Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria for participation
Inclusion criteria | Exclusion criteria |
|---|---|
• Male and female • 50–65 years • Mild COPD (60% ≤ FEV1% < 80%: COPDX) • Stable COPD (no exacerbations in preceding 6 months) • Non-smoking (for preceding 6 months) • Willingness to provide written consent • Willingness to participate in and comply with the study requirements | • Inability to complete 6-minute walking test unassisted • History of auto-immune disease, e.g. RA or SLE that may have altered systemic inflammatory biomarkers • Contra-indicated to thoracic spinal manipulation o Bone density (DEXA) scores below minimum levels (T score < –2.5 and/or Z score < –1) o Thoracic joint instability o Acute pain on thoracic joint range of motion testing o Advanced chest wall muscle wasting o High level of anxiety related to receiving thoracic spinal manipulation • Inability to understand English • Inability to provide informed consent, e.g. people with a cognitive impairment, an intellectual disability or a mental illness • Completed a PR program in the previous 12 months |