BEAM COPD: Breathing, Education, Awareness and Movement in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

BEAM COPD: Breathing, Education, Awareness and Movement in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The main purpose of this study is to determine feasibility and effects of tai chi and mind-body breathing in patients with COPD.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Moderate-severe COPD
2. Age ≥ 40 years

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects with respiratory failure or GOLD stage 4 who are unable to safely perform a 6 minute walk test or otherwise safely exercise as deemed by a physician.
2. COPD exacerbation requiring steroids, antibiotics, ED visit or hospitalization within the past 2 weeks unless physician deems subject at baseline
3. Planned major pulmonary intervention within the next 3 months
4. Hypoxemia on walk test or cardiopulmonary exercise test
5. Inability to ambulate due to vascular or other neuromuscular conditions that would preclude a walk test
6. Clinical signs of unstable cardiovascular disease
7. Severe cognitive dysfunction
8. Non-English speaking
9. Current active participation in pulmonary rehabilitation program or current regular practice of tai chi
10. Physician diagnosis of unstable/untreated clinical depression
11. History of lung cancer