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Respiration DisordersEBBT-PFINCT07612072

Elastic-Band Resistance and Breathing Training for Older Adults With Pulmonary Function Impairment

A study testing Elastic-Band Resistance Training Plus Breathing Training and Elastic-Band Resistance Training in people with Respiration Disorders, run by Beijing Sport University at 1 site in China.

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

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether elastic-band resistance training, with or without breathing training, can improve lung function and physical function in older adults with pulmonary function impairment living in the community. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 60 to 85 years
Conditions the study is for
Respiration Disorders
What is being tested?
Elastic-Band Resistance Training Plus Breathing Training and Elastic-Band Resistance Training
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
90 participants
Where
1 siteChina
Study dates
10 Jun 2026to 16 Sep 2026
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 60 to 85 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Age 60 to 85 years
  • Pulmonary function impairment identified by community-based spirometry screening
  • Community-dwelling older adults
  • Able to communicate and walk independently
  • Willing to participate in the 12-week intervention and all study assessments
  • Provided written informed consent

Who cannot join

  • Acute or unstable cardiovascular, respiratory, or severe musculoskeletal disease that made exercise training unsafe
  • Recent acute exacerbation, surgery, severe infection, or other health event that could affect safe participation
  • Significant cognitive impairment, communication disorder, or inability to cooperate with training or assessments
  • Currently receiving systematic pulmonary rehabilitation or regular structured exercise training that could affect the intervention effect
  • Unable to meet spirometry quality-control requirements
  • Unable to complete key baseline outcome assessments

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

China1 site
  • Huayuan Road Community Health Service Center, Haidian District, Beijing

    Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100084

Other trials in China

About this study

Official title: Effects of Elastic-Band Resistance Training With or Without Breathing Exercise on Pulmonary Function and Functional Performance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Pulmonary Function Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether elastic-band resistance training, with or without breathing training, can improve lung function and physical function in older adults with pulmonary function impairment living in the community. It will also learn about the safety and feasibility of these exercise programs.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

Read more

Does elastic-band resistance training improve lung function, lower-limb muscle strength, walking ability, and exercise tolerance?

Does adding structured breathing training to elastic-band resistance training provide additional benefits for lung function and respiratory-related health status?

Are these exercise programs safe and acceptable for older adults in a community setting?

Researchers will compare three groups: elastic-band resistance training plus breathing training, elastic-band resistance training alone, and usual health education. This will help determine whether elastic-band resistance training is helpful and whether breathing training adds extra benefit.

Participants will:

Take part in a 12-week study

Be assigned by chance to one of three groups

Attend supervised exercise sessions 3 times per week if assigned to an exercise group

Receive usual health education and daily activity guidance

Complete lung function tests, muscle strength tests, physical function tests, and questionnaires at the start of the study, at 6 weeks, and at 12 weeks

Read the detailed description

Detailed Description

Pulmonary function impairment is common in older adults and may be associated with reduced physical activity, lower exercise tolerance, poorer functional performance, and impaired respiratory-related health status. Community-dwelling older adults with early or mild pulmonary function decline may not receive formal pulmonary rehabilitation, but they may still benefit from simple, low-cost, and feasible exercise-based interventions.

This study was designed to evaluate whether a community-based elastic-band resistance training program, with or without structured breathing training, could improve pulmonary function and functional performance in older adults with pulmonary function impairment. Eligible participants were community-dwelling adults aged 60 years or older who were identified through pulmonary function screening. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: elastic-band resistance training plus breathing training, elastic-band resistance training alone, or usual health education.

The elastic-band resistance training program used progressive resistance exercises targeting upper-limb, lower-limb, and trunk-related functional movement patterns. Training intensity was monitored using a perceived exertion scale and adjusted according to each participant's tolerance and movement quality. The structured breathing training program included breathing control exercises and breathing trainer-based practice, with progression based on training level, breath-holding or maintenance time, repetitions, and perceived breathing effort.

The intervention lasted 12 weeks. Participants in the exercise groups attended supervised sessions three times per week in a community health service setting, while the control group received usual health education and daily activity guidance. Study assessments were conducted at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks to examine changes in pulmonary function, muscle strength, functional performance, respiratory-related health status, sleep quality, adherence, and safety.

This study may provide evidence for a practical community-based exercise approach for older adults with pulmonary function impairment and may help clarify whether adding structured breathing training to elastic-band resistance training provides additional benefits.

Being tested
Elastic-Band Resistance Training Plus Breathing Training, Elastic-Band Resistance Training
Keywords
Pulmonary Function Impairment, Elastic-Band Resistance Training, Older Adults, Pulmonary Function, Breathing Training, Exercise Intervention, Respiratory Health
Medical subject headings
Respiration Disorders

What participants receive

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

  • Elastic-Band Resistance Training Plus Breathing TrainingBehavioural

    Supervised elastic-band resistance training plus structured breathing training is provided for 12 weeks in a community health service setting. Participants attend 3-5 supervised sessions per week, with at least 3 sessions weekly. Each session includes approximately 60 minutes of elastic-band resistance training, consisting of warm-up, progressive exercises for the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk, and cool-down. Intensity is monitored using the OMNI-RES scale and adjusted according to movement quality and tolerance. An additional 10-minute breathing module includes inspiratory and expiratory trainer exercises, diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip breathing, rhythmic breathing, and breathing control. Participants also complete about 10 minutes of home-based breathing exercises on non-supervised days. Usual health education is provided.

  • Elastic-Band Resistance TrainingBehavioural

    Supervised elastic-band resistance training is provided for 12 weeks in a community health service setting. Participants attend 3-5 supervised sessions per week, with at least 3 sessions weekly. Each session lasts approximately 60 minutes and includes a warm-up, progressive elastic-band resistance exercises targeting the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk, and a cool-down. Training intensity is monitored using the OMNI-RES scale and adjusted according to movement quality and participant tolerance. Usual health education is also provided. No structured breathing training or home-based breathing exercises are included.

Study groups in NCT07612072
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Elastic-Band Resistance Training Plus Breathing TrainingExperimentalParticipants receive 12 weeks of supervised elastic-band resistance training combined with structured breathing training, in addition to usual health education. They attend 3-5 supervised sessions per week, with at least 3 sessions weekly. Each session includes approximately 60 minutes of elastic-band resistance training with warm-up, progressive exercises for the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk, and cool-down. Intensity is monitored using the OMNI-RES scale and adjusted according to movement quality and tolerance. An additional 10-minute breathing module includes inspiratory and expiratory trainer exercises, diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip breathing, rhythmic breathing, and breathing control. Participants also complete about 10 minutes of home-based breathing exercises on non-supervised days.
Receives: Behavioral: Elastic-Band Resistance Training Plus Breathing Training; Behavioral: Elastic-Band Resistance Training
Elastic-Band Resistance TrainingActive comparatorParticipants receive 12 weeks of supervised elastic-band resistance training in addition to usual health education. They attend 3-5 supervised sessions per week, with at least 3 sessions weekly. Each session lasts approximately 60 minutes and includes a warm-up, progressive elastic-band resistance exercises targeting the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk, and a cool-down. Training intensity is monitored using the OMNI-RES scale and adjusted according to movement quality and participant tolerance. No structured breathing training or home-based breathing exercises are provided in this arm.
Receives: Behavioral: Elastic-Band Resistance Training
Usual Health EducationNo interventionParticipants in this arm did not receive systematic exercise training. They received usual health education and daily activity guidance, including general lifestyle advice, basic physical activity recommendations, and safety instructions. Participants completed the same study assessments at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.

What is being measured

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

  1. Change in FEV1 Z-Score From Baseline to Week 12

    FEV1 z-score was calculated using reference equations to standardize pulmonary function according to age, sex, height, and ethnicity. The change from baseline to Week 12 was used to evaluate standardized improvement in pulmonary function. Higher z-scores indicate better lung function.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12

  2. Change in FVC Z-Score From Baseline to Week 12

    FVC z-score was calculated using reference equations to standardize pulmonary function according to age, sex, height, and ethnicity. The change from baseline to Week 12 was used to evaluate standardized improvement in pulmonary function. Higher z-scores indicate better lung function.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12

  3. Change in FEV1/FVC Z-Score From Baseline to Week 12

    FEV1/FVC z-score was calculated using reference equations to standardize the ratio according to age, sex, height, and ethnicity. The change from baseline to Week 12 was used to evaluate standardized change in airflow limitation. Higher z-scores indicate better pulmonary function.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12

Secondary outcomes (13)
  1. Change in Dominant-Side Quadriceps Strength From Baseline to Week 12

    Dominant-side quadriceps strength was measured using a standardized muscle strength testing device. The change from baseline to Week 12 was used to evaluate lower-limb muscle strength. Higher values indicate greater muscle strength.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12

  2. Change in Forced Vital Capacity From Baseline to Week 12

    Forced vital capacity (FVC) was measured using standardized spirometry. The change from baseline to Week 12 was used to evaluate improvement in pulmonary function. Higher values indicate better lung function.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12

  3. Change in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second From Baseline to Week 12

    Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was measured using standardized spirometry. The change from baseline to Week 12 was used to evaluate improvement in pulmonary function. Higher values indicate better lung function.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12

  4. Change in FEV1/FVC Ratio From Baseline to Week 12

    The FEV1/FVC ratio was calculated from standardized spirometry results. The change from baseline to Week 12 was used to evaluate airflow limitation. Higher values generally indicate better pulmonary function.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12

  5. Change in Non-Dominant-Side Quadriceps Strength From Baseline to Week 12

    Non-dominant-side quadriceps strength was measured using a standardized muscle strength testing device. The change from baseline to Week 12 was used to evaluate lower-limb muscle strength. Higher values indicate greater muscle strength.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12

  6. Change in Dominant-Side Triceps Surae Strength From Baseline to Week 12

    Dominant-side triceps surae strength was measured using a standardized muscle strength testing device. The change from baseline to Week 12 was used to evaluate lower-limb muscle strength. Higher values indicate greater muscle strength.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12

  7. Change in Non-Dominant-Side Triceps Surae Strength From Baseline to Week 12

    Non-dominant-side triceps surae strength was measured using a standardized muscle strength testing device. The change from baseline to Week 12 was used to evaluate lower-limb muscle strength. Higher values indicate greater muscle strength.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12

  8. Change in Timed Up and Go Test Performance From Baseline to Week 12

    The Timed Up and Go test was used to assess functional mobility. Participants stood up from a chair, walked a fixed distance, turned around, returned to the chair, and sat down. Shorter completion time indicates better functional mobility.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12

  9. Change in 2-Minute Step Test Performance From Baseline to Week 12

    The 2-minute step test was used to assess short-duration exercise tolerance. Participants stepped in place for 2 minutes, and the number of valid steps reaching the required knee height was recorded. Higher values indicate better exercise tolerance.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12

  10. Change in 4-Meter Gait Speed From Baseline to Week 12

    Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12

    Measured: The 4-meter gait speed test was used to assess usual walking ability. Participants walked a fixed 4-meter distance at their usual comfortable speed. Higher values indicate better walking performance.

  11. Change in 30-Second Chair Stand Test Performance From Baseline to Week 12

    The 30-second chair stand test was used to assess repeated sit-to-stand ability. Participants were asked to complete as many full sit-to-stand repetitions as possible within 30 seconds. Higher values indicate better lower-limb functional performance.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12

  12. Change in St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire Total Score From Baseline to Week 12

    Respiratory-related health status was assessed using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire total score. The change from baseline to Week 12 was used to evaluate respiratory symptoms and health-related quality of life. Lower scores indicate better respiratory-related health status.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12

  13. Change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Total Score From Baseline to Week 12

    Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index total score. The change from baseline to Week 12 was used to evaluate changes in subjective sleep quality. Lower scores indicate better sleep quality.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12

Timeline

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

  1. First posted28 May 2026
  2. Study start10 Jun 2026
  3. Primary completion15 Sep 2026
  4. Study completion16 Sep 2026

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
Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three parallel groups: elastic-band resistance training plus breathing training, elastic-band resistance training alone, or usual health education.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
90 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07612072
Sponsor's protocol ID
BeijingSU
Acronym
EBBT-PFI
Status last verified
May 2026
First submitted
21 May 2026
Last updated
30 Sep 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Individual participant data will not be shared because the study involves health-related data from older adults, and public sharing was not specified in the informed consent or ethics approval. De-identified data may be considered only upon reasonable request and with appropriate ethical approval.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Elastic-Band Resistance Training Plus Breathing Training and Elastic-Band Resistance Training in people with Respiration Disorders, run by Beijing Sport University at 1 site in China.

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 6 inclusion and 6 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 30 Sep 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 China. 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?

Change in FEV1 Z-Score From Baseline to Week 12 (time frame: Baseline, Week 6, and Week 12). 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?
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 30 Sep 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.

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