Active Cycle Of Breathing Technique And Pursed Lip Breathing in Moderate to Severe COPD Patients

Summary

Purpose of the Study Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive, long-term lung condition that limits airflow and makes breathing difficult. People with COPD frequently experience shortness of breath, chronic coughing, and mucus buildup, which can severely impact their daily activities and overall quality of life. While medications are commonly used, non drug therapies like specialized breathing exercises are becoming vital tools to help relieve symptoms.

The purpose of this study is to compare two popular breathing techniques the Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) and Pursed-Lip Breathing (PLB) to determine which method is more effective at improving lung function, reducing breathlessness, and enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals living with moderate to severe COPD.

Study Plan and Methods

This study is a randomized controlled trial lasting approximately 8 to 10 months. A total of 40 eligible participants (both men and women aged 40 to 55) will be recruited and randomly split into two equal groups:

Group A (Active Cycle Breathing): Participants will practice ACBT, which combines relaxed breathing, deep chest-expanding breaths, and a specialized coughing technique ("huffing") to clear trapped mucus from the lungs Group B (Pursed-Lip Breathing): Participants will practice PLB, a technique where they inhale slowly through the nose and exhale gently through puckered lips (like blowing out a candle) to slow down breathing and improve ventilation Both groups will receive their assigned breathing exercise alongside standard medical care and a baseline postural drainage treatment. Exercises will be performed in 15-to-20-minute sessions, twice a day, for a total of 8 weeks.

Expected Outcomes Researchers will evaluate participants before and after the 8-week program using standard lung function tests (spirometry), breathlessness questionnaires, and quality-of-life assessments. The study expects both techniques to offer relief, but aims to identify if one method provides superior evidence-based benefits. The ultimate goal is to help physical therapists and doctors design more effective, personalized pulmonary rehabilitation programs for COPD patients.

Conditions

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Moderate to Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Interventions

OTHER

Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT)

The intervention consists of the Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT), a flexible regimen of breathing exercises designed to clear excess secretions from the lungs. It will be performed in 3 distinct phases: 1) Breathing Control (relaxed, gentle breathing to calm the airways), 2) Thoracic Expansion (deep, controlled breaths to expand the chest and loosen mucus), and 3) Forced Expiratory Technique/FET (using "huffing" to mobilize and clear mucus). Participants will perform 2 sessions a day, lasting 15-20 minutes per session, for a total of 8 weeks. All sessions will be conducted under standard baseline postural drainage alongside standard medical care.

OTHER

Pursed Lip Breathing (PLB)

The intervention consists of the Pursed Lip Breathing (PLB) technique, a breathing exercise aimed at reducing breathlessness and improving ventilation efficiency. Participants are trained to slowly inhale through the nose for 2 counts (allowing the belly to expand) and gently exhale through puckered lips for 4 or more counts without forcing the air out. Participants will perform 2 sessions a day, lasting 15-20 minutes per session, for a total of 8 weeks. All sessions will be conducted under standard baseline postural drainage alongside standard medical care.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Lahore Hospital (ULH)

  collaborator NETWORK

• University of Lahore

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Model

SINGLE_GROUP

Eligibility

Min Age

40 Years

Max Age

55 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-01-11

Primary Completion

2026-02-20

Completion

2026-06-30

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations