Feasibility, qualitative findings and satisfaction of a brief Tai Chi mind-body programme for veterans with post-traumatic stress symptoms.
Author: Niles BL1, Mori DL2, Polizzi CP3, Pless Kaiser A1, Ledoux AM3, Wang C4
Affiliation:
1National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
2VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
3National Center for PTSD and VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
4Division of Rheumatology, Center for Integrative Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Conference/Journal: BMJ Open.
Date published: 2016 Nov 29
Other:
Volume ID: 6 , Issue ID: 11 , Pages: e012464 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012464. , Word Count: 268
OBJECTIVE: To examine feasibility, qualitative feedback and satisfaction associated with a 4-session introduction to Tai Chi for veterans with post-traumatic stress symptoms.
DESIGN: We observed and reported recruitment and retention rates, participant characteristics, adherence, and satisfaction across 2 cohorts. We also examined qualitative feedback provided by questionnaires, focus groups and individual interviews.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rates of recruitment and retention, focus group and individual feedback interviews, self-reported satisfaction.
PARTICIPANTS: 17 veterans with post-traumatic stress symptoms.
RESULTS: Almost 90% (17/19) of those eligible following the telephone screen enrolled in the programme. Three-quarters (76.4%) of the participants attended at least 3 of the 4 Tai Chi sessions. Qualitative data analysis revealed themes indicating favourable impressions of the Tai Chi sessions. In addition, participants reported feeling very engaged during the sessions, and found Tai Chi to be helpful for managing distressing symptoms (ie, intrusive thoughts, concentration difficulties, physiological arousal). Participants also reported high satisfaction: 93.8% endorsed being very or mostly satisfied with the programme. All participants (100%) indicated that they would like to participate in future Tai Chi programmes and would recommend it to a friend.
CONCLUSIONS: Tai Chi appears to be feasible and safe for veterans with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is perceived to be beneficial and is associated with high rates of satisfaction. This study highlights the need for future investigation of Tai Chi as a novel intervention to address symptoms of PTSD.
Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.
KEYWORDS: COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE; Feasibility; Integrative Health; Posttraumatic Stress; Tai Chi; Veteran
PMID: 27899398 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012464
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