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:
1Department 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
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