How people with COPD experience breathlessness, including with virtual reality and placebo
Studies how breathlessness feels in people with COPD and healthy volunteers.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Multidimensional Study of Dyspnea at Rest, During Exertion, Self-induced Through a Virtual Reality Scenario, and Its Placebo Effect in Patients With COPD and Control Subjects.
Key facts
- Where
- San Sebastián, SpainSee the site
Where in Spain
- Univesity of DeustoSan Sebastián, SpainNo longer taking part
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 Deusto
- Trial code
- NCT07568379
- Record updated
- 5 May 2026
- Original description
This quasi-experimental laboratory study aims to describe and compare the multidimensional experience of dyspnea at rest and during exertion in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and healthy controls. The study integrates neurophysiological, somatosensory, and psychological assessments, including prefrontal cortex activity (fNIRS), quantitative sensory testing (QST), and immersive virtual reality (VR) scenarios.Read full original descriptionShow less
Multidimensional Study of Dyspnea at Rest, During Exertion, Self-induced Through a Virtual Reality Scenario, and Its Placebo Effect in Patients With COPD and Control Subjects.
This quasi-experimental laboratory study aims to describe and compare the multidimensional experience of dyspnea at rest and during exertion in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and healthy controls. The study integrates neurophysiological, somatosensory, and psychological assessments, including prefrontal cortex activity (fNIRS), quantitative sensory testing (QST), and immersive virtual reality (VR) scenarios.
Additionally, the study evaluates the modulation of dyspnea perception through expectation mechanisms and placebo intervention using high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). The ultimate goal is to better understand the multidimensional and neurocognitive mechanisms underlying dyspnea.
Inclusion: COPD:; Diagnosed COPD (FEV1/FVC < 0.7 post-bronchodilator); GOLD stage 2-4; Clinically stable; Signed informed consent; Healthy subjects:; Normal pulmonary function; No chronic diseases; Non-smoker or long-term ex-smoker.
Exclusion: Medication affecting respiratory function; Severe cardiac, neurological, or psychiatric disease; Other respiratory diseases; Recent infections; COPD patients:; Recent exacerbation; Use of ventilatory support (except CPAP); Heatlhy subjects:; Respiratory symptoms; Substance abuse.