RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

OptiMuscle - Improving Respiration by Optimising Muscle Function

The OptiMuscle study is investigating a new digital tool designed to help people who have difficulty breathing, also known as 'dysfunctional breathing'. Many people in the UK experience this, leading to shortness of breath, dizziness, or hyperventilating. Current treatments often involve breathing exercises guided by a physiotherapist. This study aims to see if adding a digital system, which uses a visual 'avatar' to give real-time feedback on breathing muscle patterns, can make these physiotherapy sessions even more effective. Participants will have four sessions with this system, and researchers will compare their breathing and quality of life before and after, to understand if this new technology helps them learn to control their breathing better.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Salford

Enrolment target

Start

01 Mar 2024

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2026

Dysfunctional Breathing Breathing Pattern Disorder

What is this study about?

Dysfunctional breathing is a common problem where the muscles you use to breathe don't work as they should. This can make you feel breathless, lightheaded, or like you're breathing too fast. It's not usually caused by serious lung conditions like asthma, but rather by how your body is moving air in and out.

Currently, people often work with physiotherapists to learn new ways to breathe and retrain their muscles. This study, called OptiMuscle, is exploring whether a new digital system can make these physiotherapy sessions even more helpful. The system uses a special 'avatar' – a kind of digital guide – that shows you in real-time how your breathing muscles are working. The idea is that this visual feedback will help you understand and correct your breathing patterns more easily.

Researchers want to see if using this digital system alongside traditional physiotherapy leads to better results for people with dysfunctional breathing. They will be comparing how people's breathing improves and how it affects their daily lives after using the OptiMuscle system.

Key takeaways

A new digital system, OptiMuscle, is being tested for breathing difficulties.
It uses an 'avatar' to provide visual feedback on breathing muscles.
The study aims to improve traditional physiotherapy for dysfunctional breathing.
Participants will have 4 sessions using the new system.
It could help people learn to control their breathing better and improve quality of life.
This study is for adults with specific breathing problems, not severe lung conditions.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) who can walk and stand on your own. You should have been experiencing breathing difficulties, like feeling breathless or having laboured breathing, for at least six months. A doctor must have diagnosed you with 'dysfunctional breathing' or 'breathing pattern disorder'. If you also have other breathing problems, like asthma, your doctor needs to confirm that these aren't the main cause of your current breathing symptoms.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you can't understand English well enough to read and sign the consent forms, or if your Body Mass Index (BMI) is over 34. You also can't be currently receiving treatment for dysfunctional breathing, or have recently been treated for a severe chest infection or asthma attack within the last four weeks. The study is open to both men and women.

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 had breathing difficulties for at least 6 months?
Has a doctor told you that you have 'dysfunctional breathing'?
Can you understand information in English well enough to sign forms?
Are you not currently receiving other treatment for dysfunctional breathing?
Are you able to stand and walk on your own?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the OptiMuscle study, you will have four physiotherapy sessions where you will use the new digital breathing biofeedback system. Before and after these sessions, you will have some common lung function tests to check your breathing, and you'll fill out questionnaires about your quality of life. The aim of these is to see if your breathing and overall well-being improve. You'll also be offered a chance to talk to the researchers about your experiences using the digital system. The total duration of your participation will depend on the scheduling of your four sessions and assessments.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of learning new techniques to manage your breathing difficulties and potentially improve your quality of life through the use of an innovative digital tool. As this is still a research study, we cannot guarantee personal benefits, and there are no known significant risks associated with using the breathing biofeedback system or breathing exercises. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

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

University of Salford
Verified postcode
Manchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'dysfunctional breathing'?

It's when your breathing muscles don't work effectively, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath or dizziness, even if your lungs are otherwise healthy.

What is the 'digital breathing biofeedback system'?

It's a new digital tool that uses an animated character, or 'avatar', to show you how your breathing muscles are working in real-time, helping you learn to control them properly.

How many sessions will I need to attend?

You will have four sessions, each using the digital breathing system with physiotherapy guidance.

Will this study help with my asthma?

This study focuses on dysfunctional breathing, which is different from asthma. If your doctor believes your breathing problems are mainly due to asthma, this study might not be suitable.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you are completely free to withdraw from the study at any point without needing to give a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Stephen J Preece, PhD

s.preece@salford.ac.uk +44 161 295 2273 Official trial record

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