GET FIT: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Tai Ji Quan Versus Strength Training for Fall Prevention After Chemotherapy in Older, Postmenopausal Women Cancer Survivors
Author: Kerri M Winters-Stone1,2, Fay Horak3, Nathan F Dieckmann4, Shiuh-Wen Luoh1,5, Elizabeth Eckstrom6, Sydnee A Stoyles4, Eric J Roeland2, Fuzhong Li7
Affiliation:
1 Division of Oncological Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR.
2 Knight Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR.
3 Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR.
4 School of Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239.
5 VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR.
6 Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR.
7 Oregon Research Institute, Springfield, OR.
Conference/Journal: J Clin Oncol
Date published: 2023 Mar 8
Other:
Special Notes: doi: 10.1200/JCO.22.01519. , Word Count: 232
Purpose:
To compare the efficacy of tai ji quan versus strength training to prevent falls after chemotherapy in older, postmenopaual women.
Methods:
We conducted a three-arm, single-blind, randomized controlled trial where older (50+ years), postmenopausal women cancer survivors participated in one of three supervised group exercise programs (tai ji quan, strength training, or stretching control) twice weekly for 6 months and were followed up 6 months after training stopped. The primary outcome was the incidence of falls. Secondary outcomes included fall-related injuries, leg strength (1 repetition maximum; kg), and balance (sensory organization [equilibrium score] and limits of stability [LOS; %] tests).
Results:
Four hundred sixty-two women were enrolled (mean age, 62 ± 6.3 years). Retention was 93%, and adherence averaged 72.9%. In primary analysis, there was no difference in the incidence of falls between groups after 6 months of training, nor during 6-month follow-up. A post hoc analysis detected a significantly reduced incidence of fall-related injuries within the tai ji quan group over the first 6 months, dropping from 4.3 falls per 100 person-months (95% CI, 2.9 to 5.6) at baseline to 2.4 falls per person-months (95% CI, 1.2 to 3.5). No significant changes occurred during 6-month follow-up. Over the intervention period, leg strength significantly improved in the strength group and balance (LOS) improved in the tai ji quan group, compared with controls (P < .05).
Conclusion:
We found no significant reduction in falls for tai ji quan or strength training relative to stretching control in postmenopausal women treated with chemotherapy.
PMID: 36888933 DOI: 10.1200/JCO.22.01519
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