Recruiting

High-intensity cycling training for people with chronic lung disease

Plain-English translation of NCT06068322 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2024 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether supramaximal high-intensity interval training (very intense, short bursts of exercise) works better than moderate-intensity continuous training (steady, moderate exercise) for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study will measure how these two exercise programs affect thinking ability, heart and lung fitness, and muscle power over 12 months initially, with some participants continuing for 2 years.

People with COPD often experience problems beyond just their lungs — including difficulty thinking clearly and loss of muscle strength. This trial exists to find out whether the new, intense short-burst exercise approach might work better than traditional steady exercise at improving these whole-body health problems.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 60 years of age or older
you are able to live independently in your daily life
if you have COPD, you experience symptoms like shortness of breath or have not been regularly active at moderate or high intensity in the past year
if you have COPD, you have a confirmed COPD diagnosis based on a breathing test
if you are a healthy control participant, you have normal lung function

You likely don't qualify if…

you have an unstable heart condition, recent heart attack, or uncontrolled high blood pressure that would make exercise unsafe
you have other lung conditions such as asthma, lung cancer, or severe scarring of the lungs
you have neurological conditions like dementia, multiple sclerosis, or stroke, or serious psychiatric illness
you have had a recent head injury with lasting effects on your thinking or symptoms, or are being treated for cancer
if you have COPD, you are currently in a lung rehabilitation program or have been in one during the past year, or had a flare-up of your COPD in the past six weeks

What participation looks like

You would visit a research center 2–3 times per week for 12 weeks to use a stationary exercise bike. You would be assigned to either the intense short-burst cycling program (10 quick 6-second sprints per session) or the steady-paced cycling program (longer continuous exercise at a comfortable intensity). Throughout the trial, researchers would test your thinking ability, measure your heart and lung fitness, and assess your muscle strength. If you have COPD, you may be invited to continue the exercise program for up to 2 years with ongoing check-ins.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 2, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

Belgium

Hasselt University, Hasselt, Diepenbeek

Sweden

Umeå University, Umeå