SPARK: Supporting Physical Activity Through Reality-Augmented Knowledge in COPD

NCT07837375 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 2026-A00566-45
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 42
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with dyspnea, reduced physical activity, muscle deconditioning, and impaired quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation is an effective non-pharmacological intervention, but access remains limited and long-term adherence to physical exercise is often difficult to maintain. Augmented reality may provide an innovative approach to support exercise practice by offering real-time visual and auditory guidance while allowing patients to remain anchored in their real environment. The SPARK study is a multicenter, interventional, non-randomized, proof-of-concept study designed to assess the acceptability of an augmented reality virtual coach for physical exercise in adults with COPD. Participants will attend a single experimental session including baseline questionnaires, presentation of the augmented reality headset, a short immersive exercise session guided by a virtual coach, and post-immersion assessments. Acceptability will be evaluated using the Technology Acceptance Model 3 questionnaire before and after immersion. User experience will also be explored through focus group discussions analyzed according to UXive dimensions. The study aims to determine whether this technology is acceptable to patients with COPD and to identify factors that may facilitate or limit its future integration into pulmonary rehabilitation pathways.

Conditions

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD); Virtual Reality

Keywords

COPD; Virtual reality; Physical activity

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Global Acceptability Score of the Augmented Reality Virtual Coach

  Acceptability will be assessed using the global score of the adapted Technology Acceptance Model 3 questionnaire completed immediately after the augmented reality immersion session. Items are rated on a 7-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating greater acceptability. The mean global score will be compared with the theoretical neutral value of 4.

  Immediately after the augmented reality immersion session, during the single study visit

Study Arms (1)

Augmented Reality Virtual Coach Session

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease will attend a single experimental session using an augmented reality headset with a virtual coach. After baseline questionnaires and headset presentation, participants will complete an approximately 20-minute guided exercise session including calf raises, sit-to-stand exercises, and stretching. The virtual coach provides standardized instructions and corrective feedback during strengthening exercises. Acceptability will be assessed before and after immersion using the TAM3 questionnaire, followed by a focus group exploring user experience.

Device: Augmented Reality Virtual Coach

Interventions

Augmented Reality Virtual Coach DEVICE

Participants will use an augmented reality headset delivering a virtual coach-guided exercise session. The intervention consists of a single approximately 20-minute immersive session performed in a secured environment. The virtual coach provides standardized instructions and corrective feedback during strengthening exercises. The session includes calf raises, sit-to-stand exercises, and stretching. The intervention is designed to assess the acceptability and user experience of an augmented reality-based exercise support tool in adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Also known as: Augmented Reality Exercise Coach, SPARK Virtual Coach

Augmented Reality Virtual Coach Session

Eligibility Criteria

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

You may qualify if:

• Age ≥ 18 years Diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) confirmed according to GOLD recommendations, defined by a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio \< 0.70 No exacerbation during the previous month, defined as hospitalization or major therapeutic modification related to worsening respiratory symptoms Written informed consent obtained before any study-related procedure Affiliation to a social security system

You may not qualify if:

• COPD exacerbation during the previous month Major motor disorders, disabling osteoarticular conditions, or significant functional dependence preventing safe participation in physical exercises Insufficient cognitive or language abilities to understand instructions, complete questionnaires, or participate in the semi-structured interview Photosensitive epilepsy Uncorrected or atypical visual and/or hearing impairment Patient under legal guardianship, curatorship, or incarcerated Pregnant or breastfeeding woman

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Groupe Hospitalier du Havre: lead
• GRHVN Université Rouen: collaborator
• HAVAE Université Limoges: collaborator
• ADIR Association: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Groupe Hospitalier du Havre

Montivilliers, 76290, France

RECRUITING

Related Publications (1)

• Kohlbrenner D, Kuhn M, Klay A, Sievi NA, Muszynski M, Ivankay A, Gross CS, Asisof A, Brunschwiler T, Clarenbach CF. Hybrid Virtual Coaching and Telemonitoring in COPD Management: The CAir Randomised Controlled Study. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2024 Dec 24;19:2739-2750. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S487105. eCollection 2024.

  PMID: 39735636 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Motor Activity

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

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

Study Officials

• Anaick Perrochon, PhD

  Université Limoges

  STUDY DIRECTOR

• Bonnevie Tristan, PhD

  ADIR Association

  STUDY DIRECTOR

• Benoit Borel, PhD

  Université Limoges

  STUDY DIRECTOR

Central Study Contacts

Clement Medrinal, PhD

CONTACT

+33664615110; clement.medrinal@ch-havre.fr

Angélique Picard

CONTACT

Angelique.picard@ch-havre.fr

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 8, 2026
• First Posted: September 23, 2026
• Study Start: June 15, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): October 31, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): January 31, 2027
• Last Updated: September 23, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

FR (1)