Can high-flow oxygen enhance oxygenation during exercise by optimizing the benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in patients with Diffuse Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) with oxygen desaturation during effort?
Pulmonary rehabilitation is a programme of gentle exercise and advice designed to help people with lung conditions manage breathlessness and build stamina. However, people with interstitial lung disease (ILD) often experience a sudden drop in blood oxygen levels when they exert themselves, making exercise difficult and uncomfortable. This Phase III clinical trial is investigating whether breathing medical oxygen through a high-flow system during exercise sessions can help. High-flow oxygen delivers warm, moist oxygen quickly and comfortably. Researchers want to see if this prevents oxygen levels from dropping and eases breathlessness during workouts. Participants will take part in a rehabilitation programme while having their blood oxygen closely monitored. The team will also measure walking distance, lung function, and daily quality of life to see whether high-flow oxygen makes exercise training safer, easier, and more effective.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a name for a group of conditions that cause inflammation or scarring in the lungs. This scarring makes the lung tissue stiff, which makes it harder for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream. Many people with ILD find that even everyday activities cause their blood oxygen levels to drop, leading to sudden tiredness and severe breathlessness.
Pulmonary rehabilitation is widely recommended to help people with long-term lung conditions improve their fitness, learn breathing techniques, and feel more confident. However, because exercise causes blood oxygen levels to fall in people with ILD, it can be challenging to complete the workouts needed to get the full benefits of the programme.
This study explores whether using high-flow medical oxygen during exercise can solve this problem. High-flow therapy delivers warmed, humidified oxygen through soft nasal tubes at a faster rate than standard oxygen. The researchers hope that keeping oxygen levels stable will allow patients to train more effectively without feeling overwhelmed by breathlessness.
By comparing patient groups, the trial aims to find out if high-flow oxygen improves average blood oxygen levels during training, increases walking stamina, and enhances overall quality of life. The findings could help shape future rehabilitation programmes across the NHS and improve care for people living with ILD.
Key takeaways
- Tests whether high-flow oxygen helps people with ILD exercise more comfortably.
- Aims to prevent blood oxygen levels from dropping during rehabilitation workouts.
- Open to adults aged 18 and older with ILD who get breathless during exertion.
- Measures improvements in oxygen levels, walking distance, and daily quality of life.
- Participation is entirely voluntary and supervised by trained healthcare professionals.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with diffuse interstitial lung disease (ILD). To be eligible, your blood oxygen levels must drop noticeably when you exercise or exert yourself, a condition doctors call exertional desaturation.
Because the study involves physical activity, you should be well enough to safely take part in an exercise training programme and complete basic walking assessments. Both men and women can join.
People with certain other severe health problems—such as uncontrolled heart conditions that make exercise unsafe—may not be able to participate. Your chest doctor or healthcare team can review your medical history and test results to see if this study is suitable 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.
- I am aged 18 or older.
- I have been diagnosed with interstitial lung disease (ILD).
- My blood oxygen levels drop when I walk or exert myself.
- I am physically able to attend and take part in an exercise programme.
- I can attend regular hospital or clinic appointments for tests and training.
What does participation involve?
Taking part involves joining a structured pulmonary rehabilitation programme over several weeks. You will attend regular, supervised exercise sessions at a clinic or hospital. During your workouts, you will breathe medical oxygen delivered through specialized equipment. The research team will track your blood oxygen levels during each session using a small clip on your finger. Before, during, and after the programme, you will complete breathing checks (lung function tests) and a six-minute walking test to see how far you can comfortably walk. You will also fill out short questionnaires about your daily breathlessness and wellbeing, and the team will check in regularly to ensure you are tolerating the training well.
Potential risks and benefits
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Common questions
What is high-flow oxygen?
It is a system that delivers warmed, moist oxygen through soft plastic tubes resting in your nostrils at a higher speed than standard oxygen, making it comfortable to breathe during exercise.
What is pulmonary rehabilitation?
It is a specialised programme combining guided physical exercise with practical advice to help people with lung diseases manage breathlessness and stay active.
What is the six-minute walk test?
It is a standard, gentle test where you walk at your own comfortable pace along a flat corridor for six minutes so doctors can measure your exercise capacity.
Will taking part cost me anything?
No, clinical trials within the NHS do not charge patients. Many studies also offer help with travel costs to and from your appointments.
Can I stop taking part if it feels too difficult?
Yes, you can leave the study at any point. Your decision will not change your relationship with your doctors or the standard of care you receive.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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