RecruitingObservational

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing for pulmonary rehabilitation and exercise tailoring for people with pulmonary fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis causes scarring in the lungs, which can make everyday breathing difficult. Pulmonary rehabilitation uses gentle exercise and education to help people stay active, but standard exercise routines do not suit everyone. This study aims to find out if a specialized exercise test can help tailor workouts to each person's exact physical capabilities. Taking part involves three visits to a research clinic in Exeter. During these visits, you will pedal a stationary exercise bike while doctors monitor your heart rate and measure your breathing through a comfortable face mask. You will also complete short questionnaires about your health, feelings, and quality of life. The goal is to help people with lung scarring build confidence and exercise safely at the right intensity. The trial is open to adults aged 35 to 85 who attend the lung clinic at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital or belong to local patient groups.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Exeter

Enrolment target

Start

25 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

25 Jun 2028

Pulmonary fibrosis

What is this study about?

Pulmonary fibrosis is a long-term lung condition where the tissue inside the lungs becomes thick and scarred. Over time, this scarring makes it harder for the lungs to pass oxygen into the bloodstream, leaving people feeling short of breath and tired during basic daily tasks. Pulmonary rehabilitation, which blends structured exercise with lifestyle support, is one of the best ways to protect lung health and improve quality of life. However, because the condition affects everyone differently, standard exercise programmes can sometimes feel too difficult or not challenging enough.

This research project investigates whether a detailed fitness assessment—called a cardiopulmonary exercise test, or CPET—can help design exercise routines tailored to the individual. During the test, you pedal a stationary bike while medical equipment measures how well your heart, lungs, and muscles work together. Researchers want to see if using these precise measurements can pinpoint the exact workout intensity that is best for you.

By matching exercise levels directly to each person's needs, the team hopes to make physical activity safer, more manageable, and more enjoyable for people living with pulmonary fibrosis. If the approach proves successful, it could help improve NHS rehabilitation programmes across the UK and give patients greater confidence to stay active in their everyday lives.

Key takeaways

The study tests whether personalized fitness testing can make exercise safer and more effective for people with pulmonary fibrosis.
Participation involves three separate visits to cycle on a stationary exercise bike while your breathing and heart rate are monitored.
Open to people aged 35 to 85 receiving care at the Royal Devon and Exeter lung clinic or linked patient groups.
No new medicines or experimental treatments are involved.
All exercise sessions are supervised by trained medical experts, and you can stop at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged between 35 and 85 who have a confirmed diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis. Because the study is taking place in Devon, participants are being invited from the specialist lung clinic at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital or through the local EPIC-PF patient support group. You will also need to be able and willing to pedal a stationary exercise bike for short periods while wearing monitoring equipment.

To ensure your safety, some people cannot take part. You will not be able to join if you are pregnant, have previously had a lung transplant, or live with severe health conditions that stop you from exercising safely. These include serious heart conditions, nerve disorders, or severe bone and joint problems that make cycling painful or impossible. Your hospital lung doctor will review your health to make sure taking part 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 between 35 and 85 years old.
I have a confirmed diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis.
I am a patient at the Royal Devon and Exeter lung clinic or a member of the EPIC-PF group.
I am physically able to pedal a stationary exercise bike.
I have not had a lung transplant and am not pregnant.
I do not have severe heart, joint, or nerve problems that stop me from exercising.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part involves three visits to the exercise laboratory at the University of Exeter. During your first visit, the research team will measure your height and weight, review your medical history, and carry out your first fitness test on a stationary exercise bike. You will wear a soft face mask to check your breathing and small sticky patches on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm. If this initial test goes well, you will be invited back for two more visits. In these sessions, you will complete 10-minute cycling sessions at gentle and moderate levels, with short warm-up and cool-down periods. You will also fill in simple surveys about your wellbeing and daily activities. There are no study medications to take, and your normal NHS care continues as usual.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may not directly cure your condition, but you may gain a clearer understanding of your fitness levels and learn how to exercise safely within your personal limits. As with any physical activity, there is a small risk of feeling breathless, fatigued, light-headed, or developing a muscle ache. To keep you safe, your hospital consultant must approve your involvement first, and every exercise session is closely supervised by experienced healthcare professionals. Joining is entirely your choice, and you are free to pause a test or leave the study at any time without your regular NHS care being affected.

Locations (1)

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

Royal Devon & Exeter Foundation Hospital
City only
Exeter, England

Common questions

Will taking part affect my usual NHS treatment?

No. You will continue taking all your prescribed medications and receiving your standard NHS lung care without any changes.

Do I have to take any new medications?

No. This is an observational exercise study, so no experimental drugs or new treatments are involved.

What happens if I get too tired or breathless during cycling?

You are in control at all times. You can stop pedalling whenever you need to, and the medical team will end the test immediately if you feel unwell.

What should I wear to the clinic appointments?

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and flat, supportive shoes (such as trainers) that are suitable for pedalling an exercise bike.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes. You can withdraw from the study at any point without giving a reason, and it will have no impact on the care you receive from your doctor.

How to find out more

Owen Tomlinson

O.W.Tomlinson@exeter.ac.uk +44 01392727049 Official trial record

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