None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study addresses the issue of disability among our ageing population. Preservation of function among our older citizens, and their capacity to live independently, is of significant social, public health and economic benefit. The aims of this study are to (1) test the efficacy of Tai Chi in delaying disability among older people, prior to its onset, (2) investigate the mechanisms by which Tai Chi intervenes in the disability pathway, (3) determine the cost-benefits of Tai Chi for older people. The study will recruit 500 people over 70 years of age and randomly assign them to receive either Tai Chi, or a stretching and relaxation program, for a period of 48 weeks. The groups will then be compared to determine if there is any difference in the development of disability as well as a range of functional outcomes such as strength, balance, depression, arthritic symptoms, life satisfaction, and falls.
Interventions
Study intervention: Focus and Flow Exercise Program (Tai Chi for Arthritis Part I-12 basic moves and Part II-reverse of the 12 basic moves plus additional 9 advanced moves)
Both exercise programs are delivered in group settings, 1 hour sessions twice weekly, for 48 weeks, by trained instructors
Sponsors
Dr Lesley Day
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Blinded (masking used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
70 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Living in community (including retirement villages)preclinical stage of disability based on measure developed by Fried (J Clin Epi, 2001; 54:889-901
Exclusion criteria
Already participating in Tai Chimoderate cognitive impairmentmajor unstable cariod-pulmonary diseaseterminal cancer or other life threatening illnessmajor psychiatric illnessdo not have approval from general practitioner.
Outcome results
None listed