Tai Chi After Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients With COPD: A Randomized Trial

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