Improving physical function in veterans with COPD and chronic pain through walking and Tai Chi

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.