Mind-Body Exercise for COPD: A Pilot Study

Tai Chi Exercise in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This is a pilot randomized controlled trial of feasibility and preliminary effects of a 12 week tai chi intervention vs. usual care in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Inclusion Criteria:

• physician diagnosis of COPD
• FEV1<65% of predicted and FEV1/FVC<0.70
• ≥45 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• COPD exacerbation requiring ER visit or hospitalization within past month
• planned major pulmonary intervention in coming 3 months
• severe peripheral vascular disease/claudication or other physical condition precluding walk test
• inability to perform bicycle ergometry
• severe cognitive dysfunction (MMSE ≤ 24)
• inability to speak English
• current participation in a pulmonary rehabilitation or regular practice of tai chi