Mindful Steps: online mind-body exercises and step tracking for COPD and heart failure
Mindful Steps: A Web-Based Mind-Body Exercise Intervention to Promote Physical Activity in Chronic Cardiopulmonary Disease
This online program combines guided mind-body exercises with a wearable step tracker to help people with COPD or heart failure become more active each day.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127532 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You'll use a web platform that provides motivational and educational content, guided breathing and mind-body exercise sessions, and a wearable step tracker that sets personalized step goals. The program builds on prior short-term successes by combining behavior-change tools with mind-body practices intended to boost confidence and activity. Activities are tailored for people with breathlessness and low fitness, with progress tracked digitally so goals can be adjusted. The team aims to improve longer-term adherence to regular physical activity in people living with chronic cardiopulmonary disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with diagnosed COPD or chronic heart failure who have low physical activity, are medically stable, and can use a smartphone or computer are likely to be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with unstable or severe heart or lung disease, significant mobility or cognitive impairments, or those without internet access or a compatible device may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could make daily activity easier, reduce breathlessness, and improve quality of life for people with COPD or heart failure.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier web-based step-tracking programs and mind-body exercise trials have shown short-term gains in activity and quality of life, but long-term benefits remain uncertain.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yeh, Gloria Y — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Yeh, Gloria Y
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.