Low-pressure leg exercise to reduce inflammation and improve lung function in COPD

Plain-English translation of NCT07261293 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2026 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a new approach to exercise rehabilitation for people with COPD. Researchers want to see if a modified aerobic exercise program—where gentle pressure is applied to your legs during exercise—works better than standard exercise alone. The goal is to help you breathe easier, reduce tiredness, and improve your overall quality of life.

Many people with COPD struggle to exercise at high intensity because their lungs make it hard to breathe and their muscles tire quickly. This trial exists to see if this gentler, modified exercise approach can give your body the same benefits without pushing you so hard that it becomes unbearable.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 40 and 80 years old
you have been diagnosed with stable COPD (your condition has been stable for at least 4 weeks)
you can walk at least 150 meters in 6 minutes
you have been cleared by a heart specialist as safe for exercise rehabilitation
you do not have blood clots, serious leg circulation problems, or other conditions that would make the leg pressure cuffs unsafe

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had a COPD flare-up, hospitalization, or steroid treatment in the past 4 weeks
you have serious heart disease, recent heart attack, or uncontrolled high blood pressure above 180/110
you have had leg surgery in the past 3 months or have significant leg weakness or joint problems
you have severe kidney disease, liver failure, active cancer, or a history of blood clots
you have been diagnosed with sarcopenia (severe muscle loss) or have major depression or dementia

What participation looks like

If you join this trial, you will be assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will do exercise on a stationary bike for about 15 minutes per session as part of pulmonary rehabilitation. One group will do standard exercise at moderate-to-high intensity; the other group will do gentler exercise with special pressure cuffs applied to the thighs. A physiotherapist will supervise your sessions. The study will measure your lung function, how far you can walk, blood oxygen levels, inflammation markers, and how you feel before, during, and after the program.

Low-pressure leg exercise to reduce inflammation and improve lung function in COPD

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)