Asthma is a common long-term lung condition that can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, and anxiety. Even with appropriate medication, about 30-40% of people with asthma do not achieve good symptom control and continue to experience reduced quality of life.
Breathing exercises are recommended as an additional, non-drug treatment for asthma. However, these programs are not widely available outside of rehabilitation clinics, and more scientific evidence is needed, especially for digital formats.
This study aims to investigate whether a 12-week structured breathing training program delivered online can improve asthma-related quality of life in adults whose asthma is not well controlled. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or a control group receiving usual care.
The intervention consists of weekly live, group-based breathing sessions led by trained physiotherapists via videoconference, combined with short daily self-practice exercises at home. Participants will also use a simple breathing device to support the exercises. The control group will continue their usual medical care without additional breathing training.
We will assess whether the program improves quality of life, asthma control, and symptoms such as anxiety, stress, and dysfunctional breathing. The study will also evaluate whether the online format is feasible, acceptable, and satisfactory for participants.
The breathing exercises are non-invasive and low risk. The results of this study may help to develop accessible, low-cost, and evidence-based support programs for people with asthma.
Adults aged ≥18 years
Asthma bronchiale
Partly controlled or uncontrolled asthma according to GINA 2025 criteria
Access to internet and compatible smartphone for digital intervention and data collection
Clinically relevant nasal obstruction (e.g., severe septal deviation, nasal polyps) affecting nasal breathing
Current regular use of structured breathing therapy or breathing training devices
Participation in another interventional clinical trial that may interfere with outcomes
Severe comorbid conditions limiting participation in mild physical or breathing exercise (e.g., unstable cardiovascular disease)
Parallel
Virtual Breathing Training Program
BehavioralA 12-week structured, physiotherapist-led breathing training delivered via weekly live video group sessions combined with daily home-based exercises. The program includes breathing techniques such as nasal breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, and breathing control strategies. Participants also use a breathing training device to support the exercises.
Usual Care Group
Other interventionStandard medical care for asthma according to current guidelines without additional breathing training intervention.
Change in Asthma-related quality of life (AQLQ)
Change in disease-specific quality of life measured using the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). The AQLQ is a validated instrument for adults with asthma. Scores range from 1 to 7, with higher scores indicating better quality of life. A change of 0.5 points is considered clinically meaningful.
Change in Asthma Control
Change in asthma control measured using the Asthma Control Test (ACT).
Change in Dysfunctional Breathing Symptoms
Change in symptoms of dysfunctional breathing measured by the Nijmegen Questionnaire
Change in Physiological parameters (wearable-derived)
Heart rate, assessed via wearable device.
Change in Physiological parameters (wearable-derived)
Heart rate variability, assessed via wearable device.
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Prof. Dr. Andreas Rembert Koczulla
Lead sponsor
Schön Klinik Berchtesgadener Land
Sponsor institution
Cegla Medizintechnik GmbH
Collaborator
This trial is not recruiting at the moment. You can still explore other options:
