Actively Recruiting
Improving Outcomes in Dysfunctional Breathing Through the Optimization of Muscle Function (OptiMuscle)
Led by University of Salford · Updated on 2026-05-06
10
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Dysfunctional breathing affects about 10% of people in the United Kingdom and involves problems with muscle control of breathing that can cause breathlessness, hyperventilation, and dizziness. Researchers are evaluating whether a new digital breathing biofeedback system can improve the outcomes of breathing retraining guided by physiotherapists. This study aims to understand if adding this digital tool can help patients learn better muscle control during breathing retraining. Participants will receive four sessions of breathing retraining led by a physiotherapist using the digital breathing biofeedback system. This system uses an avatar to provide real-time feedback on muscle function to guide patients through breathing exercises. The intervention focuses on improving muscle coordination of breathing and is delivered alongside standard physiotherapy. During the study, participants will complete lung function tests and Quality of Life questionnaires before and after treatment. They will also be offered interviews to share their experiences using the biofeedback system. The primary outcome measured is the change in lung function from baseline to eight weeks post-treatment. Secondary outcomes include changes in breathing difficulty scores, illness perception, and mental health questionnaires. The total participation period includes pre- and post-treatment assessments over eight weeks.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
OptiMuscle - Improving Respiration by Optimising Muscle Function
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Ability to stand and walk independently
- History of breathing difficulties, such as breathlessness and difficult or laboured breathing for at least previous 6 months
- Clinical diagnosis of dysfunctional breathing, sometimes referred to as breathing pattern disorder
- If participants have co-existing respiratory problems, e.g. asthma, these should not be felt (in the opinion of the referring clinician) to be the cause of the current symptoms of breathlessness
You will not qualify if you...
- Inability to speak and understand English sufficient to read and understand the information sheet and sign the consent form
- BMI >34
- Currently receiving active treatment for dysfunctional breathing
- Received treatment for acute lower respiratory tract infection or asthma exacerbation with last 4 weeks
- Significant respiratory co-morbidity (i.e. where the major respiratory diagnosis is not asthma)
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 8 weeks
Participants receive 4 physiotherapist-guided breathing retraining sessions assisted by a digital breathing biofeedback system.
4 sessions with physiotherapist
Duration - Up to 8 weeks post-treatment
Participants complete lung function tests and questionnaires to assess changes after treatment.
1 visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Salford
Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom, M6 6PU
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Stephen J Preece, PhD
A
Adam M Handley, MSc
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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