Fatigue, Physical Activity
Conditions
Keywords
exercise, physical activity, tai chi
Brief summary
Although a number of studies have examined the effects of Tai Chi in older adult populations, few have methodically assessed its effects on vitality, fatigue and physical activity. Some studies have shown that fatigue relates to negative mood and poor health-related quality of life in older persons. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese form of calisthenics that utilizes the body's internal energy (chi), mind, and breathing; which may be a useful exercise for older adults in increasing their activity level. A twenty-four of Yang style of Tai Chi is a simple form of Tai Chi that is particularly well-suited for older adults. This proposed study to investigate the effects of a Tai Chi intervention on decreasing fatigue level, and increasing level of activity in healthy older adults. The investigators research group has focused on the Tai Chi as a strategy to reduce stress and improve sleep, and their preliminary evidence suggest it strongly affects energy level and vitality. The investigators are focused on taking this intervention into the community testing its efficacy. The investigators preliminary data shows that Tai Chi is of benefit to older adults; however, this study will test whether their research findings are generalizable to community settings. Tai Chi-naïve participants from Culver City Senior Center will receive a 10-week Tai Chi. The investigators will compare this group to a wait-list control group. All subjects will receive a packet of questionnaires of pre- and post-intervention vitality, fatigue and health-related quality of life. Subjects will also be given an activity monitor to wear for 2 days before they start the Tai Chi class and for 2 days after they complete the class, to determine if there is a change in general physical activity level.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALTai Chi
Tai Chi classes, 60 minutes, 2x week
Sponsors
University of California, Los Angeles
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
FACTORIAL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
60 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Healthy * Older adult \> 60 years of age
Exclusion criteria
* Older adults who have severe osteoarthritis or chronic pain disorders * Non ambulatory * Any condition that would adversely impact their participation in Tai Chi
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Activity | Immediately post-intervention (10 weeks) | Objectively assessed physical activity measured using accelerometers |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vitality | Immediately post-intervention (10 weeks) | Measures of fatigue, mood, perceived stress and vitality, administered via self-report |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed