Implementation of an Evidence-Based, Tai Ji Quan Fall Prevention Program in Rural West Virginia Churches: A RE-AIM Evaluation

Author: Dina L Jones1, Terry Kit Selfe2, Sijin Wen3, Jennifer L Eicher4, Sara Wilcox5, Corrie Mancinelli6
Affiliation:
1 Department of Orthopaedics, Division of Physical Therapy, and Injury Control Research Center, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV,USA.
2 Academic Research Consulting & Services, Health Science Center Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL,USA.
3 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV,USA.
4 Department of Orthopaedics, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV,USA.
5 Department of Exercise Science and Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC,USA.
6 Division of Physical Therapy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV,USA.
Conference/Journal: J Aging Phys Act
Date published: 2022 Jun 10
Other: Special Notes: doi: 10.1123/japa.2021-0274. , Word Count: 163


This study implemented a 16-week Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® intervention for older adults in churches in hard-to-reach, medically underserved, rural communities, and evaluated the process using the RE-AIM Framework. Community-dwelling adults, aged 55 years, or older, were eligible. Data (N = 237) were collected at baseline, 16 weeks, and 32 weeks on falls efficacy, depression, physical/mental health-related quality of life, aerobic activity, gait speed, mobility, balance, and leg strength. Generalized/linear mixed models determined if outcomes improved. Eighteen churches sponsored 16 classes. Church adoption was 94%, instructor adoption was 86%, reach was 90%, and fidelity was good/fair. All outcomes improved except physical health-related quality of life and gait speed. Thirty-six percent of participants, 28% of churches, and 37% of instructors continued Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance at 32 weeks. Compared with two prior RE-AIM evaluations, adoption and reach rates, improvements in outcomes, and satisfaction were comparable; attendance, program completion, and continuation rates were lower.

Keywords: Tai Chi; exercise; fall risk; physical activity; physical function.

PMID: 35690393 DOI: 10.1123/japa.2021-0274

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