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Background: Falls are a frequent occurrence in older adults in long-term care facilities. Local Problem: At our long-term care facility, the percentage of patients who fell increased from 45% in 2021 to 68% in 2022, indicating a need for an evidence-based solution. Methods: We used an evidence-based quality improvement framework to pilot a tai chi exercise program. Interventions: Residents were invited to participate in the Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance program for 12 weeks. Classes were 30 minutes long and included a 5-minute warm-up and 5-minute cooldown. Results: Seventy-five residents participated in the tai chi program. There was a significant 32.3% reduction in falls (P =.001). Residents' fall risk scores decreased 14% (P <.001). Conclusions: Implementing a tai chi exercise project may affect falls and decrease the overall fall risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte is the property of Redprint Editora Ltda. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte is the property of Redprint Editora Ltda. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte is the property of Redprint Editora Ltda. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Atencao Primaria a Saude is the property of Revista de Atencao Primaria a Saude and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte is the property of Redprint Editora Ltda. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte is the property of Redprint Editora Ltda. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: This study investigated the effects of tai chi on body composition, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction of older adults in a Korean community. Methods: A randomized, control group pretest-posttest, experimental design was used to investigate 42 adults aged 65 years or older. Subjects were divided into an experimental group that underwent tai chi training for 6 weeks (n = 20) and a control group that did not (n = 22). Body composition, selfefficacy, and life satisfaction were measured before and after a 6-week tai chi intervention program (5 days/week). Results: Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significant reductions in body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.004) and body fat (p < 0.001) and significant increases in skeletal muscle mass (p < 0.001) and life satisfaction (p < 0.001). Self-efficacy increased in the experimental group but was not significantly different from that of the control group (p < 0.265). Conclusion: Tai chi is an effective exercise intervention that may improve body composition and life satisfaction for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine ground reaction force (GRF) and knee biomechanical characteristics of certain knee-unfriendly Tai Chi movement elements, comparing them with slow walking, and examining the effects of pose height (low and high) of Tai Chi movement elements on the knee biomechanics. Seventeen participants performed three trials under eight conditions: slow walking, toe-touch pseudo-steps, and high- and low-pose lunges, pushdowns and kicks. Kinematic and GRF data were recorded simultaneously. Data were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance (α = 0.05). Greater peak knee extension moments were found in all Tai Chi movement elements of both poses, except for high-pose kick, compared to slow walking. The peak knee extension moment was greater in the low-pose lunge, pushdown and kick than those of high-pose elements. The high-pose lunge also showed smaller peak knee abduction moment and knee adduction range of motion compared to the low-pose lunge. When designing Tai Chi exercises for knee osteoarthritis patients, it is recommended to modify lunge and avoid the Tai Chi movements that include pushdown and pseudo-step due to their high knee extension moments. A high-pose position would be more suitable for Tai Chi participants than a low-pose position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Conduct a systematic review to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi on physical and psychosocial function among individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.Methods: An electronic literature search of 12 databases using controlled vocabulary function and keywords from inception through August 2016. All Tai Chi intervention studies assessing physical and psychosocial function among persons with Multiple Sclerosis were included. Study quality was scored using an established tool examining 16 study elements (range=0-32).Results: A total of 91 articles were retrieved, with 3 additional articles identified through reviewing bibliographies of relevant articles. A total of 8 studies (randomized controlled trials, n=3; quasi-experimental, n=5) enrolled 193 participants with Multiple Sclerosis. Studies were conducted in the USA (n=3), Europe (n=3), Iran, (n=1), and India (n=1). A total of 3 studies reported using the Yang style of Tai Chi (not specified, n=5 studies). The Tai Chi intervention averaged 27 sessions over 11 weeks. Study quality scores for the randomized controlled trials had a mean score of 23 (range 19-26), while quality scores for quasi-experimental studies had a mean score of 20 (range 13-26). Overall, participants enrolled in Tai Chi had better balance, gait and flexibility, less fatigue and depression, and better quality of life after the intervention; though mixed results were reported.Conclusion: The results indicate that Tai Chi is likely safe and may provide physical and psychosocial benefits in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. Further research is needed using more rigorous study designs to assess the benefits of Tai Chi for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Current medical treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD) are mainly palliative, though research indicates Tai Chi exercise improves physical function and well-being. An electronic database search of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and Embase was conducted, to examine current scientific literature for potential benefits of Tai Chi on physical function and well-being among persons with PD. A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria: 7 randomized clinical trials and 4 quasi-experimental studies. PD participants (n = 548) were on average age 68 years old and 50% women. Overall, participants enrolled in Tai Chi had better balance and one or more aspect of well-being, though mixed results were reported. Further research is needed with more rigorous study designs, larger sample sizes, adequate Tai Chi exercise doses, and carefully chosen outcome measures that assess the mechanisms as well as the effects of Tai Chi, before widespread recommendations can be made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical rehabilitation plays an important role in the recovery of motor function after a stroke. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi Yunshou (TCY), a form of physical therapy, on upper-limb function and balance in stroke survivors. MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL and five Chinese databases were retrieved from inception to July 1, 2020 (updated on March 31, 2022). Randomized controlled trials of TCY versus no-treatment for stroke were included. The RoB-2 was used to evaluate the quality of included studies. Upper-limb motor impairment, balance, and activities of daily living (ADLs) were measured by Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Barthel Index (BI), respectively. Data synthesis was performed using RevMan (v5.3), and expressed as mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Seven studies with 529 participants were included. Compared with no-treatment, TCY improved FMA-UE (MD = 7.31, 95% CI: 5.86–8.77, minimal clinically important difference [MCID]: 9–10), BBS (MD = 4.68, 95% CI: 0.28–9.07, MCID: 4), and BI (MD = 4.12, 95% CI: 3.28–4.96, MCID: 1.85) in stroke survivors. TCY may benefit balance and ADLs in rehabilitation after a stroke, but it may not improve upper-limb function clinically. • Tai Chi Yunshou (TCY) may have a positive effect on balance and activities of daily living in post-stroke rehabilitation. • TCY may not improve upper-limb function in stroke survivors clinically. • The improvements in balance and activities of daily living in stroke survivors may require 150 min of TCY per week for eight weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To examine the effect of a 12-week Tai Chi (TC) intervention on physical function and quality of life. Design: Single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Setting: General community. Participants: Community-dwelling survivors of stroke (N=145; 47% women; mean age, 70y; time poststroke: 3y; ischemic stroke: 66%; hemiparesis: 73%) who were aged ≥50 years and were ≥3 months poststroke. Interventions: Yang style 24-posture short-form TC (n=53), strength and range of movement exercises (SS) (n=44), or usual care (UC) (n=48) for 12 weeks. The TC and SS groups attended a 1-hour class 3 times per week, whereas the UC group had weekly phone calls. Main Outcome Measures: Physical function: Short Physical Performance Battery, fall rates, and 2-minute step test; quality of life: Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results: During the intervention, TC participants had two thirds fewer falls (5 falls) than the SS (14 falls) and UC (15 falls) groups (χ2=5.6, P=.06). There was a significant group by time interaction for the 2-minute step test (F2,142=4.69, P<.01). Post hoc tests indicated that the TC (t 53=2.45, P=.02) and SS (t 44=4.63, P<.01) groups had significantly better aerobic endurance over time, though not in the UC group (t 48=1.58, P=.12). Intervention adherence rates were 85%. Conclusions: TC and SS led to improved aerobic endurance, and both are suitable community-based programs that may aid in stroke recovery and community reintegration. Our data suggest that a 12-week TC intervention was more effective in reducing fall rates than SS or UC interventions. Future studies examining the effectiveness of TC as a fall prevention strategy for community-dwelling survivors of stroke are recommended. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

BACKGROUND: Meditative movement, such as tai chi, yoga, and qi gong, may benefit people with cystic fibrosis (CF), as a form of gentle exercise incorporating meditation, breathing, and relaxation. Respiratory function is the most common issue in CF. In this systematic review we synthesized the evidence on the effect of meditative movement on respiratory function in patients with CF. METHODS: We searched Chinese and English language databases with terms relating to tai chi/yoga/qi gong, and respiratory function/cough/dyspnea. Articles were screened and selected by 2 researchers. We included controlled studies published in English or Chinese after 1980, and extracted data using a specially designed spreadsheet. Two researchers independently evaluated study quality and reporting, using 3 standardized checklists. Meta-analysis was not possible due to heterogeneous methods. RESULTS: We found 1,649 papers, included 43 (30 in English, 13 in Chinese), 23 of which were randomized controlled trials, and 20 were non-randomized trials. No studies were concerned with CF. Eleven studies included patients with respiratory disorders, and 27 included healthy people. Very few studies were high quality. The main problems with the randomized controlled trials was the randomization and non-random and/or poorly reported sampling. The main problems with the non-randomized studies were poor reporting of samples and non-equivalent groups. Although no clinically important changes were found, meditative movement may improve FEV1 in healthy people, compared to no treatment/exercise (the intervention groups showed effect-size changes from 0.07 to 0.83), but meditative movement did not appear to affect FEV1 /FVC in subjects with COPD. Key study limitations were: poor reporting of sampling or methods; inadequate sample size; non-randomized design; inadequate description of randomization; randomization by center; no blinding; lack of reporting of important aspects of meditative movement; and short-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence does not support meditative movement for patients with CF, and there is very limited evidence for respiratory function in healthy populations. The available studies had heterogeneous populations and provided inadequate sampling information, so clinically relevant conclusions cannot be drawn. Well powered, randomized studies of meditative movement are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: No studies have compared effectiveness of resistance training and Tai Ji exercise on relieving symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of the study was to evaluate effects of a 10-week Tai Ji and resistance training intervention on improving OA symptoms and mobility in seniors with knee OA. Methods: Thirty-one seniors (60–85 years) were randomly assigned to a Tai Ji program (n = 12), a resistance training program (n = 13), and a control group (n = 6). All participants completed the Western Ontario and MacMaster (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index and performed three physical performance tests (6-min walk, timed-up-and-go, and timed stair climb and descent) before and after the 10-week intervention. Results: The participants in the resistance training group significantly improved on the timed-up-and-go test (p = 0.001), the WOMAC pain sub-score (p = 0.006), WOMAC stiffness sub-score (p < 0.001), and WOMAC physical function sub-score (p = 0.011). The Tai Ji group significantly improved on the timed-up-and-go test (p < 0.001), but not on the WOMAC scores. Conclusion: Resistance training was effective for improving mobility and improving the symptoms of knee OA. Tai Ji was also effective for improving mobility, but did not improve knee OA symptoms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pluchino A, Lee SY, Asfour S, Roos BA, Signorile JF. Pilot study comparing changes in postural control after training using a video game balance board program and 2 standard activity-based balance intervention programs. Objective: To compare the impacts of Tai Chi, a standard balance exercise program, and a video game balance board program on postural control and perceived falls risk. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Research laboratory. Participants: Independent seniors (N=40; 72.5±8.40) began the training, 27 completed. Interventions: Tai Chi, a standard balance exercise program, and a video game balance board program. Main Outcome Measures: The following were used as measures: Timed Up & Go, One-Leg Stance, functional reach, Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment, force plate center of pressure (COP) and time to boundary, dynamic posturography (DP), Falls Risk for Older People–Community Setting, and Falls Efficacy Scale. Results: No significant differences were seen between groups for any outcome measures at baseline, nor were significant time or group × time differences for any field test or questionnaire. No group × time differences were seen for any COP measures; however, significant time differences were seen for total COP, 3 of 4 anterior/posterior displacement and both velocity, and 1 displacement and 1 velocity medial/lateral measure across time for the entire sample. For DP, significant improvements in the overall score (dynamic movement analysis score), and in 2 of the 3 linear and angular measures were seen for the sample. Conclusions: The video game balance board program, which can be performed at home, was as effective as Tai Chi and the standard balance exercise program in improving postural control and balance dictated by the force plate postural sway and DP measures. This finding may have implications for exercise adherence because the at-home nature of the intervention eliminates many obstacles to exercise training. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Wu G, Keyes L, Callas P, Ren X, Bookchin B. Comparison of telecommunication, community, and home-based Tai Chi exercise programs on compliance and effectiveness in elders at risk for falls. Objective: To compare the adherence to and effectiveness of Tai Chi exercise program through a live, interactive, telecommunication-based exercise (Tele-ex) with that of a similar program through a community center–based exercise (Comm-ex) and a home video–based exercise (Home-ex) among community-dwelling elders who are at risk for falls. Design: Three groups randomized controlled trial with pretests and posttests. Setting: Exercise programs were community-based, and the outcome measures were laboratory-based. Participants: Adults (N=64) age 65+ years with positive fall history in the previous year and/or significant fear of falling. Intervention: A 24-form, Yang-style Tai Chi for 15 weeks, 3 hours a week. Main Outcome Measures: Exercise compliance, number of falls, fear of falling (Activities-specific Balance Confidence [ABC] score), self-perceived health (Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]), Timed Up & Go (TUG), single leg stance (SLS), and body sway during quiet stance (medial-lateral foot center of pressure [ML-COP]). Results: Tele-ex and Comm-ex groups demonstrated significantly higher exercise attendance and in-class practice time than the Home-ex group (P<.01) and significant reductions in the mean number of falls and injurious falls (P<.01). There were significant improvements posttraining in SLS, ABC, ML-COP, and Physical Health subscore of the SF-36 (P<.05). Both Tele-ex and Comm-ex groups demonstrated larger improvements than the Home-ex group in TUG, ML-COP, and the Social Function, Mental Health, and Physical Health subscores of the MOS SF-36. Conclusion: Compared with the Home-ex, the Tele-ex and Comm-ex groups are better in exercise compliance, fall reduction and balance and health improvements. Tele-ex is an effective, affordable, and acceptable choice of exercise for elders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Exercise training is a core component of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) and Tai Ji and Qigong (AJQ) are both traditional Chinese exercises. This review aimed to investigate the effectiveness of AJQ as an adjunct to PR for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. All entries to the following databases were searched up until 15 November 2019: EMBASE Ovid, the Cochrane Central Register of Randomized Controlled Trials, PubMed, Web of Science, Weipu, Wanfang, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. A total of eighteen randomized controlled trials articles with 1267 patients were included. AJQ can increase the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) by 41.51 m on average. Thirteen studies assessed quality of life and showed significant improvement and eleven studies have reported the measures of pulmonary function and showed significant increase. The review demonstrated that AJQ may be useful as an adjunct to pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Future studies should explore the differences between different types of AJQ to create tailor more effective exercise interventions for PR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To examine the association between baseline mindfulness and response from exercise interventions in knee osteoarthritis (OA). Design Cohort study; responder analysis of a clinical trial subset. Setting Urban tertiary care academic hospital. Participants Participants with symptomatic, radiographic knee OA (N=86; mean age, 60y; 74% female; 48% white). Interventions Twelve weeks (twice per week) of Tai Chi or physical therapy exercise. Main Outcome Measures Treatment response was defined using Osteoarthritis Research Society International criteria indicating meaningful improvements in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, WOMAC function, or Patient Global Assessment scores. At baseline, participants completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (mean total score, 142±17) and were grouped into 3 categories of total mindfulness: higher, medium, or lower. Relative risk (RR) ratios were used to compare treatment response across groups. Results Participants with higher total mindfulness were 38% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–1.83) more likely to meet responder criteria than those with lower mindfulness. We found no significant difference between medium and lower mindfulness groups (RR=1.0; 95% CI, 0.69–1.44). Among the 5 mindfulness facets, medium acting-with-awareness was 46% (95% CI, 1.09–1.96) more likely to respond than lower acting-with-awareness, and higher acting-with-awareness was 34% more likely to respond, but this did not reach significance (95% CI, 0.97–1.86). Conclusions In this study, higher mindfulness, primarily driven by its acting-with-awareness facet, was significantly associated with a greater likelihood of response to nonpharmacologic exercise interventions in knee OA. This suggests that mindfulness-cultivating interventions may increase the likelihood of response from exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]