Pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with COPD in rural areas

Decreasing Disparity in Lung Disease: Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Rural Patients With COPD

Not applicable Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT06847061

This study is testing a special rehabilitation program for people with COPD living in rural areas to see if it helps them breathe better and improves their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment306 (estimated)
Ages40 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Scottsdale, Arizona and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06847061 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the uptake and effectiveness of a pulmonary rehabilitation program specifically designed for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) living in rural areas. It will assess the experiences of patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers involved in the program. The intervention focuses on providing essential rehabilitation services that are often lacking in these regions, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 40 and older with a physician-diagnosed COPD who reside in rural areas.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to walk due to orthopedic, neurologic, or cardiac limitations, or those with no significant COPD symptoms, are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the health and well-being of rural patients suffering from COPD.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with pulmonary rehabilitation programs, particularly in urban settings, but this approach in rural areas is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

* 40 years of age or older
* Physician-diagnosed COPD
* Living in a rural area defined by Rural-Urban Commuting Area Codes 4-10
* mMRC score\>=1
* English Speaking

Exclusion Criteria

* Inability to walk (orthopedic/neurologic/cardiac limitation causing immobility)
* Cognitive impairment or inability to understand and follow instructions.
* Patients with no COPD symptom burden, no breathlessness (mMRC score 0), as based on our previous studies they usually perceive no benefit from PR and do not have compliance with PR.
* Traditional center-based PR was completed within 3 months of initial study recruitment.
* Transition to hospice or end-of-life care at the time of screening.
* Acute exacerbation at the time of screening.

Where this trial is running

Scottsdale, Arizona and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.