Effect of an App-based Intervention on Air Pollution in COPD Patients

N/AEnrolling By InvitationNCT07074093

Fundacion para la Investigacion y Formacion en Ciencias de la Salud150 enrolled

Overview

This study will test whether a combination of health education, a mobile app, and a smart band can help people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) improve their quality of life and reduce flare-ups. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: One group will receive health education, use a mobile app that shows real-time air quality (AirVisual), and wear a smart band that tracks activity and sleep (Amazfit Band 5). The other group will receive standard care and advice. All participants will complete health checks and quality-of-life questionnaires at the beginning of the study and again after 6 months. The goal is to find out if this combination of tools helps people with COPD manage their condition better and have fewer flare-ups.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that makes it hard to breathe and often gets worse over time. Many people with COPD experience flare-ups, which are periods when symptoms suddenly get worse. These flare-ups can be triggered by poor air quality and may lead to hospital visits or reduced quality of life. This study will test a non-drug approach to help people with COPD manage their condition better. The researchers want to find out if using a combination of tools-health education, a mobile app, and a smart band-can reduce the number of flare-ups and improve quality of life. The mobile app (AirVisual) provides real-time information about outdoor air quality, which may help participants avoid pollution. The smart band (Amazfit Band 5) tracks physical activity and sleep, helping users stay active and monitor their health. Participants in the intervention group will be trained on how to use both tools and receive general education about COPD management. The control group will receive standard care and advice. A total of 150 participants will be recruited from urban health centers in Salamanca, Spain. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The study will last 6 months. All participants will have a clinical visit at the beginning and at the end of the study, where health measurements and quality-of-life questionnaires will be completed. The goal is to learn whether this digital, non-pharmacological approach can support better daily management of COPD and lead to fewer symptom flare-ups.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: Male or female, aged 18 years or older Clinical diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) based on GOLD 2022 criteria (post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC \< 0.70) Receiving care at urban primary care centers in Salamanca, Spain Able to use a smartphone (independently or with minimal assistance) Able and willing to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of a respiratory disease other than COPD (e.g., asthma, interstitial lung disease) Moderate to severe cognitive impairment Significant physical limitation that prevents participation in physical activity (e.g., NYHA Class III or IV heart failure, musculoskeletal conditions limiting walking) Advanced kidney or liver disease Severe mental illness or terminal condition Participation in another clinical trial Inability to use the mobile phone or smart band due to physical or technological limitations Plans to relocate to another city within 12 months of study start

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Number of COPD exacerbations

Number of moderate or severe exacerbations, defined as worsening of respiratory symptoms requiring systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics, or hospitalization.

Time frame: From baseline to 6 months

Secondary Outcomes

Change in health-related quality of life

The Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire assesses symptoms, activity limitation, and disease impact. Scores range from 0 (best health) to 100 (worst health).