Does Instructor Experience Impact Balance and Health-Related Quality of Life in Healthy Older Adult Participants following a Tai Chi for Arthritis Program?


Author: Mercuris K1, Lowry K1, Espey S1

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Department of Physical Therapy, Des Moines University, Des Moines, Iowa, USA.
Conference/Journal: J Community Health Nurs.
Date published: 2020 Jan-Mar
Other:
 Volume ID: 37   ,  Issue ID: 1   ,  Pages: 26-34   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1080/07370016.2019.1693136.   ,  Word Count: 93  
    Tai chi improves balance in older adults; however, the level of instructor expertise on balance outcomes is not known. Older adults (mean age 72.6 ± 4.2 yrs.) were taught for 6 months by experienced (n = 15) or novice (n = 11) instructors. Both groups had large standardized response means (SRM) for the Four-Square-Step-Test. Only the experienced group had moderate to large SRMs (range 0.439-0.741) in all sway measures under challenge (standing with eyes closed on foam). Participants taught by experienced instructors had greater balance gains; the experience of instructors should be considered in future studies and community referrals.



PMID: 31905305  DOI: 10.1080/07370016.2019.1693136