EFFECTS OF TAI CHI APPLIED STROKE REHABILITATION ON PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AND QUALITY OF LIFE. (16th November 2018) - Song, R
Abstract: Older stroke survivors decline their physical and psychological functioning in everyday life. Tai Chi is characterized by the integration and balance of mind and body using the fundamental principles of slow, smooth, and continuous movement control. The present randomized study aimed to apply the suggested principles to Tai Chi applied stroke rehabilitation for 6 months, and to evaluate the effects on physical and cognitive functioning, and quality of life. We recruited 34 stroke survivors (21 men and 13 women with the mean diagnosis 8.7 years) into a randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of 6-month adaptive Tai Chi program with an active-control group who received a symptom management program. The primary outcome was postural stability(BBS) and physical functioning(FAC), with secondary outcomes assessing cognitive functioning(MOCA) and stroke-specific quality of life measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Repeated ANOVA indicated that stroke survivors who participated in 80% of Tai Chi applied rehabilitation showed improved physical functioning (F=6.776, p=.002), cognitive functioning (F=12.40, p<.000), and self-care quality of life (F=8.822, p=.001) based on interaction effects. Tai Chi applied stroke rehabilitation was well received by the participants, and no adverse events were reported during the study. The study findings showed that the adaptive form of Tai Chi could be useful for stroke survivors to improve their physical and cognitive functioning, that may consequently improve quality of life. Further studies are warranted to examine the long-term effect of Tai Chi applied stroke rehabilitation with larger sample to compensate the variance of outcomes.