Evaluation of a Virtual Tai Chi Program for Older Veterans at Risk of Loneliness or Physical Deconditioning: A Quality Improvement Project
Author: Bonnie D Dawson1, Hallie E Keller1, Linda M Sawyer1, Shannon Gorman2, Jerome A Sabangan2, Adam McPartlin3, Sarah Payne3, Karl J Brown3, Gail Li3, Dennis H Sullivan1,4
Affiliation:
1 Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, 2200 Fort Roots Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72114, USA.
2 VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 3801 Miranda Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
3 VA Puget Sound Health Care System, 1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98108, USA.
4 Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
Conference/Journal: Geriatrics (Basel)
Date published: 2024 Jul 9
Other:
Volume ID: 9 , Issue ID: 4 , Pages: 91 , Special Notes: doi: 10.3390/geriatrics9040091. , Word Count: 163
This Quality Improvement project evaluated the implementation of a virtual Tai Chi program for older Veterans (OVs) at risk of loneliness and/or physical deconditioning. A 12-week Tai Chi course was conducted virtually at three Veterans Affairs sites using VA Video Connect (VVC). Changes in physical function based on the 30-Second Chair Stand (30CST) and loneliness based on the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGS) were measured, as were the OVs' satisfaction and adherence. Of 109 OVs who enrolled, 74 completed the program with a mean attendance rate of 84%. Completers demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the 30CST, and those who were moderately or severely lonely at baseline saw a statistically significant improvement in the DJGS. Course evaluations were generally very positive. Results suggest that a virtual Tai Chi program is an effective and very satisfying intervention for OVs at risk of loneliness or physical deconditioning.
Keywords: Tai Chi; VA Video Connect (VVC); digital technology; exercise; older adults; physical activity; telehealth; virtual.
PMID: 39051255 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics9040091
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