What’s involved?

The COPD Lifestyle Change Study will support participants in managing their fitness and nutrition to improve overall quality of life. The study is run in partnership between two Canadian-based initiatives — the CHANGE Program and My Viva Plan®.

About the CHANGE Program

The CHANGE Program was created by leading health professionals at Metabolic Syndrome Canada to offer lasting lifestyle interventions for those with metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS is a health disorder that, left untreated, greatly increases the risk of many chronic illnesses. The CHANGE Program targets the underlying health concerns that often progress to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes while reducing the need for medication.

CHANGE has proven results. A national study found that prior to enrolling in the program, approximately 60 per cent of participants had underlying conditions to MetS that were not adequately managed with medication. While taking part in the study, 19 per cent of patients experienced a reversal of one or more MetS conditions, and a further 42 per cent demonstrated improvement in their diet and exercise scores. Participating in the CHANGE Program was also associated with a reduction in the 10-year risk of having a heart attack.

About My Viva Plan®

My Viva Plan® is a Canadian-made digital program transforming how people approach their health and well-being. The program is built on the principle that mental and physical health are deeply connected, and is centred on three pillars of self-care: mind, nutrition and fitness. My Viva Plan® creates personalized care plans for each user, empowering them to take control of their overall health and prevent or manage chronic disease. The program has helped thousands of Canadians establish healthy, long-term lifestyle habits. The platform is intuitive and easy to use, featuring everything from healthy recipes to on-demand yoga workouts.

In a recent study, participants who used My Viva Plan® to support their nutrition, exercise and mindfulness reported improved quality of life, particularly in physical functioning and pain control. Plus, those who took part in the 12-week program felt more confident and empowered in dealing with their long-term health concerns.

A feature-rich digital health program

On demand fitness, yoga & meditation practices

Individualized meal plans

Reflections, goal tracking & personal statistics

Personal stress testing

Weekly coaching tips

What to expect

Timeline of study: Phase 1: Baseline bloodwork and initial health assessments. Phase 2: Monthly and weekly sessions and end of phase assessments. Phase 3: Monthly and bi-weekly sessions and end assessments.

Phase I: Enrolment

Those interested can fill out our form to find out if they are eligible for the study. The study coordinator will then reach out and confirm if the individual is a good fit. If they are, the participant will:

  • Receive access to the client management system Practice Better and My Viva Plan®

  • See their family doctor to complete baseline blood work, take blood pressure and review medications and medical history

  • Receive an in-person*, 90-minute, one-to-one health assessment with study coordinators

  • Receive an in-person*, 60-minute, one-to-one initial assessment with study exercise specialist

  • Receive a virtual, 60-minute, one-to-one initial assessment with study dietitian

  • Join an online cohort of about 10 peers with similar stage of COPD and physical ability

*all in-person sessions will be conducted in Edmonton at the University of Alberta. Participants will be reimbursed for parking.

Phase II: Months 1 - 3

This phase includes a set schedule of online group sessions with the study health-care team. All sessions are interactive and practical; and will include setting and tracking realistic goals. Sessions will be held on Zoom, which participants will access at no cost.

Once per Week: Exercise specialist group session (60 min) with complete workout and set exercise schedule. Dietitian group session (60 min) to learn nutrition skills and make meal plans.
Once per Month: Psychologist session (60 min) Review struggles and success, learn new strategies, and set goals. Respiratory Therapist session (60 min) Review progress, learn skills, and set goals.

At the end of month three, participants will complete assessments to track their progress. They will: 

  • See their family doctor for assessment and to complete blood work

  • Receive an in-person, 90-minute, one-to-one health assessment with study coordinators

  • Receive an in-person, 60-minute, one-to-one assessment of physical ability with study exercise specialist 

  • Receive a virtual, 60-minute, one-to-one assessment with study dietitian

Phase III: Months 4 - 6

Exercise and dietician group sessions transition from once per week to every two weeks, then just monthly in month six.

Twice per Month: Exercise Specialist session (60 min) Complete workout, set exercise schedule. Dietitian session (60 min) Learn nutrition skills, make meal plans. Note: these sessions transition to once a month for month six.
Once per Month: Psychologist session (60 min) Review struggles and success, learn new strategies, and set goals. Respiratory Therapist session (60 min) Review progress, learn skills, and set goals.

At the end of month six, participants will complete assessments to track their progress. They will: 

  • See their family doctor for assessment and to complete blood work

  • Receive an in-person, 90-minute, one-to-one health assessment with study coordinators

  • Receive an in-person, 60-minute, one-to-one assessment of physical ability with study exercise specialist 

  • Receive a virtual, 60-minute, one-to-one assessment with study dietitian