Dyspnea and Psychosocial Effects of Hand Fan Application in COPD Patients

NCT06857422 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: ArdahanU-Simsekli-DS-04
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 59
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of hand fan application on dyspnea, illness perception, anxiety, and depression in COPD patients. A total of 56 voluntary COPD patients (28 experimental, 28 control) will be recruited from Ardahan State Hospital Chest Diseases Clinic. Patients will be randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. The experimental group will receive a hand fan and use it for 10 minutes daily for six weeks, while the control group will receive standard care. Dyspnea, illness perception, anxiety, and depression will be assessed using the Visual Dyspnea Scale, Illness Perception Questionnaire, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at baseline and after six weeks. Data will be analyzed using statistical software. This study is expected to contribute to the literature by evaluating a non-pharmacological intervention for COPD-related dyspnea and psychological outcomes.

Conditions

COPD; Dyspnea; Illness Perception; Anxiety; Depression

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Dyspnea Severity

  The primary outcome measure of this study will be the severity of dyspnea, assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). This scale is a subjective tool used to measure the intensity of shortness of breath experienced by participants.

  Pre-intervention: Before the start of the intervention (baseline measurement).Post-intervention: After 6 weeks of intervention (final measurement).

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Illness Perception

  Pre-intervention: Before the start of the intervention (baseline measurement).Post-intervention: After 6 weeks of intervention (final measurement).

• Anxiety and Depression

  Pre-intervention: Before the start of the intervention (baseline measurement).Post-intervention: After 6 weeks of intervention (final measurement).

Study Arms (2)

Experimental group

EXPERIMENTAL

hand fan application

Behavioral: Hand Fan Application

Control group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

standard care

Other: Standard Care for COPD Patients

Interventions

Hand Fan Application BEHAVIORAL

Participants in the experimental group will be instructed to use a hand fan to cool their face for 10 minutes each day for a period of 6 weeks. The fan should be held approximately 15 cm from the face, focusing on the middle area. This intervention aims to alleviate symptoms of dyspnea and improve psychological well-being, including anxiety, depression, and illness perception. The participants will receive daily reminders to ensure consistent application of the intervention.

Experimental group

Standard Care for COPD Patients OTHER

Participants in the control group will receive standard care for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. This includes routine management and treatment as prescribed by their healthcare providers, such as medication and lifestyle recommendations. They will not be instructed to use a hand fan or any other cooling device during the study period. The control group will continue their regular care without any additional interventions from the research team.

Control group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Orientation and cooperation
• No communication problems

You may not qualify if:

• Having a COPD exacerbation in the last 4 weeks

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Ardahan University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Derya ŞİMŞEKLİ

Ardahan, Ardahan, 75000, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Dyspnea; Anxiety Disorders; Depression

Interventions

Standard of Care

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Lung Diseases, Obstructive; Lung Diseases; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Chronic Disease; Disease Attributes; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Respiration Disorders; Signs and Symptoms, Respiratory; Signs and Symptoms; Mental Disorders; Behavioral Symptoms; Behavior

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Quality Indicators, Health Care; Quality of Health Care; Health Services Administration; Health Care Quality, Access, and Evaluation

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: TRIPLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: Blinding will be done for the researcher, participants and statistician.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 27, 2025
• First Posted: March 4, 2025
• Study Start: February 28, 2025
• Primary Completion: September 3, 2025
• Study Completion: September 14, 2025
• Last Updated: September 18, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09

Locations

TU (1)