breathing I:E ratio in COPD, Oxygen saturation, dyspnea scale, respiratory rate
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.

  • Participants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:3 (2 seconds inspiration, 6 seconds expiration)Other

    Participants will be allocated into four study arms: three intervention groups and one control group.

    Intervention Groups (PLB with Different I:E Ratios):

    Participants in the intervention arms will perform Pursed-Lip Breathing (PLB) with specific inspiratory-to-expiratory (I:E) ratios as follows:

    Group 1: I:E ratio 1:3 (2 seconds inspiration, 6 seconds expiration)

    The procedure will be conducted in a seated position (high Fowler's position). Participants will be instructed to inhale slowly through the nose and exhale through pursed lips according to the assigned ratio. A metronome will be used to standardize breathing timing. Each session will last approximately 10 minutes and will be supervised by the researcher to ensure correct technique and safety.

    stru

  • Participants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:4 (2 seconds inspiration, 8 seconds expiration)Other

    Participants will be allocated into four study arms: three intervention groups and one control group.

    Intervention Groups (PLB with Different I:E Ratios):

    Participants in the intervention arms will perform Pursed-Lip Breathing (PLB) with specific inspiratory-to-expiratory (I:E) ratios as follows:

    Group 2: I:E ratio 1:4 (2 seconds inspiration, 8 seconds expiration)

    The procedure will be conducted in a seated position (high Fowler's position). Participants will be instructed to inhale slowly through the nose and exhale through pursed lips according to the assigned ratio. A metronome will be used to standardize breathing timing. Each session will last approximately 10 minutes and will be supervised by the researcher to ensure correct technique and safety.

  • Participants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:5 (2 seconds inspiration, 10 seconds expiration)Other

    Participants will be allocated into four study arms: three intervention groups and one control group.

    Intervention Groups (PLB with Different I:E Ratios):

    Participants in the intervention arms will perform Pursed-Lip Breathing (PLB) with specific inspiratory-to-expiratory (I:E) ratios as follows:

    Group 3: I:E ratio 1:5 (2 seconds inspiration, 10 seconds expiration)

    The procedure will be conducted in a seated position (high Fowler's position). Participants will be instructed to inhale slowly through the nose and exhale through pursed lips according to the assigned ratio. A metronome will be used to standardize breathing timing. Each session will last approximately 10 minutes and will be supervised by the researcher to ensure correct technique and safety.

Study groups in NCT07573826
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Arm Group 1, PLB I:E 1:3ExperimentalParticipants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:3 (2 seconds inspiration, 6 seconds expiration)
Receives: Other: Participants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:3 (2 seconds inspiration, 6 seconds expiration)
Arm Group 2, PLB I:E 1:4ExperimentalParticipants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:4 (2 seconds inspiration, 8 seconds expiration)
Receives: Other: Participants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:4 (2 seconds inspiration, 8 seconds expiration)
Arm Group 3, PLB I:E 1:5ExperimentalParticipants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:5 (2 seconds inspiration, 10 seconds expiration)
Receives: Other: Participants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:5 (2 seconds inspiration, 10 seconds expiration)
Arm Group 4, Standard TherapyNo interventionParticipants receive standard care without structured PLB intervention

What is being measured

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

  1. Primary Outcome 1: Respiratory Rate

    Respiratory rate measured as the number of breaths per minute at rest using direct observation for 60 seconds

    Measured: Baseline and immediately after 10-minute intervention

  2. Primary Outcome 2: Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)

    Peripheral oxygen saturation measured using a calibrated pulse oximeter at rest.

    Measured: Baseline and immediately after 10-minute intervention

  3. Primary Outcome 3 Dyspnea Level

    Dyspnea assessed using the Modified Borg Scale (0-10), where higher scores indicate more severe breathlessness.

    Measured: Baseline and immediately after 10-minute intervention

Timeline

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

  1. First posted7 May 2026
  2. Study start4 May 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion7 Aug 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion14 Aug 2026 (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
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
This study uses a parallel assignment interventional model in which participants with stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are randomly allocated to one of four groups: three intervention groups and one control group. Each intervention group receives the same type of behavioral intervention-pursed-lip breathing (PLB)-but with different inspiratory-expiratory (I:E) ratios (1:3, 1:4, and 1:5), while the control group receives standard care without structured PLB. The study follows a pretest-posttest design, where outcome measures are assessed at baseline and immediately after a single 10-minute intervention session. There is no crossover between groups, and each participant is exposed to only one assigned condition throughout the study. The intervention is administered in a controlled clinical setting with participants in a standardized high-Fowler position to ensure consistency. All groups are observed during the same time frame, and outcome assessments are conducted us
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
122 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07573826
Sponsor's protocol ID
0511028601
Acronym
PLB I:E Ratio
Status last verified
Apr 2026
First submitted
30 Apr 2026
Last updated
7 May 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: IPD will not be shared because the study involves human participants and the data are subject to institutional and ethical restrictions that limit public data sharing. Only aggregated results will be reported.

Publications

  • Abu-Odah H, Xian-Liang Liu, Wang T, Zhao IY, Yorke J, Tan JB, Molassiotis A. Modified Borg Scale (mBorg), the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and the Dyspnea- 12 Scale (D- 12): cross-scale comparison assessing the development of dyspnea in early-stage lung cancer patients. Support Care Cancer. 2025 May 2;33(5):442. doi: 10.1007/s00520-025-09474-x.

    PubMed 40314858
  • Gusmarta, G., & Oktarina, Y. (2025). Case Report : Implementation of Pursed-Lips Breathing Technique on Respiratory Rate and Oxygen Saturation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients in the Pulmonary Ward of Raden Mattaher Hospital Jambi. Jurnal Keperawatan Universitas Jambi, 9(3), 8-12. https://doi.org/10.22437/jkuj.v9i3.47490

  • Cavalheri, V., Burtin, C., Formico, V. R., Nonoyama, M., Jenkins, S., Spruit, M. A., & Hill, K. (2020). Exercise training for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4), CD010039. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010039.pub2

  • Burge AT, Gadowski AM, Jones A, Romero L, Smallwood NE, Ekstrom M, Reinke LF, Saggu R, Wijsenbeek M, Holland AE. Breathing techniques to reduce symptoms in people with serious respiratory illness: a systematic review. Eur Respir Rev. 2024 Oct 30;33(174):240012. doi: 10.1183/16000617.0012-2024. Print 2024 Oct.

    PubMed 39477355
  • Bhatt SP, Nakhmani A, Fortis S, Strand MJ, Silverman EK, Sciurba FC, Bodduluri S. FEV1/FVC Severity Stages for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2023 Sep 15;208(6):676-684. doi: 10.1164/rccm.202303-0450OC.

    PubMed 37339502
  • Anon. (2025, March 4). What is the recommended inspiratory to expiratory (I:E) ratio for ventilator settings in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation? Droracle.ai. https://www.droracle.ai/articles/22727/what-is-the-recommended-inspiratory-to-expiratory-ie-ratio

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Participants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:3 (2 seconds inspiration, 6 seconds expiration), Participants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:4 (2 seconds inspiration, 8 seconds expiration) and Participants perform PLB with inspiratory-expiratory ratio 1:5 (2 seconds inspiration, 10 seconds expiration) in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), run by Scholastica Fina Aryu Puspasari.

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 4 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

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 Scholastica Fina Aryu Puspasari, Master (+62821-3433-1244, scholastica_fina@stikespantirapih.ac.id), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Primary Outcome 1: Respiratory Rate (time frame: Baseline and immediately after 10-minute intervention). The study lists 3 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 NCT07573826, 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 7 May 2026.

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