Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)NCT07581132
Investigation of the Effect of Structured Energy Conservation Techniques Training on COPD Patients
A study testing Structured Energy Conservation Techniques Training in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), run by Akdeniz University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous lung disease characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, cough, sputum production, and/or exacerbations) due to persistent, often progressive airflow obstruction resulting from abnormalities in the airways (bronchiolitis, bronchitis) and/or… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- What is being tested?
- Structured Energy Conservation Techniques Training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 70 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 10 Oct 2026to 10 Jan 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 40 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients who have been admitted to the pulmonary diseases ward or have applied to the pulmonary diseases outpatient clinic,
- Patients diagnosed with COPD,
- Patients in category E of the GOLD A, B, E classification (patients experiencing more than 2 moderate exacerbations or having multiple hospitalizations) (GOLD, 2025)
- Patients over 40 years of age (Adeloye et al, 2015).
- Patients who will continue their health check-ups at the Isparta City Hospital Pulmonology Outpatient Clinic,
- Patients who agree to participate in the study,
- Patients or at least one of their relatives who can read and write,
- Patients or at least one of their relatives who does not have communication problems will be included in the study.
Who cannot join
- Patients with serious orthopedic problems that may have a significant impact on daily activities,
- Patients with progressive neuromuscular disease,
- Patients who have experienced unstable angina pectoris or myocardial infarction within the last month,
- Patients living alone,
- Patients in groups A and B of the GOLD ABE classification will not be included. For patients in group A, mMRC 0-1, CAT<10 are used as criteria; for patients in group B, mMRC≥2, CAT≥10 are used as criteria (GOLD, 2025).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Isparta Şehir Hastanesi
Isparta, Isparta, 32040
Zeynep Asal, zasal1889@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Investigation of the Effects of Structured Energy Conservation Techniques Training on Activities of Daily Living, Fatigue, and Exercise Capacity in COPD Patients
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous lung disease characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, cough, sputum production, and/or exacerbations) due to persistent, often progressive airflow obstruction resulting from abnormalities in the airways (bronchiolitis, bronchitis) and/or alveoli (emphysema). COPD is a multifaceted disease that is not limited to respiratory symptoms but also negatively affects individuals' functional capacity, physical endurance, and participation in daily living activities. Common symptoms include shortness of breath (dyspnea) and a significant feeling of fatigue; this can lead to decreased exercise capacity, limitations in daily living activities, and ultimately dependence over time. Therefore, in the treatment of COPD, not only drug therapy but also interventions aimed at symptom control and improving functional capacity are becoming increasingly important. Energy conservation techniques, included in pulmonary rehabilitation programs, are based on the view that dyspnea occurs most intensely during daily living activities, and that performing these activities in an energy-conserving manner will result in less dyspnea. Energy conservation techniques are one of the trainings given to improve symptom management in COPD patients. Disease symptoms can increase in COPD patients during tasks such as washing hair, drying hair, shaving, reaching, bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling weights. When appropriate body mechanics and tools that facilitate tasks are used, the amount of energy required during these tasks decreases. In this way, it is thought that patients will be more active in their daily living activities. Breathing exercises are also a component of pulmonary rehabilitation and support the increase of respiratory muscle function and exercise tolerance. Accordingly, it is thought that structured energy conservation techniques training can improve daily living activities, fatigue, and exercise capacity in COPD patients. This research will be conducted as a pre-test-post-test, single-blind, randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of structured energy conservation techniques training on daily living activities, fatigue, and exercise capacity in COPD patients.
Read the detailed description
In chronic diseases, education is the most important tool for enabling self-treatment, lifestyle modifications, and the development of methods to prevent disease progression. The goals of patient education in COPD are to reduce disease symptoms and acute exacerbations. Another goal is to prevent COPD-related complications and to educate patients or their families. Energy conservation techniques are one type of education given to improve symptom management in COPD patients. Energy conservation techniques consist of personal energy conservation methods when performing physical activities. With these approaches, the energy requirements of activities are reduced. Thanks to energy conservation techniques during physical activity, it is possible to complete the activity with less dyspnea. Some energy conservation techniques include performing daily activities while sitting, placing frequently used objects between waist and shoulder level, using long-handled tools that make tasks easier, and using a wheeled carrier to facilitate carrying items. Breathing exercises, on the other hand, improve the exercise tolerance of patients by effectively using the diaphragm. Pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing are frequently used in COPD patients. Pursed-lip breathing is defined as active and prolonged exhalation performed with slightly parted lips. After taking a deep breath through the nose, exhalation is performed by pursing the lips in a whistling manner, increasing pressure in the bronchi. This breathing exercise prevents premature closure of the bronchi by increasing the pressure during exhalation, extending the expiration time and allowing more air to be expelled. In diaphragmatic breathing, the patient lies on their back or in a semi-sitting position, placing one hand on the front of their chest and the other on their abdomen. As they slowly inhale as much air as possible through their nose, they feel their abdomen slowly rise. While slowly exhaling the air taken in with pursed-lip breathing, they gently apply pressure with the hand on their abdomen. When both breathing exercises are performed regularly, they help reduce the patient's respiratory distress. In conclusion, structured energy conservation techniques training can be effective in increasing functional capacity and improving symptoms in COPD patients. Therefore; This study aimed to investigate the effects of structured energy conservation techniques training on daily living activities, fatigue, and exercise capacity in patients with COPD.
- Being tested
- Structured Energy Conservation Techniques Training
- Keywords
- Activities of Daily Living, COPD, Energy Conservation
- Medical subject headings
- Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Structured Energy Conservation Techniques TrainingOther
Energy conservation techniques (ECT) consist of personal energy conservation methods while performing physical activities. These approaches modify or reduce the energy requirements of activities. Thanks to ECT, it is possible to complete physical activity with little or no dyspnea (Özyılmaz and Gürses, 2012). ECT training consists of six principles: prioritizing activities, planning a daily schedule, adjusting it to suit oneself, positioning, pursed-lip breathing, and a positive attitude (Pohaci, Riani, and Hartoyo, 2013). The content of ECT training includes teaching diaphragmatic breathing to the patient, encouraging them to perform activities requiring upper limb support while seated, emphasizing the importance of asking for help from family members when needed, planning the day and allocating time for rest, holding materials between the shoulder blade and pelvis, avoiding bending, training on proper postures, and demonstrating how to perform activities (Velloso, 2006).
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| intervention group | Experimental | Structured energy conservation techniques training will be conducted with this group. The 'structured energy conservation techniques training,' conducted by the researcher, will last approximately 20-30 minutes. A brochure will be used as training material. Videos related to the topic will be utilized during the training. The videos used in the training will be shared with patients via WhatsApp, and patients will be asked to review the brochure twice a week. During the four-week follow-up period, reminders will be sent to these patients twice a week via WhatsApp or phone calls. Receives: Other: Structured Energy Conservation Techniques Training |
| control group | No intervention | Routine procedures will be carried out. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Activities of Daily Living Scale
The "Activities of Daily Living Scale" specific to COPD patients is based on the 12 activities of daily living (ensuring a safe environment, communication, breathing, feeding, excretion, personal hygiene and clothing, body temperature control, movement, work and leisure, sexual expression, sleep, and death) specified in the nursing model. The Activities of Daily Living Scale consists of 12 sub-dimensions and 47 items. The development of this scale utilizes the validity and reliability assessment principles adopted in the literature. It is developed by the researcher.
Measured: 1 month
Secondary outcomes (2)
Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale
The fatigue-related items in the 40-item FACIT Scale are located under the "Other Concerns" subcategory. The FACIT Fatigue Scale is a 13-item scale that assesses self-reported fatigue. Each item on the scale is rated from 0 to 4.
Measured: 1 month
Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
Time-distance walking was first introduced by Balke in the 1960s as a simple and objective measure of functional capacity (Balke, 1963). The six-minute walk test is an easily applicable physical performance test reflecting functional capacity, performed on a flat surface. The test evaluates the maximum walking distance within six minutes. In the study, oxygen saturation values, heart rate, blood pressure, and dyspnea scores using the modified Borg scale will be recorded before and after each test.
Measured: 1 month
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted12 May 2026
- Study start10 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion10 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion10 Jan 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Akdeniz UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Akdeniz University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Zeynep ASAL, Akdeniz University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07581132
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- !---''ZEYNEP-ASAL-000000000001
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 6 May 2026
- Last updated
- 12 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 12 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigation of the Effects of Structured Energy Conservation Techniques Training on Activities of Daily Living, Fatigue, and Exercise Capacity in COPD Patients
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07581132
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- !---''ZEYNEP-ASAL-000000000001
- Keywords
- Activities of Daily Living, COPD, Energy Conservation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Akdeniz UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 10 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 10 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 10 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 12 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous lung disease characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, cough, sputum production, and/or exacerbations) due to persistent, often progressive airflow obstruction resulting from abnormalities in the airways (bronchiolitis, bronchitis) and/or alveoli (emphysema). COPD is a multifaceted disease that is not limited to respiratory symptoms but also negatively affects individuals' functional capacity, physical endurance, and participation in daily living activities. Common symptoms include shortness of breath (dyspnea) and a significant feeling of fatigue; this can lead to decreased exercise capacity, limitations in daily living activities, and ultimately dependence over time. Therefore, in the treatment of COPD, not only drug therapy but also interventions aimed at symptom control and improving functional capacity are becoming increasingly important. Energy conservation techniques, included in pulmonary rehabilitation programs, are based on the view that dyspnea occurs most intensely during daily living activities, and that performing these activities in an energy-conserving manner will result in less dyspnea. Energy conservation techniques are one of the trainings given to improve symptom management in COPD patients. Disease symptoms can increase in COPD patients during tasks such as washing hair, drying hair, shaving, reaching, bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling weights. When appropriate body mechanics and tools that facilitate tasks are used, the amount of energy required during these tasks decreases. In this way, it is thought that patients will be more active in their daily living activities. Breathing exercises are also a component of pulmonary rehabilitation and support the increase of respiratory muscle function and exercise tolerance. Accordingly, it is thought that structured energy conservation techniques training can improve daily living activities, fatigue, and exercise capacity in COPD patients. This research will be conducted as a pre-test-post-test, single-blind, randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of structured energy conservation techniques training on daily living activities, fatigue, and exercise capacity in COPD patients.
Detailed description
In chronic diseases, education is the most important tool for enabling self-treatment, lifestyle modifications, and the development of methods to prevent disease progression. The goals of patient education in COPD are to reduce disease symptoms and acute exacerbations. Another goal is to prevent COPD-related complications and to educate patients or their families. Energy conservation techniques are one type of education given to improve symptom management in COPD patients. Energy conservation techniques consist of personal energy conservation methods when performing physical activities. With these approaches, the energy requirements of activities are reduced. Thanks to energy conservation techniques during physical activity, it is possible to complete the activity with less dyspnea. Some energy conservation techniques include performing daily activities while sitting, placing frequently used objects between waist and shoulder level, using long-handled tools that make tasks easier, and using a wheeled carrier to facilitate carrying items. Breathing exercises, on the other hand, improve the exercise tolerance of patients by effectively using the diaphragm. Pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing are frequently used in COPD patients. Pursed-lip breathing is defined as active and prolonged exhalation performed with slightly parted lips. After taking a deep breath through the nose, exhalation is performed by pursing the lips in a whistling manner, increasing pressure in the bronchi. This breathing exercise prevents premature closure of the bronchi by increasing the pressure during exhalation, extending the expiration time and allowing more air to be expelled. In diaphragmatic breathing, the patient lies on their back or in a semi-sitting position, placing one hand on the front of their chest and the other on their abdomen. As they slowly inhale as much air as possible through their nose, they feel their abdomen slowly rise. While slowly exhaling the air taken in with pursed-lip breathing, they gently apply pressure with the hand on their abdomen. When both breathing exercises are performed regularly, they help reduce the patient's respiratory distress. In conclusion, structured energy conservation techniques training can be effective in increasing functional capacity and improving symptoms in COPD patients. Therefore; This study aimed to investigate the effects of structured energy conservation techniques training on daily living activities, fatigue, and exercise capacity in patients with COPD.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| intervention group | Experimental | Other: Structured Energy Conservation Techniques TrainingStructured energy conservation techniques training will be conducted with this group. The 'structured energy conservation techniques training,' conducted by the researcher, will last approximately 20-30 minutes. A brochure will be used as training material. Videos related to the topic will be utilized during the training. The videos used in the training will be shared with patients via WhatsApp, and patients will be asked to review the brochure twice a week. During the four-week follow-up period, reminders will be sent to these patients twice a week via WhatsApp or phone calls. |
| control group | No intervention | –Routine procedures will be carried out. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Patients who have been admitted to the pulmonary diseases ward or have applied to the pulmonary diseases outpatient clinic,
- Patients diagnosed with COPD,
- Patients in category E of the GOLD A, B, E classification (patients experiencing more than 2 moderate exacerbations or having multiple hospitalizations) (GOLD, 2025)
- Patients over 40 years of age (Adeloye et al, 2015).
- Patients who will continue their health check-ups at the Isparta City Hospital Pulmonology Outpatient Clinic,
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Patients with serious orthopedic problems that may have a significant impact on daily activities,
- Patients with progressive neuromuscular disease,
- Patients who have experienced unstable angina pectoris or myocardial infarction within the last month,
- Patients living alone,
- Patients in groups A and B of the GOLD ABE classification will not be included. For patients in group A, mMRC 0-1, CAT<10 are used as criteria; for patients in group B, mMRC≥2, CAT≥10 are used as criteria (GOLD, 2025).
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Structured Energy Conservation Techniques TrainingEnergy conservation techniques (ECT) consist of personal energy conservation methods while performing physical activities. These approaches modify or reduce the energy requirements of activities. Thanks to ECT, it is possible to complete physical activity with little or no dyspnea (Özyılmaz and Gürses, 2012). ECT training consists of six principles: prioritizing activities, planning a daily schedule, adjusting it to suit oneself, positioning, pursed-lip breathing, and a positive attitude (Pohaci, Riani, and Hartoyo, 2013). The content of ECT training includes teaching diaphragmatic breathing to the patient, encouraging them to perform activities requiring upper limb support while seated, emphasizing the importance of asking for help from family members when needed, planning the day and allocating time for rest, holding materials between the shoulder blade and pelvis, avoiding bending, training on proper postures, and demonstrating how to perform activities (Velloso, 2006). | Other | intervention group |
Primary outcome
Activities of Daily Living Scale
Time frame: 1 month
The "Activities of Daily Living Scale" specific to COPD patients is based on the 12 activities of daily living (ensuring a safe environment, communication, breathing, feeding, excretion, personal hygiene and clothing, body temperature control, movement, work and leisure, sexual expression, sleep, and death) specified in the nursing model. The Activities of Daily Living Scale consists of 12 sub-dimensions and 47 items. The development of this scale utilizes the validity and reliability assessment principles adopted in the literature. It is developed by the researcher.
2 secondary outcomes
Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Scale
Time frame: 1 month
Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
Time frame: 1 month
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 12 Aug 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Structured Energy Conservation Techniques Training in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), run by Akdeniz University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 8 inclusion and 5 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Aug 2026. 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Zeynep Asal, NURSE (539 386 19 72, zasal1889@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Activities of Daily Living Scale (time frame: 1 month). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 12 Aug 2026.