RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effects of Isocapnic Respiratory Muscle Endurance Training in Healthy Adults

This research is investigating whether a new breathing exercise method, using a device called BreathWayBetter, can help healthy adults breathe more comfortably during physical activity. The study aims to strengthen breathing muscles and make exercise feel easier. We want to find out if this specific training can reduce feelings of breathlessness and improve how well people perform during exercise, like cycling. The study will compare people who use the BreathWayBetter device with a group who use a 'sham' (fake) version, so we can be sure any improvements are due to the real training. The results could help athletes and other patients improve their breathing and exercise ability.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of British Columbia

Enrolment target

Start

04 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2026

Healthy Adults

What is this study about?

This study is all about understanding how different types of breathing exercises can help improve our health and fitness. Specifically, it's looking into a special kind of breathing training called 'voluntary isocapnic hyperpnea' (don't worry about the long name!) using a device called BreathWayBetter. You can think of it as a workout for your breathing muscles, just like you might do exercises for your arm or leg muscles. The main goal is to see if strengthening these breathing muscles makes exercise feel less tiring and reduces that uncomfortable feeling of being out of breath.

While we know that exercising our breathing muscles can be helpful, there are many different ways to do it. This study wants to figure out if this particular method with the BreathWayBetter device is effective, especially in making exercise feel easier and less unpleasant. Researchers will also check to see if participants can cycle for longer or with more effort after the training.

The findings from this study could be really important. If this breathing training works well, it could offer a new way for athletes to improve their performance and for people with certain health conditions to manage their breathing better and enjoy physical activity more. It helps us understand how to make breathing exercises more personal and effective for everyone.

Key takeaways

Study examines a new breathing exercise device called BreathWayBetter.
Aims to see if training breathing muscles can reduce breathlessness during exercise.
Involves healthy adults, including regular cyclists and triathletes.
Compares real training with a 'sham' version to ensure accurate results.
Could help improve exercise tolerance and personalise respiratory care.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a healthy adult between 18 and 55 years old, both men and women can take part. You should also be within a healthy weight range. It's important that your lungs are generally healthy, which doctors can check with a simple test. You must also be able to read and understand English, as all study materials are in English.

If you regularly take part in sports like road cycling or triathlons at a regional, national, or international level, you could be a good fit. You also need to have a smartphone or tablet that can use an app, or access to the internet for a web application.

However, you can't join if you currently smoke, vape, or use cannabis frequently, or have a history of doing so. If you have any ongoing heart or serious lung conditions (though controlled asthma is okay), or certain muscle/nerve problems, you also won't be able to participate. This study isn't suitable if you are pregnant, or if there's any reason that exercise would be unsafe 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 between 18 and 55 years old?
Do you have a healthy body weight?
Do you regularly cycle or do triathlons?
Are you generally healthy with no serious heart or lung conditions (controlled asthma is okay)?
Are you able to read and understand English?
Are you not currently pregnant?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will go through a few stages. First, there will be some initial tests to see your current fitness levels and how your breathing muscles work, and you'll fill out some questionnaires about breathlessness. Then, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either you'll use the BreathWayBetter training device or a device that looks similar but doesn't provide the actual training (this is called a 'sham' group and helps us compare results fairly).

You will train regularly with the device for five weeks. After these five weeks, you'll come back for follow-up tests, which will be similar to your initial assessments, to see if there have been any changes in your breathing, fitness, and how you feel during exercise. The total time for the study will include these assessment visits and the five weeks of training.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some potential benefits. If you are in the active training group, you might find that your breathing muscles become stronger and you feel less out of breath during exercise, which could improve your overall fitness and enjoyment of physical activity. There might also be benefits from having your fitness and breathing assessed by medical professionals. As with any exercise study, there are minor potential risks, such as feeling tired or a bit stiff after exercise tests, but all procedures are designed to be safe. You can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

St. Paul's Hospital
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'breathing muscle training'?

It's like a workout for the muscles you use to breathe. Just like you exercise other muscles, you can train your breathing muscles to become stronger and work more efficiently.

What does the BreathWayBetter device do?

It's a device that helps you perform specific breathing exercises designed to strengthen your breathing muscles. The study aims to see how effective it is.

Will I know if I'm in the real training group or the 'sham' group?

No, you won't know which group you're in until after the study is complete. This helps ensure the results are fair and unbiased.

How long will I need to train?

If you participate, you will train regularly for a period of five weeks.

Who is funding this research?

The information provided does not specify the funding source for this trial.

How to find out more

Olivia Ferguson, MSc

olivia.ferguson@hli.ubc.ca 604-806-8835 Official trial record

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