Actively Recruiting
The Effect of Interval Exercise on Functional Outcomes in Veterans With COPD and OSA
Led by VA Office of Research and Development · Updated on 2026-04-24
28
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying Veterans who have both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition known as Overlap Syndrome (OS). These patients often experience premature aging and functional decline earlier than others. The study aims to evaluate functional outcomes in three areas: participation in daily life, physical activity, and cardiovascular health, with the goal of developing an exercise strategy to reduce functional decline in these Veterans. Participants in this randomized trial will either engage in a novel moderate intensity interval training (MIIT) program consisting of 5-minute exercise intervals at 50% VO2peak, done three times a week for 12 weeks, or continue with their usual care by maintaining their regular activity level. The MIIT intervention is designed to fit the needs and abilities of Veterans with excessive daytime sleepiness related to Overlap Syndrome. During the study, participants will be assessed on measures such as daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, daily step counts, and levels of serum hs-CRP, an inflammation marker, all evaluated after 12 weeks. The study includes monitoring physical activity and functional status, with the aim of understanding how the exercise intervention affects these outcomes over the trial period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
The Effect of Interval Exercise on Functional Outcomes in Veterans With COPD and OSA
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of both COPD and obstructive sleep apnea (Overlap Syndrome) confirmed by specific tests
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score greater than 20
You will not qualify if you...
- History of coronary artery disease including CABG, positive stress test, infarction, or angina
- Joint pain limiting walking ability
- More than two falls in the past month
- Hospitalization within the last month
- Use of daytime home oxygen
- Participation in structured exercise exceeding one hour of moderate activity or any strenuous activity in the past week
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants engage in moderate intensity interval training consisting of 5-minute exercise intervals at 50% VO2peak, performed three times weekly for 12 weeks. Control group participants maintain their routine activity level during this time.
Weekly visits for up to 12 weeks
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Salem VA Medical Center, Salem, VA
Salem, Virginia, United States, 24153-6404
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Madalina Macrea, MD PhD
K
Kimberly L Birkett, MPH BS
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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