Tai Chi After Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients With COPD: A Randomized Trial
Tai Chi After Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients With COPD: A Randomized Trial
The main purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility and effects of a 6-month tai
 chi exercise program as compared to a 6-month group walking program and standard care for
 patients with COPD that have recently completed a pulmonary rehabilitation program.
Inclusion Criteria:

 1. COPD defined as FEV1 (Forced expiratory volume in 1 second)/FVC (Forced vital
 capacity) <0.70 or chest CT evidence of emphysema

 2. Age > 40 years

 3. Any severity of COPD as defined by GOLD (Global Obstructive Lung Disease) stages 1,
 2,3, or 4

 4. Completion of standard pulmonary rehabilitation of at least 8 weeks duration within 24
 weeks prior to study entry* *Defined as attending 65% of the program's sessions with a
 minimum of 10 sessions

 Exclusion Criteria:

 1. COPD exacerbation requiring steroids, antibiotics, ED visit or hospitalization within
 the past 2 weeks unless physician deems subject at baseline

 2. Hypoxemia on walk test (O2 sat < 85% on oxygen)

 3. Inability to ambulate due to vascular or other neuromuscular conditions that would
 preclude a walk test

 4. Clinical signs of unstable cardiovascular disease (ie. chest pain on walk test)

 5. Severe cognitive dysfunction (documented Mini-Mental Status Exam ≤ 24)

 6. Non-English speaking

 7. Current regular practice of tai chi

 8. Current diagnosis of lung cancer or treated for lung cancer within the past 5 years

 9. Unstable/untreated mental health issue that precludes informed consent or otherwise
 affects ability to participate in the intervention