Comparative Effect of Pursed Lip Breathing Alone and Combined With Alternate Nostril Breathing on Pulmonary Function Test and Quality of Life in Patients in Grade I COPD Patients.

NCT07531771 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: FUCP/CTR/2026/05
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder characterized by airflow limitation, breathlessness, and reduced quality of life. Breathing exercises are commonly used in pulmonary rehabilitation to improve respiratory efficiency and functional capacity. Among these techniques, pursed lip breathing (PLB) helps slow expiration, reduce air trapping, and improve ventilation, while alternate nostril breathing (ANB), a yogic breathing technique, may enhance respiratory control and relaxation. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of pursed lip breathing alone compared with the combined effect of pursed lip breathing and alternate nostril breathing on pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with Grade I COPD. This randomized controlled trial will include approximately 40 participants diagnosed with mild COPD. The participants will be divided into two groups: one group will perform pursed lip breathing exercises, while the other group will perform a combination of pursed lip breathing and alternate nostril breathing. Pulmonary function tests and quality of life assessments will be used as outcome measures to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. The study aims to determine whether combining both breathing techniques provides greater improvement in respiratory function and patient well being than pursed lip breathing alone. The findings may contribute to developing more effective physiotherapy based pulmonary rehabilitation strategies for patients with COPD.

Conditions

COPD Grade I

Keywords

COPD; breathing; exercise; pursed lip breathing; alternate nostril breathing; pulmonary functions; chest expansion; quality of life

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Pulmonary Function Test

  Pulmonary function will be assessed using a calibrated spirometer to evaluate lung function parameters, including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁), and FEV₁/FVC ratio. The test will be performed according to standardized guidelines, with participants instructed to perform maximal inspiration followed by a forceful and sustained expiration into the spirometer.

  04 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Pursed lip breathing exercises

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in Group A will perform pursed lip breathing exercises. In this technique, patients are instructed to inhale slowly through the nose and then exhale slowly through pursed lips, as if blowing out a candle. The expiration phase is prolonged to help reduce air trapping and improve ventilation. The exercise will be performed under supervision for the prescribed duration and frequency during the intervention period.

Other: pursed lip breathing

Pursed lip breathing with alternate nostril breathing

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in Group B will perform a combination of pursed lip breathing and alternate nostril breathing. Along with PLB, patients will practice alternate nostril breathing, a controlled breathing technique in which inhalation and exhalation occur alternately through one nostril at a time while the other nostril is gently closed using the fingers. This technique helps regulate breathing patterns, improve respiratory control, and promote relaxation. The exercises will be performed under supervision according to the prescribed duration and frequency during the intervention period.

Other: Alternate Nostril breathing:

Interventions

pursed lip breathing OTHER

Alternate Nostril Breathing (ANB): Alternate nostril breathing is a controlled breathing technique commonly used in yogic practices to regulate breathing patterns. In this method, the individual inhales through one nostril while the other is closed, then exhales through the opposite nostril in an alternating pattern. This technique promotes relaxation, improves respiratory control, and may enhance lung function.

Pursed lip breathing exercises

Alternate Nostril breathing: OTHER

Alternate nostril breathing is a simple technique where you inhale through one nostril and exhale through the other in a controlled pattern. It helps calm the mind and improves lung function. This breathing exercise can be beneficial in conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Practicing it regularly enhances relaxation and balances the body.

Pursed lip breathing with alternate nostril breathing

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 40 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Patients diagnosed with Grade I COPD (FEV₁ \> 80% predicted)
• Age between 40 to 65 years.
• Both male and female patients.
• Patients able to follow verbal instructions and perform breathing exercises.
• Patients willing to provide written informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• History of orthopedic conditions limiting sitting or breathing exercises.
• Recent respiratory infections or COPD exacerbations within the past 4 weeks.
• Neurological or cognitive impairments.
• Recent thoracic or abdominal surgeries.
• Regular practitioners of yoga or alternate nostril breathing.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Foundation University Islamabad: lead

Study Sites (1)

Foundation University Islamabad

Islamabad, Pakistan

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Respiratory Aspiration; Motor Activity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

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

Central Study Contacts

Haleema Sadia Sultan, MSPT-CPT

CONTACT

03325881596; sadiaawan798@gmail.com

Syeda Sumaira Batool, MSPT-CPT

CONTACT

03328868680; sumira.batool@fui.edu.pk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: In this study, single blinding will be applied. The outcome assessor will be blinded to the group allocation of the participants. This means that the person responsible for measuring and recording the outcomes, including the Pulmonary Function Test and questionnaire assessments, will not know whether the participant belongs to Group A (pursed lip breathing) or Group B (pursed lip breathing combined with alternate nostril breathing).
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: This is a randomized controlled trial having two groups. One group (interventional group) wil receive Pursed lip breathing along with alternate nostril breathing, and the second group (experimental group) will perform pursed lip breathing only.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 6, 2026
• First Posted: April 15, 2026
• Study Start: February 28, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): May 15, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 15, 2026
• Last Updated: April 15, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Locations

PA (1)