RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The Physiotherapy Assessment of Breathing Pattern Disorder

This study is checking a tool called the Breathing Pattern Assessment Tool (BPAT) that physiotherapists use to understand breathing problems. Sometimes, people breathe in a way that doesn't work well for their body, causing them to feel breathless. The study aims to find out if the BPAT is a reliable and accurate way to identify these breathing issues and see if it can track how people improve after physiotherapy. Researchers will compare BPAT results with other common questionnaires about breathlessness. They'll involve people with breathing problems, people with asthma, and healthy individuals. The main goal is to improve how breathing problems are assessed, which could lead to better treatment for patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

150

Start

10 Dec 2024

Estimated completion

01 May 2026

Breathing Pattern Disorder Breathlessness

What is this study about?

This study is about a tool called the Breathing Pattern Assessment Tool, or BPAT. Physiotherapists use the BPAT to help understand if someone has a 'breathing pattern disorder.' This simply means your breathing might not be as efficient or helpful for your body as it could be, often leading to feelings of breathlessness. The researchers want to make sure the BPAT is a good and reliable way to spot these breathing issues.

They will be looking at how well the BPAT identifies breathing problems and if it can show when someone's breathing gets better after they've had physiotherapy. They will also compare the BPAT against other commonly used questionnaires that ask about breathlessness and breathing symptoms. This helps to check if the BPAT is giving similar, accurate information. A small number of patients and physiotherapists will also be interviewed to find out what they think about using the BPAT and how helpful they find it in real life.

Ultimately, this study hopes to improve how breathing problems are understood and managed. By making sure we have the best tools to assess breathing, doctors and physiotherapists can hopefully give people clearer guidance and more effective treatment in the future, helping them to feel less breathless and breathe more comfortably.

Key takeaways

The study tests a tool (BPAT) for breathing problems.
It aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for breathlessness.
Participants can include people with breathing issues, asthma, and healthy individuals.
Involves assessments and, for some, monitoring during usual physiotherapy.
Interviews will help understand if the tool is useful in practice.
No new treatments are given as part of the study.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult, 18 years or older. The study is looking for people who have been referred to physiotherapy for breathlessness that doesn't have a clear cause, or if your doctor thinks you might have a breathing pattern disorder. This includes people whose breathing problem is the main issue, and also those who have asthma but still have breathing difficulties.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain other lung conditions like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or specific heart problems. You also can't be pregnant, or currently taking part in certain other rehab programmes for lung or heart conditions.

It's important that you would be able to attend up to four physiotherapy sessions if you are in the group getting treatment, and that you are able to give your informed consent to take part, which means you understand what the study involves and agree to be part of it.

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 years old or older?
Have you been referred for breathlessness or a possible breathing problem?
Do you *not* have severe lung conditions like COPD or cystic fibrosis?
Are you *not* currently pregnant or in other specific rehabilitation programs?
Are you able to attend some physiotherapy sessions if you have a breathing problem?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, what you do will depend on which group you're in. If you have a breathing pattern disorder, you'll have your breathing assessed using the BPAT by two different physiotherapists at the start of the study. You'll then have a follow-up assessment about four weeks later. If you continue with physiotherapy (which would be your usual care and typically involves about four sessions), your breathing will be assessed again using the BPAT at the end of your treatment, up to six months later. You and your physiotherapist will also be asked if you feel your symptoms have changed.

If you have asthma, the researchers will collect information they need from your usual medical records; you won't need extra visits for the study itself. If you are a healthy volunteer, you will only need to attend one assessment visit where your breathing will be assessed using the BPAT. There are no study medications involved. For those with breathing pattern disorder, the total duration could be up to six months, depending on your physiotherapy treatment.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer the benefit of a detailed assessment of your breathing pattern. While there are no direct treatments given as part of the study, the information gathered could help improve how breathing problems are assessed and treated in the future, potentially benefiting many people. Risks are very low; the assessments are routine and non-invasive. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Royal Brompton Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'breathing pattern disorder'?

It's when your breathing isn't as effective as it could be, often making you feel breathless or experience other symptoms.

What is the BPAT?

The BPAT (Breathing Pattern Assessment Tool) is a checklist used by physiotherapists to check how you breathe.

Will I get physiotherapy if I join?

If you have a breathing pattern disorder, you'll receive physiotherapy as part of your normal care, and your progress will be monitored in the study.

How long will I need to be involved?

Depending on your group, it could be a single visit or up to six months if you're receiving physiotherapy.

Is this study safe?

Yes, the assessments are standard and non-invasive, meaning there are very few risks involved.

How to find out more

Lizzie Grillo JF Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist, BSc MSc

lizzie.grillo1@nhs.net 07843203979 Official trial record

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