PEP Buddy for COPD

(PEPR Trial)

This trial explores a new device called PEP Buddy to assist veterans with COPD (a lung disease that makes breathing difficult) during Pulmonary Rehabilitation. The study compares two groups: one uses the PEP Buddy, which aids breathing, and the other uses a look-alike device without the same benefits. Researchers aim to determine if the PEP Buddy group experiences faster improvements and longer-lasting benefits. Veterans with COPD who are already referred for Pulmonary Rehabilitation and can exercise with supplemental oxygen might be suitable candidates. As a Phase 2, Phase 3 trial, this study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of the PEP Buddy and represents the final step before FDA approval, offering veterans a chance to contribute to important research.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.

Research has shown that the PEP Buddy device, which adds pressure when exhaling to aid breathing, is generally safe for people with COPD, a condition that makes breathing difficult. One study found that the device improved breathing in about 72% of participants, indicating effectiveness without major issues. Another study noted that devices like PEP Buddy, which use positive pressure during exhalation, are often used to assist with breathing and are well-tolerated.

The PEP Buddy is unique because it offers a new way to manage breathlessness in people with COPD by providing a portable device that delivers 5-7 cm H2O of expiratory pressure. Unlike current treatments like bronchodilators and corticosteroids, which focus on reducing inflammation and opening airways, the PEP Buddy aims to improve breathing efficiency through positive expiratory pressure. Researchers are excited about this device because it could offer immediate relief during episodes of breathlessness, providing a simple and non-invasive alternative to standard medications.

Research shows that the PEP Buddy device can greatly assist people with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Studies have found that over 70% of users experienced less shortness of breath after using the device. Participants in this trial will be assigned to one of two arms: one receiving the PEP Buddy device, which provides 5-7 cm H2O of expiratory pressure, and a sham comparator arm with a device that appears the same but provides only 1-3 cm H2O of expiratory pressure. Previous studies have shown that users of the PEP Buddy device improved their exercise ability and overall quality of life, suggesting it could be a useful tool for managing COPD symptoms.¹²³⁶⁷