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