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Exercise and Neutrophil Function in COPD

A Pilot Study to Examine the Effect of Acute Exercise on Neutrophil Function in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT02124343
Enrollment
20
Registered
2014-04-28
Start date
2014-03-31
Completion date
2014-07-31
Last updated
2014-10-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease, Neutrophil Function Disorder

Keywords

Neutrophil, Exercise, COPD, Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Brief summary

Exercise is a cornerstone of pulmonary rehabilitation in the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Although researchers have shown numerous benefits with exercise in COPD patients, most studies have only looked at exercise tolerance and psychological outcomes following training. COPD is characterised by persistent inflammation that can cause progressive decline in lung function and multisystemic complications. This inflammation can be amplified in patients when they suffer acute exacerbations. There is a wellknown relationship between exercise, immune function and risk of infection. Exercise has also been shown to have an antiinflammatory effect when performed regularly. There is a lack of research looking into the inflammatory or immune response to exercise in patients with COPD. The exercise within this study will be individually tailored to patients with COPD based on their validated 6 minute walk test (6MWT) but the protocol will involve interval exercise that has been used previously. This type of exercise is considered most appropriate for research into mechanisms of benefit because it maintains the exercise training effects of other modalities (e.g. continuous low intensity aerobic exercise) while avoiding the occurrence of limitations to exercise in people with lung problems (e.g. dynamic hyperinflation). It also closely mirrors daily activity of someone with COPD. The investigators want to explore the effects of exercise specifically on immune function in 15 people COPD and compare any changes to 15 Controls. By better understanding the mechanisms of how exercise affects inflammation, the investigators could eventually design better Pulmonary Rehabilitation interventions, especially for those most at risk.

Interventions

Sponsors

Hywel Dda Health Board
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
50 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* COPD group - 15 Participants who have been diagnosed with any severity of COPD (according to BTS criteria, i.e. \>10 pack-year smoking history and post-bronchodilator spirometry FEV1/FVC ratio \<0.70 and FEV\<80%) and have completed at least 12 from 18 sessions of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme. * Age 50-80 years. * Current non-smoker. * Control group - 15 Participants who will act as Controls, without COPD or cardiovascular disease * Age 50-80 years (ideally of similar gender distribution) * Current non-smoker. * Spirometry: FEV1/FVC\>0.7 and FEV\>80% predicted

Exclusion criteria

* Known asthma or allergic rhinitis or other respiratory disease (bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis). * A change in any medications within 4 weeks or during the study. * Require domiciliary oxygen. * Acute exacerbation of COPD within 4 weeks of study entry. * Any infection or illness within 4 weeks of study entry. * Other active inflammatory conditions e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, unstable cardiac conditions. * Receiving oral steroids or other immunomodulating drugs. * Currently undergoing exercise training (including Pulmonary Rehabilitation). * Any previous cardiovascular contraindications to exercise (e.g. unstable angina). * Inability to complete the 6MWT due to physical or mental impairment. * Exhaled CO\>10ppm or smoked any cigarettes within 6 months. * Inability or unwillingness to sign informed consent.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Neutrophil response to exercise4 monthsThe primary outcome measure for this study is to examine neutrophil responses to acute exercise, including changes in the counts and function of these cells in blood and sputa in order to compare any changes between COPD and age-gender matched controls.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Different health status and the responses on neutrophil function4 monthsThe secondary outcome measures for this study is to examine the responses of inflammatory (pro and anti) mediators (e.g. cytokines) to acute exercise.

Other

MeasureTime frameDescription
Effect of inhaled steroids on neutrophil response following exercise4 monthsThe third outcome for this study is to compare neutrophil response to exercise in those taking different types of inhaled steroid (fluticasone versus budesonide or beclamethasone).
Neutrophil response to exercise in past smokers versus non-smokers4 monthsThe fourth outcome measure of this study is to compare neutrophil response to exercise in past smokers versus non-smokers.

Countries

United Kingdom

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026