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.

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Induced Dyspnea via Inspiratory Muscle Loading: Dyspnea will be experimentally induced using an inspiratory muscle training device (PowerBreathe) set at 40% of maximal inspiratory pressure (PImax). Participants will perform repeated breathing efforts until reaching a dyspnea intensity of 4-6 on the modified Borg scale.

Virtual Reality Sensory Immersion: Participants will perform cycling exercise while immersed in a virtual reality environment simulating terrain with varying gradients. The visual slope will be experimentally dissociated from the actual resistance applied to the cycle ergometer to investigate expectation-driven modulation of dyspnea.

Placebo and Active Conditions: Participants will be exposed to three conditions: no support, placebo HFNC (simulated device without effective airflow), and active HFNC delivering room air at 30 L/min. The intervention aims to evaluate placebo effects and expectation-related modulation of dyspnea.

Study summary

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.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Dyspnea intensity and respiratory effort — At baseline and immediately after reaching target dyspnea level (Borg scale ≥5)
  Participants will rate their perceived breathlessness during experimentally induced dyspnea at rest and during exertion across different experimental conditions (baseline, placebo, active support, and virtual reality scenarios). Measured using the modified modified Borg scale (0-10), where higher scores indicate greater dyspnea intensity.

Trial sites (1)

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