Scientific publications and presentations Rehabilitation

Hypnosis and respiratory rehabilitation: what are the effects on dyspnea and physical activity in patients suffering from COPD?

A study conducted by Clinique du Souffle La Vallonie Inicea and Clariane’s scientific and research department highlights the value of hypnosis as an addition to respiratory rehabilitation in patients suffering from COPD. By acting on the emotional effect of shortness of breath, this approach enables the benefits of the treatment to be maintained over time and is combined with an increase in physical activity level.

Effect of dyspnoea-oriented hypnosis as an adjunct to pulmonary rehabilitation on the affective dimension of dyspnoea and physical activity level

ERJ Open Research, 2026

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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disease that can severely limit daily activities. In people with COPD, dyspnea, or feeling short of breath, has both a physical and an emotional effect, which can have an impact on physical activity level.

To assess the impact of this emotional effect, the researchers studied the outcome of five hypnosis sessions focused on dyspnea, incorporated into a conventional respiratory rehabilitation programme.

The results show that, six months after their treatment, patients who received hypnosis had maintained a significant improvement in the emotional effect of dyspnea. They also had a higher physical activity level than patients who had only completed the respiratory rehabilitation programme.

These results suggest that treatment of the emotional effect of dyspnea could help to prolong the benefits of respiratory rehabilitation.

Principal findings of the study

  • At six months, improvement in the emotional effect of dyspnea was greater in the group that had received hypnosis than in the control group.
  • An improvement in the emotional effect of dyspnea is associated with an increase in  physical activity level.
  • These results highlight the value of hypnosis as a complementary intervention to optimise the medium-term effects of respiratory rehabilitation in patients suffering from COPD.