Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)NCT07773194
Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Deep Breathing Exercises in Patients With COPD
A study testing Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Deep Breathing Exercise in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), run by Firat University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises on fatigue and sleep quality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- What is being tested?
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Deep Breathing Exercise
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 90 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 15 Feb 2025to 15 Jan 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- 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
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) according to GOLD criteria at least 6 months before enrollment.
- Able to communicate verbally. No severe hearing or visual impairment. No serious medical condition or serious complication related to COPD.
Who cannot join
- Presence of a perceptual disorder or psychiatric condition that impairs communication.
- Presence of a serious complication related to COPD.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Deep Breathing Exercises on Fatigue and Sleep Quality in Patients With COPD: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises on fatigue and sleep quality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A total of 90 patients were assigned to three groups: a progressive muscle relaxation exercise group, a deep breathing exercise group, and a control group. Participants in the intervention groups were taught their assigned exercises individually and were instructed to practice them daily at home for 8 weeks. The control group received no study intervention during this period. Fatigue and sleep quality were assessed before the intervention and at the end of the 8-week study period.
Read the detailed description
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory condition that can negatively affect patients' physical and psychological well-being. Fatigue and impaired sleep quality are common symptoms that may adversely affect daily functioning and quality of life. Non-pharmacological interventions that can be easily practiced by patients may contribute to symptom management.
The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises on fatigue and sleep quality in patients with COPD.
The study included 90 patients with COPD who were randomly assigned to three parallel groups, with 30 participants in each group: a progressive muscle relaxation exercise group, a deep breathing exercise group, and a control group. Randomization was performed using random numbers generated through the Random Integer Generator on Random.org, and group assignment was conducted by an independent researcher. Due to the nature of the interventions, blinding was not applied.
Participants assigned to the progressive muscle relaxation group received individual training on progressive muscle relaxation exercises. The initial training lasted approximately 30-40 minutes. Participants were provided with relaxation exercise audio recordings for home practice and were instructed to perform the exercises every morning for 8 weeks. Weekly telephone contact was maintained during the intervention period.
Participants assigned to the deep breathing exercise group received individual practical training in pursed-lip breathing exercises. The training lasted approximately 20-25 minutes, and participants practiced the technique under guidance to ensure that they could perform it correctly. They were instructed to perform the breathing exercises every morning at home for 8 weeks.
Participants assigned to the control group received no study intervention during the 8-week study period.
Fatigue and sleep quality were evaluated at baseline and at the end of 8 weeks using the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma Fatigue Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively.
- Being tested
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Deep Breathing Exercise
- Keywords
- COPD, progressive muscle relaxation exercises, deep breathing exercises, fatigue, sleep quality
- Medical subject headings
- Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive, Fatigue, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Progressive Muscle RelaxationBehavioural
Participants received individual training on progressive muscle relaxation exercises. The training lasted approximately 30-40 minutes. Relaxation exercise audio recordings were provided to support home practice. Participants were instructed to perform the progressive muscle relaxation exercises every morning at home for 8 weeks. Weekly telephone contact was maintained during the intervention period.
Deep Breathing ExerciseBehavioural
Participants received individual practical training in pursed-lip breathing exercises. The technique was explained verbally and practiced under guidance in a quiet environment to ensure correct performance. The training lasted approximately 20-25 minutes. Participants were instructed to perform the breathing exercises every morning at home for 8 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise Group | Experimental | Participants received individual training on progressive muscle relaxation exercises. The training session lasted approximately 30-40 minutes. Relaxation exercise audio recordings were provided for home practice. Participants were instructed to perform the progressive muscle relaxation exercises every morning at home for 8 weeks. Weekly telephone contact was maintained during the intervention period. Receives: Behavioral: Progressive Muscle Relaxation |
| Deep Breathing Exercise Group | Experimental | Participants received individual practical training in pursed-lip breathing exercises. The exercises were explained and practiced under guidance in a quiet environment to ensure correct performance. The training session lasted approximately 20-25 minutes. Participants were instructed to perform the breathing exercises every morning at home for 8 weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Deep Breathing Exercise |
| Control Group | No intervention | Participants received no study intervention during the 8-week study period. Outcome assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of 8 weeks. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Fatigue Level
Fatigue was assessed using the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma Fatigue Scale. The scale consists of 12 items. Item scores are summed and transformed to a total score ranging from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate greater levels of fatigue.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention
Sleep Quality
Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The global PSQI score ranges from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating poorer sleep quality. A total score of 5 or higher indicates poor sleep quality.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted19 Aug 2026
- Study start15 Feb 2025
- Primary completion15 Jan 2026
- Study completion15 Jan 2026
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.
- 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
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Firat University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Gul Dural, Firat University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07773194
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2024/07-47
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 14 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 19 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared because data sharing was not included in the original study protocol or informed consent process.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 19 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Deep Breathing Exercises on Fatigue and Sleep Quality in Patients With COPD: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07773194
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2024/07-47
- Keywords
- COPD, progressive muscle relaxation exercises, deep breathing exercises, fatigue, sleep quality
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 90 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Firat UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Jan 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 19 Aug 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.
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises on fatigue and sleep quality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A total of 90 patients were assigned to three groups: a progressive muscle relaxation exercise group, a deep breathing exercise group, and a control group. Participants in the intervention groups were taught their assigned exercises individually and were instructed to practice them daily at home for 8 weeks. The control group received no study intervention during this period. Fatigue and sleep quality were assessed before the intervention and at the end of the 8-week study period.
Detailed description
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory condition that can negatively affect patients' physical and psychological well-being. Fatigue and impaired sleep quality are common symptoms that may adversely affect daily functioning and quality of life. Non-pharmacological interventions that can be easily practiced by patients may contribute to symptom management.
The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises on fatigue and sleep quality in patients with COPD.
The study included 90 patients with COPD who were randomly assigned to three parallel groups, with 30 participants in each group: a progressive muscle relaxation exercise group, a deep breathing exercise group, and a control group. Randomization was performed using random numbers generated through the Random Integer Generator on Random.org, and group assignment was conducted by an independent researcher. Due to the nature of the interventions, blinding was not applied.
Participants assigned to the progressive muscle relaxation group received individual training on progressive muscle relaxation exercises. The initial training lasted approximately 30-40 minutes. Participants were provided with relaxation exercise audio recordings for home practice and were instructed to perform the exercises every morning for 8 weeks. Weekly telephone contact was maintained during the intervention period.
Participants assigned to the deep breathing exercise group received individual practical training in pursed-lip breathing exercises. The training lasted approximately 20-25 minutes, and participants practiced the technique under guidance to ensure that they could perform it correctly. They were instructed to perform the breathing exercises every morning at home for 8 weeks.
Participants assigned to the control group received no study intervention during the 8-week study period.
Fatigue and sleep quality were evaluated at baseline and at the end of 8 weeks using the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma Fatigue Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Progressive Muscle RelaxationParticipants received individual training on progressive muscle relaxation exercises. The training session lasted approximately 30-40 minutes. Relaxation exercise audio recordings were provided for home practice. Participants were instructed to perform the progressive muscle relaxation exercises every morning at home for 8 weeks. Weekly telephone contact was maintained during the intervention period. |
| Deep Breathing Exercise Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Deep Breathing ExerciseParticipants received individual practical training in pursed-lip breathing exercises. The exercises were explained and practiced under guidance in a quiet environment to ensure correct performance. The training session lasted approximately 20-25 minutes. Participants were instructed to perform the breathing exercises every morning at home for 8 weeks. |
| Control Group | No intervention | –Participants received no study intervention during the 8-week study period. Outcome assessments were performed at baseline and at the end of 8 weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) according to GOLD criteria at least 6 months before enrollment.
- Able to communicate verbally. No severe hearing or visual impairment. No serious medical condition or serious complication related to COPD.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Presence of a perceptual disorder or psychiatric condition that impairs communication.
- Presence of a serious complication related to COPD.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive Muscle RelaxationParticipants received individual training on progressive muscle relaxation exercises. The training lasted approximately 30-40 minutes. Relaxation exercise audio recordings were provided to support home practice. Participants were instructed to perform the progressive muscle relaxation exercises every morning at home for 8 weeks. Weekly telephone contact was maintained during the intervention period. | Behavioural | Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise Group |
| Deep Breathing ExerciseParticipants received individual practical training in pursed-lip breathing exercises. The technique was explained verbally and practiced under guidance in a quiet environment to ensure correct performance. The training lasted approximately 20-25 minutes. Participants were instructed to perform the breathing exercises every morning at home for 8 weeks. | Behavioural | Deep Breathing Exercise Group |
Primary outcome
Fatigue Level
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention
Fatigue was assessed using the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Asthma Fatigue Scale. The scale consists of 12 items. Item scores are summed and transformed to a total score ranging from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate greater levels of fatigue.
Sleep Quality
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention
Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The global PSQI score ranges from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating poorer sleep quality. A total score of 5 or higher indicates poor sleep quality.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 19 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared because data sharing was not included in the original study protocol or informed consent process.
Related trials for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Active, not recruiting
Symptoms and Functions in Patients With COPD and Chronic Bronchitis Switching From CIG to THS
COPD, Smoking
Not yet recruitingPhase 2/3
An Open-Label Extension Study to Evaluate Inhaled Treprostinil SMI in Participants With Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (PH-COPD)
Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Not yet recruiting
The Aim of the Study is to Decipher the Alterations in Signalling Pathways of Skeletal Muscle Stem Cells (Satellite Cells (SCs)) in Individuals With COPD, as Well as to Examine the Effect of Exercise Training on SCs.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), Sarcopenia in Elderly
Not yet recruitingPhase 2
Study of Treprostinil Administered Via Soft Mist Inhaler (SMI) in Participants With Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (PH-COPD)
Pulmonary Hypertension Associated With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Active, not recruitingPhase 1
A Study for GSK3862995B in Healthy Participants and Participants With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Deep Breathing Exercise in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), run by Firat 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 2 inclusion and 2 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 19 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?
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?
Fatigue Level (time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks after the start of the intervention). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. 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 19 Aug 2026.