Exercise and Support Programs to Help People With COPD

Plain-English translation of NCT05572632 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated December 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a 10-week program called COPD Wellness that combines low-intensity exercise with pulmonary rehabilitation (exercises and education for your lungs). Some participants will also receive extra support from a Health Advocate—someone who helps you navigate healthcare and overcome barriers to treatment. The study wants to see if these programs help people with COPD improve their breathing, reduce symptoms, and feel more able to do daily activities.

Many people with COPD, especially those in underserved communities, struggle to manage their condition because of barriers like transportation, cost, or lack of support. This trial aims to find out whether adding personalized health coaching to standard breathing exercises can help more people stick with treatment and actually feel better.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 40 and 90 years old
you have been diagnosed with COPD by a doctor and confirmed by a breathing test
you speak English or Spanish
you have moderate-to-severe COPD symptoms or a history of flare-ups requiring hospital visits or steroids
you are able to exercise with your legs and have not had a COPD flare-up in the past 6 weeks
you are currently receiving care at San Francisco Health Network

You likely don't qualify if…

you are pregnant
you have dementia, severe cognitive impairment, or untreated psychiatric illness that would prevent you from participating
you have unstable heart disease, recent heart attack, blood clots, or uncontrolled heart failure
you have a transmittable lung infection like tuberculosis or active COVID-19
you have had a COPD flare-up or exacerbation in the past 6 weeks

What participation looks like

You would be randomly assigned to one of three groups: the standard care group, the COPD Wellness exercise program alone, or the COPD Wellness program plus a Health Advocate. The program lasts 10 weeks and includes supervised low-intensity exercise sessions and education about managing your breathing. If you're in the plus group, you'll also meet with a Health Advocate who helps you overcome barriers to care and stay on track. The study team will track your symptoms, breathing ability, and how well you can do daily activities before, during, and after the program.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 8, 2026 · Not medical advice

Exercise and Support Programs to Help People With COPD

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations