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Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD)RRALFA1NCT07242079

Effect Of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients With Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

An observational study of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD), run by University of Parma at 1 site in Italy.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This single-center, longitudinal, observational, prospective study aims to assess the applicability, adherence, and clinical impact of the Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) with augmented reality support in patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD)
What is being tested?
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
How many people
50 participants
Where
1 siteItaly
Study dates
15 Nov 2024to 24 Jun 2025
How long will I take part?
6 Weeks
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: The population will consist of 50 adult patients, referred at outpatient clinic of the Respiratory Disease Unit of the University Hospital of Parma (Italy)

Who may be able to join

  • Male or female adults aged ≥18 years;
  • Signed informed consent;
  • All AATD patients, regardless of nephelometric alpha-1 antitrypsin dose and clinical phenotype, who require PR according to guidelines

Who cannot join

  • Subjects unable to perform the lung function tests and rehabilitation program required by the protocol

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Italy1 site
  • University of Parma

    Parma, Italy, 43126

Other trials in Italy

About this study

Official title: Effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Physical Activity in Patients With Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

This single-center, longitudinal, observational, prospective study aims to assess the applicability, adherence, and clinical impact of the Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) with augmented reality support in patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD).

A total of 50 adult AATD patients will be recruit from the Lung Function Unit of the University Hospital of Parma, meeting specific inclusion criteria. Participants will perform ACBT twice daily and walk at least 5000 steps per day. Clinical and functional outcomes including dyspnea perception, lung function, and quality of life, will be assessed before and after a six-week ACBT program.

The study explores whether augmented reality enhance adherence and efficacy compared to conventional pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) methods. The expected outcome is improved adherence to PR.

Read the detailed description

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the SERPINA1 gene, located on chromosome 14. The condition is characterized by low circulating levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT), a glycoprotein primarily produced by hepatocytes, which plays a crucial role in inhibiting neutrophil elastase (NE). Without adequate AAT, unregulated NE activity damages the lung parenchyma, leading to progressive emphysema. AATD presents with variable phenotypic expression, ranging from asymptomatic individuals to those with severe pulmonary and hepatic complications.

Treatment includes intravenous AAT replacement therapy, vaccination and guideline-recommended pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) based on the patient's clinical condition.

PR consists of a structured program combining breathing exercises, physical training, education, and psychological support to optimize respiratory function and improve patients' quality of life. One of the most effective techniques within PR is the Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT), which enhances airway clearance and lung function. ACBT is a simple, standardized, and home-based technique that patients can perform with or without digital tools. ACBT has already been shown to improve forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, arterial oxygenation and exercise capacity.

A tendency towards poor adherence to PR has been reported in the literature. To facilitate the performance of PR procedures, technological evolution in recent decades has brought new complementary techniques such as active video games, virtual reality and augmented reality.

ThIs study aims to assess satisfaction, adherence, and usability of pulmonary rehabilitation techniques in AATD patients, both with and without technological support, through relevant questionnaires (VAS, RAI, USE, TAM). Additionally, it aims to describe changes in the perception of dyspnea (mMRC), quality of life (EuroQol 5), impact of the pathology on daily life, and some functional parameters (FEV1, FVC, R5-R20, LCI, metres walked assessed by the six-minute walking test) at baseline and at the end of the rehabilitation program.

Data will be collected in a dedicated electronic Clinical Records Form (CRF). The database will be saved on a password-protected company Personal Computer (PC) which will be updated at each visit and used exclusively for scientific research purposes. At the time of enrollment, each patient will receive an alphanumeric code so that any information collected during the study, and in particular sensitive data, is treated in an anonymous manner. Data reporting patients' identifications will only be used to file patients and collect informed consent.

Being tested
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Keywords
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, Pulmonary rehabilitation, Active Cycle of Breathing Technique
Medical subject headings
alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Pulmonary RehabilitationOther

    the Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) is a simple, standardized, and home-based technique that patients can perform with or without digital tools. ACBT has already been shown to improve forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow, arterial oxygenation and exercise capacity.

Study groups in NCT07242079
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD)Adults with a confirmed diagnosis of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) with asthma and/or COPD.
Receives: Other: Pulmonary Rehabilitation

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Patient satisfaction with PR techniques using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) questionnaire.

    Satisfaction will be assessed using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) questionnaire, with scores ranging from 1 to 7, where lower scores indicate more satisfaction.

    Measured: six weeks

  2. Patient adherence to the PR techniques using the Rehabilitation Adherence Index (RAI) questionnaire.

    Adherence will be assessed using the Rehabilitation Adherence Index (RAI) questionnaire, with scores ranging from 1 to 7, where higher scores indicate better adherence.

    Measured: six weeks

  3. Usability of pulmonary rehabilitation techniques using the Usefulness, Satisfaction and Ease of Use (USE) questionnaire

    Usability will be measured using the Usefulness, Satisfaction and Ease of Use (USE) questionnaire, with scores ranging from 1 to 7, where higher scores indicate better usability.

    Measured: six weeks

Secondary outcomes (5)
  1. To describe the change in perception of dyspnea at baseline and at the end of the PR using Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) questionnaire.

    The Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) questionnaire assesses the perception of dyspnea with scores ranging from 0 to 4, with higher scores indicating greater severity.

    Measured: six weeks

  2. To describe the change in quality of life at baseline and at the end of the PR using EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) questionnaire.

    The EQ-5D questionnaire assesses health-related quality of life across five dimensions: mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. Each dimension has five levels of severity: no problems, slight problems, moderate problems, severe problems, and unable to perform/extreme problems. Additionally, the EQ-5D includes a visual analogue scale (VAS) where respondents rate their overall health on a scale from 0 to 100, with 0 being the worst imaginable health and 100 being the best.

    Measured: six weeks

  3. To assess the impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) on AATD- related COPD patients using COPD Assessment Test (CAT)

    The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) is assess the impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) on a person's daily life. It ranges from 0 to 5, where higher scores indicate a greater impact of COPD on daily life

    Measured: six weeks

  4. To assess the impact of asthma on AATD patients with asthma using the Asthma Control Test (ACT)

    The Asthma Control Test (ACT) is a questionnaire used to assess asthma control, with scores ranging from 5 to 25. Higher scores indicate better asthma control, meaning the asthma is well-managed and less likely to interfere with daily activities.

    Measured: six weeks

  5. To describe the change in functional respiratory parameters at baseline and at the end of the PR program using spirometry.

    Spirometry will be performed according to ATS/ERS standards to obtain Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV₁, % predicted), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC, % predicted), and FEV₁/FVC, %.

    Measured: six weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted21 Nov 2025
  2. Study start15 Nov 2024
  3. Primary completion24 Jun 2025
  4. Study completion24 Jun 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Other
Enrolment
50 participants (actual)
Target duration
6 Weeks
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07242079
Sponsor's protocol ID
31276
Acronym
RRALFA1
Status last verified
Jul 2025
First submitted
27 Jun 2025
Last updated
21 Nov 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: Data will be collected in a dedicated electronic Clinical Records Form (CRF). The database will be saved on a password- protected company personal computer which will be updated at each visit and used exclusively for scientific research purposes. At the time of enrolment, each patient will receive an alphanumeric code so that any information collected during the study, and in particular sensitive data, will be treated in an anonymous manner. Data reporting patients' identifications will only be used to file patients and collect informed consent.

Publications

  • Conrad A, Janciauskiene S, Kohnlein T, Fuge J, Ivanyi P, Tudorache I, Gottlieb J, Welte T, Fuehner T. Impact of alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency and prior augmentation therapy on patients' survival after lung transplantation. Eur Respir J. 2017 Sep 10;50(3):1700962. doi: 10.1183/13993003.00962-2017. Print 2017 Sep. No abstract available.

    PubMed 28890438
  • Cerdan de Las Heras J, Tulppo M, Kiviniemi AM, Hilberg O, Lokke A, Ekholm S, Catalan-Matamoros D, Bendstrup E. Augmented reality glasses as a new tele-rehabilitation tool for home use: patients' perception and expectations. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol. 2022 May;17(4):480-486. doi: 10.1080/17483107.2020.1800111. Epub 2020 Aug 4.

    PubMed 32750254
  • Patsaki I, Avgeri V, Rigoulia T, Zekis T, Koumantakis GA, Grammatopoulou E. Benefits from Incorporating Virtual Reality in Pulmonary Rehabilitation of COPD Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adv Respir Med. 2023 Aug 10;91(4):324-336. doi: 10.3390/arm91040026.

    PubMed 37622840
  • Hayton C, Clark A, Olive S, Browne P, Galey P, Knights E, Staunton L, Jones A, Coombes E, Wilson AM. Barriers to pulmonary rehabilitation: characteristics that predict patient attendance and adherence. Respir Med. 2013 Mar;107(3):401-7. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2012.11.016. Epub 2012 Dec 19.

    PubMed 23261311
  • Depew ZS, Novotny PJ, Benzo RP. How many steps are enough to avoid severe physical inactivity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease? Respirology. 2012 Aug;17(6):1026-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2012.02207.x.

    PubMed 22672739
  • Savci S, Ince DI, Arikan H. A comparison of autogenic drainage and the active cycle of breathing techniques in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. J Cardiopulm Rehabil. 2000 Jan-Feb;20(1):37-43. doi: 10.1097/00008483-200001000-00006.

    PubMed 10680096
  • Zisi D, Chryssanthopoulos C, Nanas S, Philippou A. The effectiveness of the active cycle of breathing technique in patients with chronic respiratory diseases: A systematic review. Heart Lung. 2022 May-Jun;53:89-98. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2022.02.006. Epub 2022 Feb 27.

    PubMed 35235877
  • Barjaktarevic I, Campos M. Management of lung disease in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: what we do and what we do not know. Ther Adv Chronic Dis. 2021 Jul 29;12_suppl:20406223211010172. doi: 10.1177/20406223211010172. eCollection 2021.

    PubMed 34408831
  • Alwadani FA, Wheeler K, Pittaway H, Turner AM. Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients with Underlying Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: A Systematic Review and Practical Recommendations. Chronic Obstr Pulm Dis. 2024 Jan 25;11(1):121-132. doi: 10.15326/jcopdf.2023.0434.

    PubMed 37813825
  • Nici L, Donner C, Wouters E, Zuwallack R, Ambrosino N, Bourbeau J, Carone M, Celli B, Engelen M, Fahy B, Garvey C, Goldstein R, Gosselink R, Lareau S, MacIntyre N, Maltais F, Morgan M, O'Donnell D, Prefault C, Reardon J, Rochester C, Schols A, Singh S, Troosters T; ATS/ERS Pulmonary Rehabilitation Writing Committee. American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society statement on pulmonary rehabilitation. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2006 Jun 15;173(12):1390-413. doi: 10.1164/rccm.200508-1211ST. No abstract available.

    PubMed 16760357
  • Crystal RG. Alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, emphysema, and liver disease. Genetic basis and strategies for therapy. J Clin Invest. 1990 May;85(5):1343-52. doi: 10.1172/JCI114578. No abstract available.

    PubMed 2185272
  • Nukiwa T, Brantly M, Ogushi F, Fells G, Satoh K, Stier L, Courtney M, Crystal RG. Characterization of the M1(Ala213) type of alpha 1-antitrypsin, a newly recognized, common "normal" alpha 1-antitrypsin haplotype. Biochemistry. 1987 Aug 25;26(17):5259-67. doi: 10.1021/bi00391a008.

    PubMed 2890373
  • Brantly M, Nukiwa T, Crystal RG. Molecular basis of alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Am J Med. 1988 Jun 24;84(6A):13-31. doi: 10.1016/0002-9343(88)90154-4.

    PubMed 3289385
  • DeMeo DL, Silverman EK. Alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. 2: genetic aspects of alpha(1)-antitrypsin deficiency: phenotypes and genetic modifiers of emphysema risk. Thorax. 2004 Mar;59(3):259-64. doi: 10.1136/thx.2003.006502.

    PubMed 14985567
  • Long GL, Chandra T, Woo SL, Davie EW, Kurachi K. Complete sequence of the cDNA for human alpha 1-antitrypsin and the gene for the S variant. Biochemistry. 1984 Oct 9;23(21):4828-37. doi: 10.1021/bi00316a003.

    PubMed 6093867

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD), run by University of Parma at 1 site in Italy.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Nov 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Italy. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Patient satisfaction with PR techniques using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) questionnaire. (time frame: six weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07242079, which also lists 17 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 21 Nov 2025; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.

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