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Every Step Counts-Tai Chi for Veterans with COPD and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

This study is testing a program called Every Step Counts-Tai Chi (ESC-TC) for Veterans who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung disease, and ongoing muscle and joint pain. ESC-TC is a web-based program that encourages walking, offers pain management tips, and includes online Tai Chi videos and live classes. Researchers want to see if this program can improve your physical function, specifically by increasing your daily step counts over 6 months, compared to usual care. You might be able to join if you are a Veteran aged 40 to 100, have a diagnosis of COPD, and have experienced pain for more than 3 months. The study is currently looking for 136 participants.

Study design
This study is interventional and plans to enroll 136 participants. It compares the Every Step Counts-Tai Chi program to usual care.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your physical function will be measured at 6 months to see the effects of the intervention.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05701982

The Effect of a Technology-Mediated Integrated Walking and Tai Chi Intervention on Physical Function in Veterans With COPD and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Recruiting
NAAges 40+InterventionalTreatment
VA Office of Research and Development
~136 participants
Updated 2026-01-22 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Every Step Counts-Tai ChiUsual Care

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Physical Function measured by Daily Step Counts
Measured over 6 months

Conditions

COPD
Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Explore related trials

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseChronic Pain

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Massachusetts1

Study leadership

  • Marilyn L. Moy, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA

Who to contact

Marilyn L Moy, MD
[email protected]
(857) 203-6622
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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
Ability to complete 800 feet walk with Fitbit Inspire-2 recording \> 90% accuracy to detect steps compared to manual counts\*
Have access to a computer or smartphone with Internet connection or willing to come to study site to use study computers
Have access to videoconferencing audio and video capabilities
Competent to provide informed consent and willingness to make return study visits
Different criteria are used if baseline study visit is a virtual one.

Exclusion

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)
Inability to ambulate
Inability to complete questionnaires
Inability to collect at least 7 of 10 days of baseline step counts
Active substance abuse
Participation in a regular exercise (i.e., MOVE! or Gerofit) or Tai Chi program in the previous 3 months
Concurrent participation in another interventional research study
Receipt of hospice or end-of-life palliative care
Active medical intervention that would cause a meaningful increase in pain such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy
Different criteria are used if baseline study visit is a virtual one.

What this trial measures

  • Physical Function measured by Daily Step Counts6 months

    The FitBit pedometer will objectively-measure physical activity as daily step counts.