Improving physical function in veterans with COPD and chronic pain through walking and Tai Chi
The Effect of a Technology-Mediated Integrated Walking and Tai Chi Intervention on Physical Function in Veterans With COPD and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain
This study is testing if a program that combines walking and Tai Chi can help veterans with COPD and chronic pain improve their physical abilities and overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 136 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05701982 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a technology-mediated intervention combining walking and Tai Chi to enhance physical function in veterans suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic musculoskeletal pain. The intervention, known as Every Step Counts (ESC), utilizes a web-based platform and pedometer to set personalized activity goals and provide feedback, education, and social support. By integrating Tai Chi, which is known for its benefits in pain management, the study seeks to address the barriers to physical activity faced by this population. The research is designed to improve health-related quality of life by reducing the burden of disease and maximizing functional capabilities in veterans with chronic conditions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are veterans aged 40 and older with a clinical diagnosis of COPD and a pain score greater than 3 for more than three months.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have access to the necessary technology for participation or those with severe mobility limitations may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve physical function and quality of life for veterans with COPD and chronic pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with similar technology-mediated interventions for increasing physical activity in COPD patients, making this approach promising.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male and female participants, aged 40 and older * Clinical diagnosis of COPD defined as history of cigarette consumption of \> 10 pack-years, and either a ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) \< 0.70 or chest computerized tomography (CT) evidence of emphysema\* * Numeric Rating Scale pain score \> 3 for \> 3 months * Self-reported ability to walk a minimum of one block, bend at the hip, and transfer weight from one leg to another * Ability to complete 800 feet walk with Fitbit Inspire-2 recording \> 90% accuracy to detect steps compared to manual counts\* * Have access to a computer or smartphone with Internet connection or willing to come to study site to use study computers * Have access to videoconferencing audio and video capabilities * Competent to provide informed consent and willingness to make return study visits * Different criteria are used if baseline study visit is a virtual one. Exclusion Criteria: * COPD exacerbation in the previous 1 month * Clinical signs of unstable cardiovascular disease (active coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, uncontrolled atrial fibrillation, or uncontrolled hypertension) * Oxygen saturation \< 85% recorded on baseline 4-meter walk\* * High fall risk (unable to perform 5 chair stand tests) * Inability to ambulate * Inability to complete questionnaires * Inability to collect at least 7 of 10 days of baseline step counts * Active substance abuse * Participation in a regular exercise (i.e., MOVE! or Gerofit) or Tai Chi program in the previous 3 months * Concurrent participation in another interventional research study * Receipt of hospice or end-of-life palliative care * Active medical intervention that would cause a meaningful increase in pain such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy * Different criteria are used if baseline study visit is a virtual one.
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marilyn L. Moy, MD — VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
- Study coordinator: Marilyn L Moy, MD
- Email: Marilyn.Moy@va.gov
- Phone: (857) 203-6622
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.