Bronchodilators and Lung Mechanics During Exercise in COPD
Recruiting · Kingston, Ontario
Always free
Study care at no cost to you
For your time and travel
Many studies pay you back
Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
Ask for your language
Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
Bronchodilators are medications that open the bronchi to help patients with COPD to breathe better. It is still not known exactly how this effect improves shortness of breath in people with COPD.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
Bronchodilators are medications that open the bronchi to help patients with COPD to breathe better. It is still not known exactly how this effect improves shortness of breath in people with COPD. The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether bronchodilators lower resistance in the smallest airways in the lungs, and whether this will improve the feeling of breathlessness in these patients. The main questions the investigators attempt to answer are: * In patients with COPD, does treatment with a short-acting bronchodilator improve small airway resistance during exercise? * In patients with COPD, does acute treatment with short-acting bronchodilator improve breathlessness and exercise endurance? The investigators will compare short-acting bronchodilators to placebo (a substance that contains no drug) to see if the bronchodilator medications improve small airway resistance and breathlessness during exercise. Participants will: * Visit the research laboratory 3 visits to complete tests of lung function and exercise * Complete 2 identical visits (Visit 2 and 3), one in which the participant receives bronchodilator and one in which the participant receives placebo.
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •Have a diagnosis of COPD
- •Be male or female and at least 40 years old
- •Be a current or former smoker with at least a 20 pack-year history
- •Have lung test results showing COPD airflow blockage (FEV1/FVC below the lower limit of normal)
- •Have enough breathing discomfort/shortness of breath (Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale score ≥ 2)
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •Have major lung or heart diseases other than COPD, including asthma, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, or congestive heart failure
- •Have neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disease
- •Need oxygen during the day, or have oxygen dropping below 80% during exercise while on room air
- •Have any other condition that could cause breathlessness during exertion or trouble tolerating exercise
- •Have any contraindication to cardiopulmonary exercise testing
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 40–any age
- ✓Have COPD (chronic lung disease)
- !Some conditions may not be a fit: Heart / cardiovascular disease, High blood pressure, Asthma
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
Yes. This treatment has already been through earlier human studies for safety before reaching this stage.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
Bronchodilators are medications that open the bronchi to help patients with COPD to breathe better. It is still not known exactly how this effect improves shortness of breath in people with COPD.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a study of an already-approved treatment (Phase 4). Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
The study treatment and study-related visits are provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06825013 · Locations: Ontario