Leg Muscle Function and Breathlessness in Interstitial Lung Disease
Tests whether extra oxygen eases leg muscle fatigue in people with interstitial lung disease.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Skeletal Muscle Function in Interstitial Lung Disease
Key facts
- Where
- Vancouver, CanadaSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 40 and 80 years old?
Source: NCT03800017, who can take part
Where in Canada
- St. Paul's HospitalVancouver, CanadaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of British Columbia
- Trial code
- NCT03800017
- Record updated
- 15 May 2026
- Original description
Dyspnea (i.e. breathlessness) and exercise intolerance are common symptoms for patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), yet it is not known why. It has been suggested that muscle dysfunction may contribute to dyspnea and exercise intolerance in ILD. Our study aims to: i) examine differences in the structure and function of the leg muscles in ILD patients, ii) determine if leg muscle fatigue contributes to dyspnea and exercise limitation in patients with ILD, and iii) determine the effects of breathing extra oxygen on leg muscle fatigue, as well as ability to exercise in ILD patients.Read full original descriptionShow less
Investigating the Role of Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction on Dyspnea and Exercise Intolerance in Interstitial Lung Disease
Dyspnea (i.e. breathlessness) and exercise intolerance are common symptoms for patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), yet it is not known why. It has been suggested that muscle dysfunction may contribute to dyspnea and exercise intolerance in ILD. Our study aims to: i) examine differences in the structure and function of the leg muscles in ILD patients, ii) determine if leg muscle fatigue contributes to dyspnea and exercise limitation in patients with ILD, and iii) determine the effects of breathing extra oxygen on leg muscle fatigue, as well as ability to exercise in ILD patients.
Inclusion: Age 40-80 years (inclusive); A multidisciplinary diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), idiopathic fibrotic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), or unclassifiable ILD with a differential diagnosis that consists of the above diagnoses; Fibrosis on high resolution computed tomography (HRCT): honeycombing, reticulation, or traction bronchiectasis; Appropriate candidate for pulmonary rehabilitation; 6 minute walk distance 50m or more; Oxygen saturation ≥ 92% by pulse oximetry at rest while breathing room air; Clinically stable for the preceding 6 weeks; Can fluently read and write in English; Age 40-80 (inclusive); Normal pulmonary function (80-120% predicted); No lung or cardiovascular disease; Can fluently read and write in English.
Exclusion: Concurrent or recent participation (less than 6 months) in a pulmonary rehabilitation program; Currently smoking or previously smoked more than 10 pack-years; Contraindication to exercise testing (e.g. significant cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, neurological disease); Other significant extra-pulmonary disease that, based on clinical assessment, could impair exercise capacity and/or oxygenation; Any medical conditions that prevents them for exercising safely; Cardiac pacemaker or any metal or electronic inside the body; Forced vital capacity (FVC) less than 50% or Diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) less than 25%; Use of prednisone greater than 10 mg/day for more than 2 weeks within 3 months of the first study visit; Significant emphysema (less than 10% volume on HRCT or FEV1/FVC less than 0.70).