Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

CPOD Patient's Tolerance of Intermittent Exercise With Inter-exercise Recovery Under Normoxic Hypoxia

This study is for adults with a chronic lung condition called COPD. We're exploring if briefly reducing oxygen levels during short rest periods between exercise bursts can make exercise feel less tiring. This approach aims to lessen the strain on breathing, which often makes exercise hard for people with COPD. We also want to see if this method could improve their sleep quality. The idea is that by making exercise feel easier and more comfortable, people with COPD might be able to exercise more effectively, which can significantly improve their daily lives and overall health. We'll be measuring how participants feel during exercise, their breathing, heart rate, and sleep.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Amiens

Enrolment target

Start

01 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2027

Intermittent Hypoxia Exercise Recovery Intermittent Exercise Rating Exertion Perception Sleep

What is this study about?

Many people with long-term lung conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) find exercise difficult. This is often because their breathing system has to work very hard, making them feel out of breath and tired. While exercise is really important for improving health and living well with COPD, this discomfort can make it hard to stick with a programme.

This study is looking into a new way to make exercise feel easier and more beneficial. The main idea is that if we slightly reduce the amount of oxygen a person breathes for a short time during their recovery breaks *between* periods of exercise, it might help their lungs and body cope better during the next exercise burst. Think of it like giving your body a brief, subtle 'tune-up' during your rest periods, preparing it for the next effort. The hope is that this makes the exercise session feel less demanding overall.

An added benefit we're exploring is whether this gentle change in oxygen levels during exercise breaks could also lead to better sleep. We all know how important good sleep is for our health, and for people with COPD, it can sometimes be a challenge. By making exercise more comfortable and potentially improving sleep, this research aims to find new ways to help people with COPD live more active and healthier lives.

Key takeaways

Aims to make exercise easier for people with COPD.
Tests if brief oxygen changes during rest periods help.
May improve exercise comfort and sleep quality.
Involves cycling and monitoring breathing, heart rate, and how you feel.
Only for people aged 40-60 with moderate COPD.
Conducted at CHU Amiens - Picardie hospital.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you would need to be between 40 and 60 years old and already receiving care for your lungs at the CHU Amiens - Picardie hospital in France. You must have been diagnosed with what's called 'Stage II' Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Your body weight should be within a healthy range for your height (a BMI between 20 and 30). Your lung function, measured by tests like the Tiffeneau Index and FEV1, needs to fall within specific ranges, showing moderate COPD. Also, if you used to smoke, you must have completely stopped for at least one week before joining.

Crucially, you would be asked to give your written permission to take part and must be registered with a social security system. The study is open to both people who are usually quite active and those who lead a more sedentary lifestyle. There are no specific reasons listed that would prevent someone from joining, as long as they meet the criteria above.

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 40 and 60 years old?
Do you get your lung care at CHU Amiens - Picardie hospital?
Have you been diagnosed with 'Stage II' COPD?
If you used to smoke, have you stopped completely for at least one week?
Is your body weight within a healthy range for your height?
Are you happy to give written consent to join the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll need to visit the study centre on separate days. On each of these days, you will do four short bursts of cycling exercise, each lasting about 4 minutes. In between each burst of cycling, you will have a 3-minute rest period. During these rest periods, we will sometimes change the amount of oxygen in the air you breathe, in a way that's carefully controlled. Sometimes you'll breathe normal air, and sometimes air with slightly less oxygen.

Throughout these sessions, we'll be carefully monitoring several things. We'll ask you how hard you feel you're working (this is called 'rating exertion perception'), and we'll measure your breathing patterns and heart rate. We'll also ask you about your sleep quality and measure your heart rate during the night after your exercise sessions. The study will involve a few visits in total, but the exact duration of each visit and the overall time commitment isn't specified, but it's likely to be over a few weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer benefits, such as potentially making exercise feel easier and possibly improving your sleep, which could lead to better overall health and wellbeing. However, as with any exercise or medical study, there are potential risks, though these are expected to be low given the careful monitoring. You might feel slightly out of breath during exercise, as is common with COPD, and the brief changes in oxygen levels are carefully controlled. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

CHRU Amiens
Verified postcode
Amiens, France

Common questions

What is COPD?

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It's a common lung condition that causes breathing difficulties, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful gases or particles, most often from smoking.

Why is exercise important for people with COPD?

Exercise can help improve your breathing, strengthen your muscles, boost your energy levels, and improve your overall quality of life, even with COPD. It helps you stay active and cope better with daily tasks.

What does 'intermittent exercise' mean?

Intermittent exercise means doing short bursts of activity followed by short rest periods, rather than exercising continuously for a long time. It's a common way to train and can be very effective.

Will I have to wear a special mask during the study?

The study description suggests that a goal is to avoid masks and restricted spaces for patients, aiming to make the exercise feel more comfortable. This indicates you likely won't need to wear a restrictive mask during the exercise itself.

What is 'ventilatory overload'?

Ventilatory overload means your breathing muscles have to work too hard to get enough air in and out of your lungs, making you feel very breathless and tired, especially during exercise.

How to find out more

Emeric Thiesset, MD

thiesset.emeric@chu-amiens.fr 33+322088051 Official trial record

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