Effects of Alternate Nostril Breathing and Bellows Breath in COPD Patients

July 17, 2026 updated by: Riphah International University

Effects of Alternate Nostril Breathing and Bellows Breath on Sputum Clearance, Pulmonary Function Test and Quality of Life Among COPD Patients

COPD is a common respiratory disease characterized by progressive airflow obstruction, dyspnea, chronic cough, and sputum production. Alternate nostril breathing and bellows breath are pranayama-based breathing techniques that may improve respiratory function and overall well-being. This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effects of these techniques on sputum clearance, pulmonary function tests, and quality of life in COPD patients. The study will be conducted at Punjab Institute of Cardiology using convenient sampling. Participants will be divided into two groups: Group A will perform alternate nostril breathing, while Group B will perform bellows breath exercises for 15-20 minutes daily over 3-4 weeks. Outcome measures include sputum clearance, spirometry, and quality of life questionnaires. Data will be analyzed using SPSS with significance set at p < 0.05. The study may support the use of cost-effective, noninvasive breathing techniques for improving pulmonary function and quality of life in COPD patients.

Study Overview

Status

Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

The respiratory ailment known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is becoming more and more common all over the world. It is characterized by a partiallyvolatile airway blockage. It is characterized by growing and ongoing dyspnea, persistent coughing and sputum production. Chronic cough and sputumare separaterisk factors for early death from COPD, and they are often closely associated withexacerbation. Alternate nostril breathing and bellows breath are two commontechnique which is based on pranyama,which is yogic practice of breath control. These techniques is utilize specific breathing pattern to in fluence the nervous system,energy flow and overall well being. The objective of this study is to findtheeffect of alternate nostril breathing and bellows breath on sputumclearance,pulmonary function test and quality of life among COPD patients. The study design will be randomized clinical trial. It will conducted at Punjab instituteof cardiology.sample size will be conducted through non-probability convenient sampling as per inclusion criteria participants will be randomly added intotwogroups. . Group A[alternate nostril breathing] and Group B[bellows breath]. bothintervention will be performed for 15 to 20 min/day for 3 to 4 weeks. Pre andpost intervention data will be collected. Outcome measures include sputumclearance,spiromter and health related quality of life questionnaire. Data will beanalyzed by using SPSS. Paired or Independent t-test will be used to comparevariables between the two groups and within the two groups, with significance set at p< 0.05. This study will provide evidence for the integration of noninvasive, cost effective strategies for the enhancement of PFT's and functional capacity and qualityof life.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

54

Phase

  • 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 Backup

Study Locations

  • Pakistan
    • Punjab Province
      • Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 40100
        • Nimra Noor
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Nimra Noor, MS-CPPT
        • Contact:

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

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Child
  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • diagnosed case of copd patients
  • Age group:above 10 years
  • Clinically stable
  • Able to understand or perform breathing exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

  • current acute pulmonary infection
  • History of pneumothorax or hemoptysis
  • Patients who was in stage 4 of functional classification of fatigue,palpation,dyspnea or anginal pain

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: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Alternate Nostril Breathing
This group receive alternate nostril breathing technique. This technique includingstress reduction,improved respiratory health and enhanced mental clarity. Participants will then be instructed to perform this activity 15 to 20 min/day for 4 days/week for 3to 4 weeks.
Other: alternate nostril breathing
This technique includingstress reduction,improved respiratory health and enhanced mental clarity. Participants will then be instructed to perform this activity 15 to 20 min/day for 4 days/week for 3to 4 weeks.
Experimental: bellows breath
This technique drain the excess phlegm from brain. It improves awareness, focus concentration and productivity. Participants will then be instructed to performthis activity 10 to 15 min/day for 5 days/week for 3 to 4 weeks.
Other: bellows breath
This technique drain the excess phlegm from brain. It improves awareness, focus concentration and productivity. Participants will then be instructed to performthis activity 10 to 15 min/day for 5 days/week for 3 to 4 weeks.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Forced Vital Capacity
Time Frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) will be measured in liters (L) using spirometry. FVC represents the maximum volume of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a maximal inspiration.
Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second
Time Frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV₁) will be measured in liters (L) using spirometry. FEV₁ represents the volume of air exhaled during the first second of a forced expiratory maneuver.
Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
FEV₁/FVC ratio
Time Frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
The FEV₁/FVC ratio will be expressed as a percentage (%) and calculated from spirometric measurements to assess the degree of airflow limitation
Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
Health-Related Quality of Life
Time Frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
The HRQOL (Health-Related Quality of Life) questionnaire is a tool usedtoassess an individual's overall well-being, focusing on how their health impacts their daily life. It's a 14-item questionnaire developed by the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention (CDC) that explores physical, mental, and social healthdomains
Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention

Collaborators and Investigators

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

Sponsor

Riphah International University

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Arjumand Bano, MS, Riphah International University

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 (Estimated)

June 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

August 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

August 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

June 8, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 17, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

July 22, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

July 22, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 17, 2026

Last Verified

July 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • REC/RCR & AHS/25/0310

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

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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