Effects of Alternate Nostril Breathing and Bellows Breath in COPD Patients

NCT07719192 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: REC/RCR & AHS/25/0310
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 54
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

COPD is a common respiratory disease characterized by progressive airflow obstruction, dyspnea, chronic cough, and sputum production. Alternate nostril breathing and bellows breath are pranayama-based breathing techniques that may improve respiratory function and overall well-being. This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of these techniques on sputum clearance, pulmonary function tests, and quality of life in COPD patients. The study will be conducted at Punjab Institute of Cardiology using convenient sampling. Participants will be divided into two groups: Group A will perform alternate nostril breathing, while Group B will perform bellows breath exercises for 15-20 minutes daily over 3-4 weeks. Outcome measures include sputum clearance, spirometry, and quality of life questionnaires. Data will be analyzed using SPSS with significance set at p \< 0.05. The study may support the use of cost-effective, noninvasive breathing techniques for improving pulmonary function and quality of life in COPD patients.

Conditions

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Keywords

Alternate nostril breathing; Bellows breath; COPD; Sputum clearance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Forced Vital Capacity

  Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) will be measured in liters (L) using spirometry. FVC represents the maximum volume of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a maximal inspiration.

  Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention

• Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second

  Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV₁) will be measured in liters (L) using spirometry. FEV₁ represents the volume of air exhaled during the first second of a forced expiratory maneuver.

  Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention

• FEV₁/FVC ratio

  The FEV₁/FVC ratio will be expressed as a percentage (%) and calculated from spirometric measurements to assess the degree of airflow limitation

  Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention

• Health-Related Quality of Life

  The HRQOL (Health-Related Quality of Life) questionnaire is a tool usedtoassess an individual's overall well-being, focusing on how their health impacts their daily life. It's a 14-item questionnaire developed by the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention (CDC) that explores physical, mental, and social healthdomains

  Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention

Study Arms (2)

Alternate Nostril Breathing

EXPERIMENTAL

This group receive alternate nostril breathing technique. This technique includingstress reduction,improved respiratory health and enhanced mental clarity. Participants will then be instructed to perform this activity 15 to 20 min/day for 4 days/week for 3to 4 weeks.

Other: alternate nostril breathing

bellows breath

EXPERIMENTAL

This technique drain the excess phlegm from brain. It improves awareness, focus concentration and productivity. Participants will then be instructed to performthis activity 10 to 15 min/day for 5 days/week for 3 to 4 weeks.

Other: bellows breath

Interventions

bellows breath OTHER

This technique drain the excess phlegm from brain. It improves awareness, focus concentration and productivity. Participants will then be instructed to performthis activity 10 to 15 min/day for 5 days/week for 3 to 4 weeks.

bellows breath

alternate nostril breathing OTHER

This technique includingstress reduction,improved respiratory health and enhanced mental clarity. Participants will then be instructed to perform this activity 15 to 20 min/day for 4 days/week for 3to 4 weeks.

Alternate Nostril Breathing

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 10 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• diagnosed case of copd patients
• Age group:above 10 years
• Clinically stable
• Able to understand or perform breathing exercise

You may not qualify if:

• current acute pulmonary infection
• History of pneumothorax or hemoptysis
• Patients who was in stage 4 of functional classification of fatigue,palpation,dyspnea or anginal pain

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Nimra Noor

Lahore, Punjab Province, 40100, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

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

Study Officials

• Arjumand Bano, MS

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Muhammad Iqbal Tariq Phd*, Phd*

CONTACT

333826752; iqbal.tariq@riphah.edu.pk

Nimra noor Noor, MS

CONTACT

03030684869; nimranoor358@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: Because of the physical nature of the interventions, both participants and investigators will know which treatment is being given. No blinding will be applied.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: as per inclusion criteria participants will be randomly added intotwogroups. . Group A\[alternate nostril breathing\] and Group B\[bellows breath\]. bothintervention will be performed for 15 to 20 min/day for 3 to 4 weeks. Pre andpost intervention data will be collected. Outcome measures include sputumclearance,spiromter and health related quality of life questionnaire. Data will beanalyzed by using SPSS

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 8, 2026
• First Posted: July 22, 2026
• Study Start: June 1, 2026
• Primary Completion: August 1, 2026
• Study Completion: August 1, 2026
• Last Updated: July 22, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)