Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Combinaison of Virtual Reality and Rehabilitation to Improve Muscle Function, Exercise Tolerance, Exertional Symptoms and Dyspnea in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Disease: a Randomized Cross-over Trial

People with conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) often struggle with breathlessness and can find it hard to exercise, leading to a decline in their physical health. This study wants to see if virtual reality (VR) technology could help. VR has shown promise in distracting people from unpleasant symptoms like pain or anxiety. Researchers are hoping that by using VR during exercise, people with breathing problems might feel less breathless, allowing them to exercise more. This could improve their muscle strength, how much exercise they can do, and their overall quality of life. The study aims to find out if VR can make a real difference in how well people with long-term respiratory conditions can exercise.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Fondation Hôpital Saint-Joseph

Enrolment target

Start

01 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

What is this study about?

Many people with long-term breathing problems, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), find it very difficult to exercise. This is often because they feel breathless, which can stop them from being active. Over time, being less active can make their breathing even worse and reduce their ability to do everyday things. While regular exercise programs (called pulmonary rehabilitation) are very helpful, breathlessness can still be a big barrier.

This study is exploring a new idea: using virtual reality (VR) to help people with these conditions exercise more easily. VR involves using special headsets to immerse you in a computer-generated world. The hope is that the VR experience will distract people from their breathlessness and other uncomfortable feelings while they exercise, allowing them to push themselves a little further and get more benefit from their physical activity.

The researchers want to see if VR can truly help improve how much exercise people can do, reduce their feelings of breathlessness during activity, and ultimately improve their overall fitness and quality of life. This is a "crossover" study, which means participants will experience both the VR treatment and a standard approach at different times, allowing researchers to compare the effects of each.

Key takeaways

New study testing if virtual reality (VR) can help people with long-term breathing conditions exercise more easily.
Aims to reduce breathlessness during exercise and improve fitness.
Specifically for conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Participation involves exercising with and without VR at different times.
Could lead to new ways to make pulmonary rehabilitation more effective.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) with a long-term breathing condition that requires you to attend pulmonary rehabilitation at the Paris Saint-Joseph Hospital. You should experience some breathlessness and be able to speak French. You also need to agree freely to take part in the study and have health insurance.

However, there are reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain other health issues that make intensive exercise unsafe, such as serious heart problems or conditions affecting your brain and nerves. People who get motion sickness, dizziness, or have severe vision problems, seizures, or certain mental health conditions also cannot take part. If you are already involved in another specific type of medical study, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, this study would not be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 or older?
Do you have a long-term breathing condition that means you need pulmonary rehabilitation?
Do you experience some breathlessness?
Do you *not* get severe motion sickness, dizziness, or have severe vision problems?
Are you *not* pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you *not* currently involved in a specific type of other medical research study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is a "crossover" trial. This means you will go through two different treatment periods. During one period, you will have your exercise sessions combined with virtual reality (VR). During the other period, you will have your exercise sessions without VR. The order in which you receive these will be decided randomly, like flipping a coin. The researchers will compare how you feel and perform during both types of sessions. The study will involve regular assessments to measure your breathing, how much exercise you can do, and how breathless you feel.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a potential benefit by helping you to manage breathlessness during exercise, which could lead to improved fitness and a better quality of life. However, there's a chance you might not experience any direct personal benefit. As with any exercise, there are minor risks like feeling tired or experiencing muscle soreness. If you use virtual reality, there's a small risk of feeling dizzy or confused, though precautions will be taken. Importantly, taking part in this study is entirely your choice, and you are free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Paris Saint Joseph
Verified postcode
Paris, France

Common questions

What is COPD?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It's a common lung disease that causes breathing difficulties. It can include conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

What is pulmonary rehabilitation?

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a special program that includes supervised exercise, education about your condition, and support to help you manage your breathing problems and improve your quality of life.

What does 'virtual reality' mean in this study?

Virtual reality (VR) in this study uses special head-mounted devices that immerse you in a computer-generated environment, usually a 3D world, while you are exercising. The aim is to distract you from your breathlessness.

Will I have to stop my usual medicines if I join?

The study description doesn't mention stopping any usual medications. However, it's very important to discuss all your current medicines with the study team and your doctor before joining.

What does a 'crossover trial' mean?

A crossover trial means that every participant will receive both the new treatment (VR plus exercise) and the standard treatment (exercise alone) at different times. This allows researchers to compare the effects of both on the same person.

How to find out more

Johan Wormser

jwormser@ghpsj.fr 0144123085 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.