RecruitingInterventional

Does inspiratory muscle training with and without feedback alter breathing patterns and outcomes in people with a breathing pattern disorder?

This study explores how specific breathing exercises, called inspiratory muscle training (IMT), can help people with breathing pattern disorders. Many people have these disorders, causing various symptoms. While IMT has helped others with breathing issues, its effect on breathing pattern disorders isn't fully understood. We want to see if a single breathing exercise session, or a longer 6-week home programme, can improve breathing patterns. This research aims to fill a gap in our knowledge and potentially offer new ways to help people breathe better, feel less breathless, exercise more easily, and improve their general well-being. It is funded by the University of Kent and POWERbreathe International Ltd.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Enrolment target

Start

01 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Breathing pattern disorders

What is this study about?

Many people experience what's known as a 'breathing pattern disorder.' This means their breathing isn't working as efficiently as it could, which can lead to various symptoms like feeling breathless, tired, or anxious. Currently, the main way to help is through breathing correction exercises.

This study is looking at a specific type of breathing exercise called inspiratory muscle training (IMT). This training aims to make the muscles you use to breathe in stronger. We've seen that IMT can help people in other situations feel less out of breath, exercise better, and generally improve their quality of life. However, we don't know much about how well it works for people specifically with breathing pattern disorders.

Our research wants to find out if IMT can help. We'll look at two main things: first, if a single session of IMT (with or without extra guidance called biofeedback) can immediately improve breathing patterns. Second, we'll investigate if a 6-week program of IMT that you do at home can make a lasting difference to your breathing and how you feel overall. This study is important because it could show us a new, effective way to help people with breathing pattern disorders.

Key takeaways

Tests how breathing exercises help breathing pattern disorders.
Involves four visits to the University of Kent and 6 weeks of home breathing practice.
Includes physical assessments and exercise tests.
Potential benefits: better understanding of your breathing and specific training.
Potential risks include exercise-related discomfort, closely monitored for safety.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

We are looking for adults aged between 18 and 65 years old who have been diagnosed with a breathing pattern disorder. This diagnosis might be based on certain questionnaires, observations after exercise, or specific breathing tests.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you have certain existing health conditions like a serious heart, lung, or muscle problem, if you've had a chest infection recently, or if you're allergic to some medical tapes or medications used in the study. We also can't include people whose lung function drops a lot after exercise.

Our goal is to make sure the study is safe for everyone involved, so we'll ask you some health questions and do some quick checks to make sure this study is right 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 65 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with a breathing pattern disorder?
Do you have any serious heart, lung, or muscle problems?
Have you had a chest infection in the last 4 weeks or any other illness in the last 2 weeks?
Are you allergic to certain medical tapes or the medication Salbutamol (used in inhalers)?
Can you comfortably exercise on a stationary bicycle?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll need to visit the University of Kent four times over about six weeks. You'll also do breathing exercises at home for six weeks.

**Visit One:** We'll ask you some questions, measure your lung function with blowing and sniffing tests, check gases in your breath, and test your breathing muscle strength. You'll also do an exercise test on a stationary bike, gradually increasing the effort until you can't continue. We'll monitor your breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels throughout, and re-check your lung function afterwards.

**Visit Two:** We'll place small reflective markers on your chest for special cameras to record your breathing movements while you're resting and exercising on a bike at different speeds. We'll also record your breathing with a phone. You'll then learn how to use a home breathing device, practice with it, and repeat some of the exercise and recording tests. We'll lend you a device to take home.

**Home Training:** For six weeks, you'll use the breathing device at home twice a day, doing two sets of 30 breaths each time. This should take about 5 minutes per set. The research team will contact you once a week to see how you're getting on.

**Visit Three:** This visit will be similar to Visit One, but without the extra lung function tests after exercise.

**Visit Four:** You'll repeat the exercise test with the cameras and video recording, just like in Visit Two.

The total duration for your involvement in the study is approximately 6 weeks of home training plus the four visits.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you'll receive a detailed assessment of your breathing and exercise ability, which might help you understand your own breathing better. You'll also get training on how to improve your breathing pattern. However, we don't yet know if these specific breathing exercises will definitely improve your breathing pattern disorder. There are some possible risks. Exercise tests, especially intense ones, can sometimes make you feel lightheaded, nauseous, or cause temporary muscle soreness. We monitor you closely during exercise, stopping if you show signs of distress. In very rare cases, intense exercise carries a small risk of heart problems, but we take precautions and continuously check your heart rate and oxygen levels. If your lung function drops too much after exercise, we'll offer you an inhaler to help. You might also feel a little out of breath or lightheaded from the breathing exercises, but we'll teach you techniques to manage this. There's also a small chance of skin irritation from the sticky markers used for recordings. You have the right to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

University of Kent
Approximate
Canterbury, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a 'breathing pattern disorder'?

It means your breathing isn't working as efficiently as it could, which can cause symptoms like breathlessness or tiredness.

What is 'inspiratory muscle training'?

It's a type of exercise that strengthens the muscles you use to breathe in.

How long will I need to do the home exercises?

You'll do home exercises with a special device twice a day for six weeks.

Will I get paid for participating?

The information provided doesn't mention payment, but you will receive personal feedback on your breathing and exercise tests.

Can I stop the study at any time?

Yes, you can leave the study at any point without needing a reason.

How to find out more

Kristopher Bahadur

kjb52@kent.ac.uk +44 (0)1227 764000 Official trial record

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