CLINICAL TRIAL: MIND-BODY EXERCISE FOR CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE: PI

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in pharmacologic and surgical therapy, many patients suffer from substantial limitations in daily activities. Although exercise is often cited as an important component of treatment, there is no consensus on optimal type and duration of exercise, and adherence to conventional exercise program is problematic. Tai chi, a meditative gentle mind-body exercise with a focus on self-awareness and efficient, regulated breathing, may offer advantages to this population and may be well suited to poorly conditioned patients with COPD. This prospective, randomized pilot trial of 12 patients will investigate whether a tailored 12-week Tai chi program may be safe and beneficial for patients with COPD as compared to a usual care control. This study will also estimate Tai chi exercise intensity, explore psychosocial and physiological responses to mind-body exercise and provide preliminary estimates of cost. Outcome measurements include exercise capacity, health related quality-of-life, mood, pulmonary function tests, symptoms of dyspnea, COPD self-efficacy, heart rate varialibility and autonomic tone.