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Meditative Movement for COPD Symptoms in Non-Smoking Flight Attendants

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
COPD
Autonomic Dysfunction
Pulmonary Disease
Interventions
Other: Meditative Movement taught via DVD
Registration Number
NCT02612389
Lead Sponsor
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Brief Summary

This study will explore the a Qigong based exercise intervention, here referred to as Meditative Movement (MM), to ameliorate the symptoms associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its co-morbidities. It tests the hypothesis that MM will have a beneficial effect on COPD in FA, particularly on functional ability, respiratory symptoms, affective state, inflammation, and autonomic imbalance. If the hypothesis is correct, MM could be rapidly and inexpensively taught to FA with COPD and other COPD patients to slow degeneration and improve quality of life.

Detailed Description

The study has three phases.

Phase 1 will identify the best MM practices and their impact on a test group of affected FA. Phase 2 will develop a video to apply what is learned in Phase 1 to a larger group of affected FA, and will document the resulting impact on various aspects of pulmonary dysfunction and its comorbidities. Phase 3 is to refine the protocols and methods developed in earlier phases.

Phase 1: To identify the best set of MM exercises for improving COPD-related symptoms. This will be done by conducting a 12-week in-person MM program that will be held in one or more locations in the Northeastern region of the US and possibly other regions of the country.These training sessions will be used to determine precisely which MM exercises are most appropriate for this group. Selection will be based on professional judgment, participant feedback, and objective pre- and post-intervention measurements taken at the beginning and end of the 12-week program.

Phase 2: To use an RCT to evaluate the effectiveness of the exercises selected in Aim 1, as delivered by video only. We will design and produce an instructional DVD based on the findings in Aim 1.In the RCT we will test the hypothesis that targeted MM training and practice using the DVD alone will improve QOL, exercise tolerance, autonomic balance and pulmonary function, and reduce fatigue, in flight attendants with a COPD diagnosis. Pre- and post-intervention measurements will be compared, and to outcomes from a control group of flight attendants who will be wait listed for later participation in the study.

Phase 3: The videos used to train subjects in Phase II will be refined and the order of introduction of training modules will be adjusted. Efficacy will again be tested in newly recruited subjects. This is also a RCT.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
220
Inclusion Criteria
  • Occupation as a flight attendant for at least 5 years
  • No history of significant tobacco use
  • Occupational controls
Exclusion Criteria
  • Inability to give consent
  • History of tobacco habituation

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
MM Intervention taught via DVDMeditative Movement taught via DVDReceive Meditative Movement training via DVD with pre and post interventional testing.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in 6 minute walk testBaseline, 4 months

Each participant walks as many ft as possible at a brisk pace. The amount of feet covered in 6 minutes is documented.

Change in C-reactive protein (CRP)Baseline, 4 months

At each assessment circulating CRP will be monitored via blood collected in form of fingerstick.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Heart RateBaseline, 4 months

Heart rate measured pre and post 6 minute walk test

Blood PressureBaseline, 4 months

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pre and post 6 minute walk test

Oxygen SaturationBaseline, 4 months

O2 saturation measured pre and post 6 minute walk test

Spirometry: FEV1/FVCBaseline, 4 months

Spirometric measurement of FEV1/FVC administered using EasyOne Spirometer. FEV1/FVC is the ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume (1sec)/FVC (Forced Vital Capacity, (Expiratory))

Autonomic Function Self ReportBaseline, 4 months

Compass-31 administered via individual self-report.

Zung Anxiety ScaleBaseline, 4 months

Zung anxiety questionnaire administered via individual self report.

Zung Depression ScaleBaseline, 4 months

Zung depression questionnaire administered via individual self report.

Diurnal Salivary CortisolBaseline, 4 months

4 sputum samples collected from subjects

MelatoninBaseline, 4 months

Melatonin levels from urine samples

Nicotine Exposure Autonomic Respiratory Syndrome (NEARS)Baseline, 4 months

New questionnaire under evaluation to reflect autonomic influences on respiratory and other physiologic functions in nicotine exposed study population. Range and meaning of range are yet to be determined.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

🇺🇸

Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States

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