Diaphragmatic Training on GERD (GERD)

April 15, 2026 updated by: Kun-Ching Chou, Changhua Christian Hospital

Diaphragmatic Training for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise and Incentive Spirometry Training on Esophageal Dynamics and Quality of Life

he goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of diaphragm-oriented breathing training on patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study will compare two non-invasive respiratory interventions-diaphragmatic breathing exercise (DBE) and volume-oriented incentive spirometry (VIS)-in terms of their impact on esophageal function and health-related quality of life.The main questions it aims to answer are:Does DBE or VIS improve GERD symptoms as measured by the GERD Questionnaire (GERDQ)?Do these interventions reduce esophageal acid exposure time and the number of reflux episodes?Do these interventions improve lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and esophageal motility?Do these interventions improve GERD-related quality of life as measured by the GERD-HRQL questionnaire?Researchers will compare three groups: DBE, VIS, and a control group receiving standard care, to determine whether diaphragm-oriented breathing training provides additional benefits over usual management.Participants will:Be randomly assigned to one of three groups (DBE, VIS, or control)Perform the assigned intervention for 6 weeksUndergo baseline and post-intervention assessments, including symptom questionnaires and esophageal function testing Record symptoms and adherence in a daily diary

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
42

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.
  • Name: Kun-Chin Chou, MD
  • Phone Number: 5501 +886-4-723-8595
  • Email: 84798@cch.org.tw

Study Contact Backup

  • Name: Shu-Ju Tu, NP, MSN/ PHD Candidate
  • Phone Number: 7591 +886-4-723-8595
  • Email: 79610@cch.org.tw

Study Locations

  • Taiwan
    • Changhua County
      • Changhua, Changhua County, Taiwan, 50006
        • Recruiting
        • Changhua Christian Hospital

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Include Criteria:

  • Age between 20 and 80 years.2. A confirmed diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), defined by at least one of the following criteria
  • Endoscopic examination within the past 3 months demonstrating Los Angeles (LA) grade A reflux esophagitis with regular use of acid-suppressive medication (e.g., proton pump inhibitors) for more than 2 months.
  • 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring showing acid exposure time (AET) > 6%.
  • Endoscopic examination within the past 3 months demonstrating LA grade B or higher reflux esophagitis.
  • Willingness and ability to participate in the intervention program, including adherence to training protocols, scheduled follow-up visits, and completion of all required assessments during the study period.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
  • History of anti-reflux surgery or other upper gastrointestinal surgical procedures related to GERD.
  • Presence of significant cardiopulmonary disease or chronic respiratory disease that may compromise the safety or feasibility of performing breathing training.
  • Inability to comply with the study protocol, including participation in training procedures and scheduled follow-up visits, due to conditions such as cognitive impairment, physical limitations, or inability to attend regular visits.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: Volume-Oriented Incentive Spirometry (VIS)
Participants assigned to the VIS group will receive volume-oriented incentive spirometry training using a standardized protocol. The intervention will be initiated under supervision, followed by home-based practice. Participants will be instructed to perform slow, deep inhalation to reach target volume levels, with brief breath-holding as tolerated, followed by relaxed exhalation. Training will be performed twice daily for approximately 20 minutes per session over a 6-week
Device: Volume-oriented incentive spirometry
Volume-oriented incentive spirometry (VIS) is a device-based breathing intervention designed to promote slow, deep inhalation and lung expansion. Participants use an incentive spirometer to inhale to a target volume, with brief breath-holding followed by relaxed exhalation. The intervention emphasizes diaphragmatic activation and respiratory muscle training. Participants perform the training twice daily for approximately 20 minutes per session over a 6-week period. Initial instruction is provided under supervision, followed by home-based practice. Adherence is monitored using daily training logs, and participants receive weekly telephone follow-up to reinforce compliance and address any difficulties. No additional breathing exercises are permitted during the study period.
Experimental: Diaphragmatic breathing exercises (DBE)
Participants assigned to the DBE group will receive diaphragmatic breathing exercise training using a standardized protocol. The intervention will be initiated under supervision, followed by home-based practice. Participants will be instructed to perform slow, deep diaphragmatic breathing with abdominal expansion during inhalation and controlled exhalation to promote diaphragmatic activation. Training will be performed twice daily for approximately 20 minutes per session over a 6-week intervention period. Participants will continue standard medical care for GERD as needed.
Behavioral: Diaphragmatic breathing exercise
Diaphragmatic breathing exercise (DBE) is a behavioral intervention designed to enhance diaphragmatic activation and improve respiratory control. Participants will be instructed to perform slow, deep breathing with abdominal expansion during inhalation and controlled exhalation, minimizing thoracic movement. The training will be initiated under supervision, followed by home-based practice. Participants will perform the exercise twice daily for approximately 20 minutes per session over a 6-week intervention period. Adherence will be monitored using daily training logs, and weekly telephone follow-up will be conducted to reinforce compliance and address potential difficulties. No additional breathing exercises will be permitted during the study period. Participants will continue standard medical care for GERD as needed
Active Comparator: Usual Care (Control)
Participants assigned to the control group will receive usual care without any structured breathing training intervention. Usual care includes standard medical management for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as determined by the treating physician. Participants in this group will not receive diaphragmatic breathing exercise or incentive spirometry training during the study period.
Other: Usual Care Group
Participants assigned to the control group will receive usual care for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including standard medical management and lifestyle advice as determined by the treating physician. Participants in this group will not receive diaphragmatic breathing exercise training or incentive spirometry training during the study period.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Acid exposure time (AET)
Time Frame: The outcome is defined as the change in these parameters from baseline to the end of the 6-week intervention period
Acid exposure time (AET) will be measured using 24-hour ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring. AET is defined as the percentage of time with esophageal pH over the total recording period
The outcome is defined as the change in these parameters from baseline to the end of the 6-week intervention period

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change in Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) Resting Pressure
Time Frame: Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure will be measured using high-resolution manometry (HRM); unit: mmHg
Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Change in Integrated Relaxation Pressure (IRP)
Time Frame: Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Integrated relaxation pressure will be assessed using high-resolution manometry (HRM); unit: mmHg.
Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Change in Distal Contractile Integral (DCI)
Time Frame: Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Distal contractile integral will be measured using high-resolution manometry (HRM); unit: mmHg·cm·s
Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Change in Distal Latency (DL)
Time Frame: Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Distal latency will be assessed using high-resolution manometry (HRM); unit :seconds
Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Change in Distal Contractile Integral (DCI)
Time Frame: Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Distal contractile integral will be measured using high-resolution manometry (HRM) to assess the vigor of distal esophageal peristaltic contractions; unit: mmHg·cm·s
Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Change in Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) Score
Time Frame: Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Laryngopharyngeal reflux-related symptoms will be assessed using the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), a validated 9-item questionnaire evaluating symptoms such as hoarseness, throat clearing, cough, and globus sensation. Each item is scored from 0 to 5, with total scores ranging from 0 to 45.
Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Change in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GERDQ) Score Description
Time Frame: Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
GERD symptoms will be assessed using the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GERDQ), a validated six-item questionnaire evaluating reflux-related symptoms during the past week. Total scores range from 0 to 18.
Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Change in DeMeester Score
Time Frame: Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
DeMeester score will be calculated from 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring data to quantify esophageal acid exposure. The composite score includes six parameters derived from pH monitoring.
Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Mean Nocturnal Baseline Impedance( MNBI)
Time Frame: Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Mean nocturnal baseline impedance will be derived from 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring and reflects esophageal mucosal integrity during nocturnal periods; unit: Ohms (Ω)
Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Change in Symptom Index (SI)
Time Frame: Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Symptom Index will be calculated using 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring to assess the proportion of symptom events associated with reflux episodes; unit:%
Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Symptom Sensitivity Index (SSI)
Time Frame: Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Symptom Sensitivity Index will be calculated using 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring to determine the proportion of reflux episodes associated with symptom events; unit:%
Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Change in Symptom Association Probability (SAP)
Time Frame: Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention
Symptom Association Probability will be calculated using 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring to evaluate the statistical association between reflux episodes and symptom events; unit:%
Baseline to 6 weeks after intervention

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Changhua Christian Hospital

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
March 4, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
September 30, 2028

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
September 30, 2028

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
April 2, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
April 15, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
April 22, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
April 22, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
April 15, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
March 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • CCH-251257

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

UNDECIDED

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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