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Impact of 3D-EIT-Guided Acapella Breathing Training on Lung Ventilation Distribution

NCT07733843 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 30

Last updated 2026-07-29

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to determine whether real-time visual feedback from three-dimensional electrical impedance tomography (3D-EIT) can improve the effects of Acapella breathing exercises in adults recovering from critical illness. 3D-EIT is a noninvasive bedside imaging method that provides real-time information about how ventilation is distributed within the lungs.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will perform a standardized Acapella breathing exercise while 3D-EIT data and vital signs are recorded. Participants in the control group will receive routine verbal and demonstration-based breathing instructions without viewing the EIT images. Participants in the intervention group will receive the same instructions and will also view their own real-time 3D-EIT ventilation images. They will use this visual feedback to adjust their breathing with the goal of increasing ventilation in the dorsal regions of the lungs and/or achieving a more even distribution of ventilation.

The main question is whether 3D-EIT-guided visual feedback results in a greater improvement in end-expiratory lung impedance (EELI) after breathing exercise compared with routine instruction alone. The study will also examine changes in regional ventilation distribution, ventilation inhomogeneity, vital signs, breathing discomfort, comfort and tolerance, achievement of the breathing-training target, and adverse events.

Approximately 30 participants will be enrolled and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the two study groups.

Conditions

  • Critical Illness Recovery
  • Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Interventions

DEVICE

Acapella Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure Breathing Exercise

Participants will perform standardized breathing exercises using an Acapella oscillating positive expiratory pressure device. Each session will consist of 3 sets of 8-10 breaths, with 10-15 seconds of rest between breaths and 1-2 minutes of rest between sets. Participants will be instructed to inhale slowly and exhale through the Acapella device. The resistance setting will be predetermined and kept unchanged throughout the session.

DEVICE

Real-Time 3D Electrical Impedance Tomography Visual Biofeedback

Participants in the experimental group will view their own real-time 3D electrical impedance tomography (3D-EIT) ventilation images while performing standardized Acapella breathing exercises. The visual feedback will be used to guide breathing adjustments with the aim of increasing dorsal lung ventilation and/or improving ventilation homogeneity. The 3D-EIT system will also record ventilation data for outcome assessment.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-07-31
Primary Completion
2026-08-01
Completion
2027-03-21

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07733843 on ClinicalTrials.gov