Author: Hwang I1, Song R2, Ahn S2, Lee MA3, Wayne PM4, Sohn MK5
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, South Korea.
<sup>2</sup>Chungnam National University, College of Nursing, Daejeon, South Korea.
<sup>3</sup>Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, USA.
<sup>4</sup>Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
<sup>5</sup>College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea.
Conference/Journal: Rehabil Nurs.
Date published: 2019 Jul/Aug
Other:
Volume ID: 44 , Issue ID: 4 , Pages: 221-229 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1097/rnj.0000000000000110. , Word Count: 158
PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and preliminary estimates of effectiveness of Tai Chi on functional outcomes in stroke survivors.
DESIGN: A mixed-method study with a single-group repeated-measure design and in-depth interviews.
METHODS: Fourteen stroke survivors with hemiplegia were recruited to participate in a Tai Chi program, twice weekly for 12 months. Outcomes included physical function, self-efficacy, and activity of daily living measured at 3-month intervals for 12 months.
FINDINGS: Ten participants (mean age, 68.5 years) completed all assessments with significantly improved balance (χ = 14.08, p = .007), flexibility (χ = 11.70, p = .020), and self-efficacy (χ = 21.84, p < .001) over 12 months. Qualitative results highlighted the positive impact on physical improvement, psychological well-being, social support, and improved confidence in performing activities of daily living.
CONCLUSION: An adapted Tai Chi program was safe, feasible, and well received in community-dwelling stroke survivors.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The Tai Chi-based rehabilitation program shows promise for improving function and balance outcomes related to fall prevention in stroke survivors.
PMID: 31265440 DOI: 10.1097/rnj.0000000000000110