Combining physical activity and mental health support for veterans with COPD and emotional distress

The Development of an Integrated Physical Activity and Mental Health Intervention for Veterans with COPD, Emotion Distress, and Low Physical Activity

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VA BOSTON HEALTH CARE SYSTEM · NIH-10977031

This study is testing a new program called Step-CBT that helps veterans with COPD feel better both physically and emotionally by combining exercise with therapy, all through friendly video sessions tailored to their needs.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVA BOSTON HEALTH CARE SYSTEM (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10977031 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research aims to create and evaluate a new program that combines physical activity with cognitive-behavioral therapy specifically for veterans suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emotional distress, and low levels of physical activity. The program, called Step-CBT, will be tailored to the unique experiences of veterans and delivered through virtual video sessions. Researchers will first gather insights from veterans to understand their specific challenges and then adapt existing interventions to better meet their needs. The goal is to improve both physical and emotional health outcomes for participants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with COPD who also experience emotional distress and have low levels of physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have COPD or who are not veterans may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the quality of life for veterans by improving their physical health and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that combining physical activity with cognitive-behavioral therapy has been effective in improving outcomes for patients with other chronic conditions, suggesting a promising approach for this population.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.