Abstract
Frail, older adults living in assisted living facilities often have few opportunities to participate in physical activity programs because of limitations in balance, strength, and endurance. PURPOSE: This pilot study was to examine the effects of Seated Tai Chi 10 Forms (STC10) on joint pain and range of motion (ROM) among frail older adults living in assisted living facilities who are unable to stand for prolonged periods of time. METHODS: Fourteen participants (mean age 80.12 years old, SD 7.24) went through 60-minute STC10 sessions twice a week for eight weeks under the direction and supervision of a Tai Chi master. Measurement of joint pain and range of motion (ROM) were taken before and after the intervention. Joint pain (shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, neck and back) was measured using a 10 cm visual analogue pain scale (VAPS) (0 meaning no pain and 10 being the worst pain). ROM (shoulder flexion, abduction, internal/external rotation, wrist flexion and extension) was measured using a standard goniometer on the dominant side with participant in a seated position. Data were examined by paired t-test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Significant improvements (p <05) in shoulder abduction and wrist extension and wrist flexion were noted after the STC10 intervention. No statistical significance was found in joint pain reduction, however, a consistent trend indicated that the joint pain scores decreased at each joint, and the combined joint pain reductions of the upper extremity, torso and lower extremity were 30%, 46% and 39%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Given the positive results of this intervention of seated tai chi with frail older adults living in assisted living facilities, future studies with a control group(s), a larger sample size, and a longer STC10 intervention are indicated.
Published Version
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