Hermanns M, Haas BK, Rath L, Murley B, Arce-Esquivel AA, Ballard JE, Wang YT. Impact of Tai Chi on Peripheral Neuropathy Revisited: A Mixed-Methods Study.
Gerontol Geriatr Med 2018;
4:2333721418819532. [PMID:
30574533 PMCID:
PMC6299306 DOI:
10.1177/2333721418819532]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Exercise may be beneficial to older persons living with peripheral neuropathy (PN), but maintaining an exercise program is challenging. After participating in a 12-week tai chi (TC) study, 12 participants requested classes continue. A mixed-methods design was used to explore long-term engagement of older persons with bilateral PN enrolled in a TC class for 18 months beyond the original 3-month study. Pre- and posttest measures of functional status and quality of life (QOL) were conducted. Focus groups were held after 18 months of twice-weekly classes. Psychosocial support was critical to participants' long-term commitment to exercise. Participants reported, and objective assessments confirmed, increased strength, balance, and stamina beyond that experienced in the original 12-week study. Changes in QOL scores were nonsignificant; however, qualitative data supported clinical significance across QOL domains. Results from this study support psychosocial and physical benefits of TC to older persons.
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