Aichi Research Articles

Investigation of Fear of Falling, Balance and Some Physical Parameters of Ai Chi and Modified Core Exercises in Sedentary Women

Investigation of Fear of Falling, Balance and Some Physical Parameters of Ai Chi and Modified Core Exercises in Sedentary Women

The immediate and lasting balance outcomes of clinical falls-prevention programs: A non-randomised study.

Exercise-based falls-prevention programs are cost-effective population-based approaches to reduce the risk of falling for older adults. The aim was to evaluate the short-term and long-term efficacy of three existing falls-prevention programs. A non-randomized study design was used to compare the immediate-post and long-term physical outcome measures for three falls prevention programs; one high-level land-based program, one low-level land-based program and a water-based Ai Chi program. Timed-up-and-go (TUG), five-times sit-to-stand (5xSTS), six-minute walk test (6MWT) and six-meter walk test were assessed at baseline, post-program, and at six-months follow-up. Linear mixed models were used to analyze between- and within- group differences, with the high-level land-based program used as the comparator. Thirty-two participants completed post-program assessment and 26 returned for follow-up. There was a difference in the age (years) of participants between programs (p = 0.049). The intercept for TUG and six-meter walk test time was 47.70% (23.37, 76.83) and 32.31s (10.52, 58.41), slower for the low-level group and 40.49% (17.35, 69.89) and 36.34s (12.75, 64.87), slower for the Ai Chi group (p < 0.01), compared with the high-level group. Mean time taken to complete the TUG was less both immediately post-program and at 6-month follow-up (p = 0.05). Walking speed for the six-meter walk test was only faster at six-months (p < 0.05). The 5xSTS duration was significantly reduced only at post-intervention (p < 0.05). These results indicate land-based and water-based falls-prevention programs improve physical outcome measures associated with falls-risk and many improvements are maintained for six months after the completion of the program. (Retrospective trial registration: ACTRN1262300119069).

Effect of Eight Weeks of Ai Chi exercise on Balance, Proprioception, and Performance of Elite Female Athletes with Functional Ankle Instability

Background and Aims Ai Chi is a new method of aquatic therapy and recommended in the rehabilitation of ankle injuries. Effect of the new Aichi method in the rehabilitation of ankle injuries is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of Ai Chi exercises on balance, ankle joint proprioception and performance in elite female athletes with functional ankle instability.” Methods A total of 30 female volleyball, basketball, and handball players with functional ankle instability were divided into two groups of control (n=15; age: 21.9±1.22 years, height: 164.54±4.05 cm, weight: 61.19±7.40 kg, and BMI: 21.84±1.8 kg/m2) and training (n=15; age: 22.53±1.71 years, height: 165.07±5.18 cm, and weight: 59.45±8.82 kg, and BMI: 21.87±1.17 kg/m2). Before and after the exercise, the BIODEX balance system was used to evaluate the balance, a goniometer was used for proprioception evaluation, and the figure 8 hop test and side-to-side hop test were used to evaluate the performance. The training group performed Ai Chi exercises for eight weeks (twice per week, each for 30-60 min). Paired t-test and independent t-test were used to examine the between-group and within-group differences. Results Ai Chi exercises improved between-group and within-group changes of static and dynamic balance, proprioception, and performance in female athletes (P˂0.05). Conclusion Female athletes’ balance, proprioception and performance can be improved by performing Ai Chi exercises in water. Therefore, the use of these aquatic exercises is recommended along with other training methods, since they challenges the physiological systems involved in balance.

Transcranial direct current stimulation combined with bodyweight support–tai chi footwork for motor function of stroke survivors: a study protocol of randomised controlled trial

IntroductionOur previous studies have proposed the bodyweight support–t’ai chi (BWS-TC) footwork training for stroke survivors with severe motor dysfunction and fear of falling, and have proven its positive effects for...

Ai Chi for Balance and Gait in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study

Background and Purpose: Parkinson disease (PD) has effects on an individual's balance, and Ai Chi can be used to improve balance and gait performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Ai Chi in improving the balance and gait of individuals with idiopathic PD. Method: Ten individuals with PD at Hoehn and Yahr stages 1-3 were included in this 6-week study. Participants underwent a structured Ai Chi program (1 hour per session, twice weekly) for 6 weeks (12 sessions in total). Balance was assessed at baseline and week 6 using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the Five Times Sit-to-Stand (FTSTS) test, the Four Square Step Test (FSST), the Ten Meter Walk Test (10MWT), and the Sensory Organization Test (SOT). Gait parameters were measured by inertial measurement units and videotaping for 2-dimentional motion analysis. Surface electromyography was used for measuring muscle activity during gait in the bilateral rectus femoris, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior. Results: In a pre- and postintervention comparison, significant improvements were observed in the FTSTS, FSST, and TUG scores as well as in the composite, vision, and vestibular scores in the 10MWT and SOT (P &lt; .005). The results indicated improvement in balance. As for the gait analysis, no significant differences were observed in spatiotemporal parameters, including speed, cadence, step length, stride length, step duration, stride duration, swing-phase duration, stance-phase duration, and double support duration. Insignificant changes in the percentage maximum voluntary contraction of all the muscles examined were found, while a significant decrease in maximum voluntary contraction was identified in the left biceps femoris. Conclusions: The Ai Chi program produced a significant improvement in balance in individuals with PD, with insignificant results shown in gait. Ai Chi is an appropriate intervention to improve balance in individuals with PD.

Integrative Oncology in Young Women With Breast Cancer.

Small studies have demonstrated the benefit of integrative oncology (IO) therapies in patients with breast cancer; however, referral patterns and timing of therapies are unknown. This study describes the referral pattern and utilization of IO services by young women with breast cancer. A retrospective review identified female patients, 40 years or younger, with a breast cancer diagnosis between 2014 and 2019, and a documented IO consultation. Patient demographics, cancer characteristics, treatments, reasons for seeking and timing of IO consultation, and IO treatment modalities were analyzed. The IO program treated 64 young women with a median age of 38.6 years. Clinical staging was primarily IA (27%), IIA (34%), or IIB (27%), and 64% of patients were clinically node negative with no evidence of metastasis. Women utilized the IO program for recurrence risk reduction and for treatment-related adverse effects (TRAEs), most commonly vasomotor complaints (44%). Therapies utilized were acupuncture (36%), healing touch (28%), oncology massage (30%), and other (75%; music therapy, therapeutic art, spiritual care, meditation, t'ai chi, yoga, and nutrition), which were commonly initiated during treatment (69%). Our data suggest that young women utilize IO services to reduce their future cancer risk and TRAEs, but they are often referred after standard cancer care treatments have begun. Future studies could examine the optimal timing for IO intervention.

Ai Chi for Long COVID: Transitioning to a Post-Rehabilitation Community Program

Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact lives around the world, long COVID symptoms plague a significant number of survivors in their daily lives. Guidelines are available for individualized rehabilitation during acute and subacute phases; however, safe community options are needed for those with lingering symptoms who are transitioning away from formal rehabilitation. A lack of access or resistance to COVID-19 vaccination worldwide, and the emergence of more aggressive coronavirus variants, is predicted to result in many more positive COVID-19 cases and consequentially in more long haulers, increasing the need for community resources. Discussion: Ai Chi is a gentle aquatic body-mind practice employed worldwide by aquatic therapists and trainers to reduce stress, enhance breathing, strengthen core muscles, extend joint range of motion, improve balance, stabilize heart rate, and promote focus and centering. It can address some of the common persisting symptoms in medically stable individuals with long COVID including pain, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, and stress. While Ai Chi is a promising community aquatic intervention, exercise providers need to be aware of special considerations that may impact this population in community programming, such as postexertional malaise, cardiac impairment, oxygen desaturation, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction when providing exercise programs. Research is needed to validate the effectiveness of Ai Chi with post-rehabilitation COVID long haulers in a community setting.

EFFICACY OF AI CHI METHOD IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN IN OLDER ADULTS – A PILOT STUDY REPORT

Introduction Low back pain (LBP) has now become a serious medical problem, but it is also an economic one, often leading to the physical disability of patients. Exercise therapy in an aquatic environment, including the Ai Chi method, is an increasingly popular preventive intervention in LBP. So far, however, only a few studies have evaluated the clinical usefulness of Ai Chi for the elderly with this problem. Aim This study is a preliminary analysis of the effectiveness of the Ai Chi method for the treatment of chronic LBP in people over 60 years of age. Material and methods The research material consisted of 20 women aged 66.95 ± 3.76 years, diagnosed with chronic LBP, treated using the Ai Chi method. In an aquatic environment, the patients performed a series of slow and broad movements of the arms, legs and trunk combined with deep breathing (ten sessions for two weeks). The following research methods were used: the Fullerton Fitness Test, the grip strength test using a dynamometer, and pain intensity assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results The application of the Ai Chi method contributed to an improvement in physical fitness and a reduction in pain sensation in the exercising women. There were no significant changes in the measurements of the strength of the upper limbs. Conclusions Ai Chi may be an effective method for reducing pain and improving lower body strength, flexibility, dynamic balance and endurance in older patients with chronic LBP.

Who is Ts’ai Chi’h?

Who is Ts’ai Chi’h?

The content and effects of trunk rehabilitation on trunk and upper limb performance in people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review.

Persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) could have an impaired trunk and reduced postural control, which negatively impacts activities of daily living. Evidence is growing to consider the positive effects of trunk training on fall incidence and balance problems. Effects on trunk and upper limb performance is unknown. This systematic review provides an overview of trunk training programs and their effects in MS, specifically focusing on the content of training modalities and the effects on trunk and upper limb performance. Two electronic databases were used: PubMed and Web Of Science (WOS). Intervention studies (with- and without control group) published in English, investigating the effects of active trunk training on trunk and upper limb performance in pwMS, were included. Sixteen studies met the criteria, investigating different rehabilitation modalities. The included interventions in the review varied between more generic postural interventions such as Pilates (N.=8) and Ai Chi (N.=1), with a focus on abdominal muscle activation, breathing, neutral position and lower extremity movements. Further, specifically developed trunk training programs like GroupCoreDIST/ SIT / CoDuSe (N.=6) and Bobath based trunk training (N.=1) are detected, with the main focus on trunk strengthening and dynamic movements. An overall improvement in trunk performance was reported in several tests on trunk strength, stability and coordination. While the majority of the programs integrated the upper limb, only half of them used upper limb outcome measures to evaluate the effect. Here, overall significant improvements were found for the upper limb. This systematic review showed that different types of trunk training programs can improve trunk and upper limb function in PwMS. The findings of this review suggest that a focus on trunk training to achieve effects on upper limb is reasonable. Future research is needed to further explore relations and the effect sizes.

Integrative Medicine Clinical Centers Keys to Success: Innovative Programming, Education, and Collaboration

Integrative Medicine Clinical Centers Keys to Success: Innovative Programming, Education, and Collaboration

Ai Chi for Balance, Pain, Functional Mobility, and Quality of Life in Adults

Background: Ai Chi is a specific form of mindful aquatic intervention related to Qigong and Tai Chi. Although evidence suggests that Qigong and Tai Chi are effective in reducing pain and improving balance, functional mobility, and quality of life (QOL), limited studies have explored the therapeutic benefits of Ai Chi. Purpose: To summarize available research on Ai Chi for balance, pain, functional mobility, and QOL in adults. Methods: Systematic search included PubMed, CINAHL, Health Source Nursing, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus databases. Selection criteria included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomized controlled trials (NRCTs), and cohort studies with Ai Chi as the main intervention for adults with report of at least one standardized outcome measure for balance, pain, functional mobility, or QOL. Results: Twenty-two articles, with a total of 710 participants, met the inclusion criteria including 11 RCTs, 5 NRCTs, and 6 cohort studies. The age of participants ranged from 20 to 75 years. The most frequent study population was persons with Parkinson disease. This review also included studies with other populations such as adults with fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, chronic stroke, chronic low back pain, balance deficits, intellectual disability, and knee osteoarthritis, as well as healthy adults. Ai Chi intervention treatment dosage varied from 20 to 60 minutes, 1 to 12 times per week, for 1 to 20 weeks. Comparison groups included alternative aquatic interventions, land-based exercise, acupuncture, and nonintervention control. Six of the 22 studies were considered moderate to high quality. Discussion: The qualitative analysis reveals a number of favorable results with benefits from Ai Chi intervention and can guide future research. Conclusions: Heterogeneity between all studies precludes conclusive findings of results about the efficacy of Ai Chi from this review. Current evidence suggests a need for better designed controlled trials with a larger sample size to carefully control for bias and judiciously select outcomes.

Comparison between Three Therapeutic Options for the Treatment of Balance and Gait in Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Stroke patients are more likely to be at risk of falling, which leads to limitation in their abilities to perform daily living activities and participate in society. The aim was to compare the relative effectiveness of three different treatment groups for improvements in postural control and for improvements in balance. Forty-five participants diagnosed with acquired brain injury, with over one year’s evolution, were divided into a dry land therapy group (control group), an experimental group (Ai Chi aquatic therapy), and a combined group (therapy on dry land and aquatic therapy with Ai Chi). The Berg balance scale, tandem stance, the timed up and go test, and the five times sit-to-stand test were used. After twelve weeks of treatment, the results improved significantly for the combined therapy group (p < 0.01), and were significantly higher compared to the dry land therapy group (p < 0.01). In addition, improvements were also found in the aquatic Ai Chi therapy group. In conclusion, aquatic Ai Chi and/or the combination of aquatic therapy with dry land therapy is effective for the improvement of static and dynamic balance and for enhancing functional capacity, therefore, increasing the quality of life of acquired brain injury patients.

Aquatic therapy in stroke rehabilitation: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The main object of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to collect the available evidence of aquatic therapy in stroke rehabilitation and to investigate the effect of this intervention in supporting stroke recovery. The PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the PEDro databases were searched from their inception through to 31/05/2020 on randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of aquatic therapy on stroke recovery. Subjects´ characteristics, methodological aspects, intervention description, and outcomes were extracted. Effect sizes were calculated for each study and outcome. Overall, 28 appropriate studies (N=961) have been identified. A comparison with no intervention indicates that aquatic therapy is effective in supporting walking, balance, emotional status and health-related quality of life, spasticity, and physiological indicators. In comparison with land-based interventions, aquatic therapy shows superior effectiveness on balance, walking, muscular strength, proprioception, health-related quality of life, physiological indicators, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Only on independence in activities of daily living the land- and water-based exercise induce similar effects. Established concepts of water-based therapy (such as the Halliwick, Ai Chi, Watsu, or Bad Ragaz Ring methods) are the most effective, aquatic treadmill walking is the least effective. The current evidence is insufficient to support this therapy form within evidence-based rehabilitation. However, the available data indicate that this therapy can significantly improve a wide range of stroke-induced disabilities. Future research should devote more attention to this highly potent intervention.

Commentary to the Newly Rising Aquatic Exercise: Ai Chi

As aquatic therapy has become an important rehabilitative option, more exercise programs have emerged. Ai Chi, is one of the therapeutic aquatic exercise concepts with growing potential. In our previous study, both types of aquatic exercise, Ai Chi and conventional exercise, supported the restoration of postural control in people with chronic stroke, whereas Ai Chi seemed to have larger effects.

Complementary, Integrative, and Nondrug Therapy Use for Pain Among US Military Veterans on Long-term Opioids.

Long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain arose amid limited availability and awareness of other pain therapies. Although many complementary and integrative health (CIH) and nondrug therapies are effective for chronic pain, little is known about CIH/nondrug therapy use patterns among people prescribed opioid analgesics. The objective of this study was to estimate patterns and predictors of self-reported CIH/nondrug therapy use for chronic pain within a representative national sample of US military veterans prescribed long-term opioids for chronic pain. National two-stage stratified random sample survey combined with electronic medical record data. Data were analyzed using logistic regressions and latent class analysis. US military veterans in Veterans Affairs (VA) primary care who received ≥6 months of opioid analgesics. Self-reported use of each of 10 CIH/nondrug therapies to treat or cope with chronic pain in the past year: meditation/mindfulness, relaxation, psychotherapy, yoga, t'ai chi, aerobic exercise, stretching/strengthening, acupuncture, chiropractic, massage; Brief Pain Inventory-Interference (BPI-I) scale as a measure of pain-related function. In total, 8891 (65%) of 13,660 invitees completed the questionnaire. Eighty percent of veterans reported past-year use of at least 1 nondrug therapy for pain. Younger age and female sex were associated with the use of most nondrug therapies. Higher pain interference was associated with lower use of exercise/movement therapies. Nondrug therapy use patterns reflected functional categories (psychological/behavioral, exercise/movement, manual). Use of CIH/nondrug therapies for pain was common among patients receiving long-term opioids. Future analyses will examine nondrug therapy use in relation to pain and quality of life outcomes over time.

Comparison of Aquatic Therapy vs. Dry Land Therapy to Improve Mobility of Chronic Stroke Patients.

One of the most serious and disabling problems of stroke is pain and a decrease in balance, with the consequent increased risk of falls. The aim of the randomized controlled trial study was to compare the efficacy of three different treatment proposals to improve pain, gait, and balance in chronic stroke patients. Forty patients diagnosed with stroke were divided into three groups: the dry-land therapy group (control group) received sessions that included walking exercises and trunk mobility. The experimental group received Ai Chi aquatic therapy, and the combined group received alternating dry-land therapy sessions and Ai Chi aquatic therapy. The measurement instruments used were: the Tinetti balance and gait scale, the visual analog scale (VAS), 360° turn, single leg stance, and the 30-s stand test (CS-30). After twelve weeks of treatment, the results were significantly better for the combined therapy group and the experimental group compared to the dry-land therapy group (p < 0.01) in the VAS scale, CS-30, and 360° turn, although improvements were also found in the evaluations carried out in the aquatic therapy group. In total, for the Tinetti scale and single-leg stance, the differences between the groups were evident, although not statistically significant (p = 0.001). Aquatic therapy with Ai Chi and the combination of aquatic therapy with dry-land therapy was effective in improving pain, balance, and gait in patients with chronic stroke, thus improving their functional capacity and quality of life.

Influence of an Aquatic Therapy Program on Perceived Pain, Stress, and Quality of Life in Chronic Stroke Patients: A Randomized Trial.

Pain and depressive states may have a negative impact on the quality of life of individuals with stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a program of Ai Chi aquatic therapy on pain, depression, and quality of life in a sample of people with stroke. Forty-five participants received physiotherapy treatment on dry land (control group), an experimental group received aquatic Ai Chi therapy, and a combined therapy group received alternating sessions of physiotherapy on dry land and aquatic Ai Chi therapy. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scale for pain, the resilience scale, and the SF-36 quality of life scale were used as outcome measures. Statistically significant differences were found in the experimental group and the combined intervention group for post treatment pain and resilience (p < 0.001). Concerning the SF-36, statistically significant changes (p < 0.01) were found in the experimental group and the combined therapy group for all items except general health, vitality, and social function, where no between group differences were observed (p = 0.001). In conclusion, physical exercise performed in water has positive effects on several factors that contribute towards improving the mood and quality of life of people with acquired brain injury.

The Benefits of T'ai Chi for Older Adults with Chronic Back Pain: A Qualitative Study.

Objective: To determine the perceived benefits of t'ai chi in older adults with chronic low-back pain (cLBP). Design: A qualitative analysis from a randomized controlled feasibility trial. Subjects: Eighteen participants (65+ years old) with cLBP of at least moderate intensity. Intervention: A 36-week intervention beginning with twice weekly classes for 12 weeks, weekly classes for 6 weeks, biweekly classes for 6 weeks, and monthly classes for 12 weeks. Participants were asked to practice at home on nonclass days and videos were provided to assist in that process. Outcome Measures: Participants in the focus groups were asked to provide feedback on their experiences with the study as well as the benefits of their t'ai chi practice. We used demographic and class attendance data to describe the sample. Results: Regarding the benefits of t'ai chi practice, five major themes were identified: functional benefits, pain reduction/pain relief, psychospiritual benefits, the importance of social support in learning t'ai chi, and the integration of t'ai chi into daily activities. The most common functional benefits were improvements in balance, flexibility, leg strength, and posture. Some reported pain reduction or pain relief, but others did not. Increased relaxation, mindfulness, and a sense of connectedness were subthemes that emerged from psychospiritual benefits. Social support benefits included motivation to attend class and group support while learning a new skill. Finally, improved body awareness allowed participants to integrate t'ai chi skills into their daily activities. Conclusions: This qualitative analysis demonstrates the multifaceted benefits of t'ai chi for older adults living with cLBP.

The effects of Ai Chi for balance in individuals with chronic stroke: a randomized controlled trial

This study investigated the effectiveness of Ai Chi compared to conventional water-based exercise on balance performance in individuals with chronic stroke. A total of 20 individuals with chronic stroke were randomly allocated to receive either Ai Chi or conventional water-based exercise for 60 min/time, 3 times/week, and a total of 6 weeks. Balance performance assessed by limit of stability (LOS) test and Berg balance scale (BBS). Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) and gait performance were documented for lower extremity movement control and walking ability, respectively. Excursion and movement velocity in LOS test was significantly increased in anteroposterior axis after receiving Ai Chi (p = 0.005 for excursion, p = 0.013 for velocity) but not conventional water-based exercise. In particular, the improvement of endpoint excursion in the Ai Chi group has significant inter-group difference (p = 0.001). Both groups showed significant improvement in BBS and FMA yet the Ai Chi group demonstrated significantly better results than control group (p = 0.025). Ai Chi is feasible for balance training in stroke, and is able to improve weight shifting in anteroposterior axis, functional balance, and lower extremity control as compared to conventional water-based exercise.