Tech-guided walking plus Tai Chi to improve function for veterans with COPD and chronic pain
Official title: The Effect of a Technology-Mediated Integrated Walking and Tai Chi Intervention on Physical Function in Veterans with COPD and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
Funded at VA Boston Health Care System · NIH-11381365 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program helps veterans with COPD and long-term muscle or joint pain use a web-based step program together with Tai Chi to move more and feel stronger.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004225-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11381365 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are veterans with COPD who also have ongoing musculoskeletal pain, can walk with a pedometer, access the internet, and attend Tai Chi sessions (in-person or virtual).
✕Less likely to help
People with very limited mobility, unstable medical conditions, or who cannot use the technology or participate in Tai Chi are less likely to benefit from this program.
What this research studies
You would use a web-based program that pairs a pedometer with personalized daily step goals, feedback, education, and online support to encourage more walking. The program is combined with Tai Chi sessions aimed at easing chronic musculoskeletal pain and improving balance and strength. Study staff will monitor step counts and physical function over time to see if the combined approach helps people with both COPD and ongoing pain. The work builds on earlier trials that showed the web step program can raise activity levels and on evidence that Tai Chi helps chronic pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help people with COPD and chronic pain walk more, reduce pain-related limits, and improve day-to-day physical function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous randomized trials showed the web-based step program safely increased daily steps and Tai Chi has helped chronic musculoskeletal pain, but combining them for veterans with COPD and pain is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Boston Health Care System
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moy, Marilyn L. — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Moy, Marilyn L.
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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.