Stopped: Did not initiate study intervention.
This project seeks to pilot-test the feasibility of using a melodica training program to teach pursed lip breathing for Veterans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with moderate to severe dyspnea (shortness of breath). Dyspnea occurs commonly among COPD patients and can limit activities of daily living. Pursed lip breathing is a strategy that can improve dyspnea and exercise capacity among COPD patients. The melodica is a musical instrument that looks like a keyboard with a mouthpiece on the side. The melodica is played by exhaling through the mouthpiece while pressing the keys. The MELODY pilot project protocol has been grounded on concepts from occupational therapy; specifically, providing participants with a meaningful new activity that is enjoyable, that can be provided across a spectrum of skill levels, that can provide participants with a new sense of self, and that can improve health outcomes (i.e., dyspnea and exercise endurance).
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Safety: Adverse Events
Timeframe: Measured at baseline and before and after each of 16 program training sessions (8 week duration).
Safety: Dyspnea Visual Analog Line
Timeframe: Baseline, before and after each training session (16 sessions over 8 weeks)