Persons with COPD benefit from being physically active, but they are often limited by chronic musculoskeletal pain. This project will determine whether a non-pharmacologic, integrated, technology-mediated walking and Tai Chi mindfulness intervention can improve physical function in Veterans with COPD and chronic musculoskeletal pain. The proposed research addresses VA Rehabilitation R\&D Service's high priority area of improving health-related quality of life by reducing disease burden and maximizing function in Veterans with chronic disease.
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
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)
VA Office of Research and Development
Lead sponsor
University of Michigan
Collaborator
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Collaborator