Home-Based Breathing and Respiratory Muscle Training to Improve Exercise and Lung Function in Adults with Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a home-based, health coach supported breathing and respiratory muscle training program for people with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis non-CFB. The study aims to see if this program improves exercise ability, lung and breathing muscle function, and overall clinical status. The trial is a randomized control design led by the Mayo Clinic, focusing on adults aged 21 to 80 who have stable non-CFB. Participants will be assigned randomly to one of two groups. One group receives standard physician-directed pulmonary rehabilitation care, while the other group receives the same standard care plus an 8-week home-based program using the LungTrainers device. This program involves breathing exercises 3-5 days per week, guided by a health coach, with sessions lasting 20-30 minutes or divided into shorter periods. The LungTrainers device provides resistance during exhalation to strengthen respiratory muscles. During the study, participants will undergo assessments at the start and after 8 weeks, including a six-minute walk test and maximal exercise tests to measure oxygen uptake and exercise capacity. Additional evaluations will monitor lung function, breathing muscle strength, diaphragm movement, breathlessness scales, quality of life questionnaires, and functional assessments. The study will track changes in these measurements to understand the programs impact on participants respiratory health and exercise capacity.

Breathing Training and Exercise Capacity in Non-CFB