Tai Chi Reduces Falls in Stroke Survivors
The ancient practice of tai chi may be advantageous to stroke patients, according to a study released earlier this month by the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2013.
Typical stroke survivors are seven times more likely to fall each year as compared to healthy adults, according to the study. This can cause fractures and decrease mobility. Falling also increases fear, which in turn can increase a person's feeling of isolation and reduce their social interaction with others.
According to a news release issued by the American Stroke Association:
“Learning how to find and maintain your balance after a stroke is a challenge,” said Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae, Ph.D., R.N., the study’s principal investigator and assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing in Tucson, Ariz.
Tai chi improves "both static and dynamic balance, which is important to prevent falls," Taylor-Piliae noted.
“The main physical benefits of Tai Chi are better balance, improved strength, flexibility and aerobic endurance,” Taylor-Piliae said. “Psycho-social benefits include less depression, anxiety and stress, and better quality of life.”
Researchers recruited 89 stroke survivors who were, on average, about 70 years old. Nearly half were women, most were Caucasian, and had suffered strokes about three years prior to joining the study. Study participants were from three groups: tai chi students, an exercise group called SilverSneakers and a "usual care" group encouraged to be physically active and given follow-up phone calls.
During the 12-week trial, there were a total of 34 reported falls in participants’ homes, mainly from slipping or tripping. Tai chi students had the fewest number of falls — five — while SilverSneaker participants reported 14 falls and the "usual care" group reported 15 falls. Only four people sought medical treatment.
Read the American Stroke Association's news release here.
Tai chi is beneficial for people of all ages, and people of all physical abilities can benefit from this ancient art.
Looking for a local tai chi class? Check with your local adult education or parks and recreation department. The International Taoist Tai Chi Society also can help locate instructors and classes in your area.
"Learning how to find and
maintain your balance after a stroke is a challenge," said Ruth E.
Taylor-Piliae, Ph.D., R.N., the study's principal investigator and
assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing in
Tucson, Ariz. "Tai Chi is effective in improving both static and dynamic
balance, which is important to prevent falls. Tai Chi is readily
available in most U.S. cities and is relatively inexpensive."
Read more at: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-02-tai-chi-falls-adult-survivors.html#jCp
Read more at: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-02-tai-chi-falls-adult-survivors.html#jCp
"Learning how to find and
maintain your balance after a stroke is a challenge," said Ruth E.
Taylor-Piliae, Ph.D., R.N., the study's principal investigator and
assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing in
Tucson, Ariz. "Tai Chi is effective in improving both static and dynamic
balance, which is important to prevent falls. Tai Chi is readily
available in most U.S. cities and is relatively inexpensive."
Read more at: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-02-tai-chi-falls-adult-survivors.html#jCp
Read more at: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-02-tai-chi-falls-adult-survivors.html#jCp
"Learning how to find and
maintain your balance after a stroke is a challenge," said Ruth E.
Taylor-Piliae, Ph.D., R.N., the study's principal investigator and
assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing in
Tucson, Ariz. "Tai Chi is effective in improving both static and dynamic
balance, which is important to prevent falls. Tai Chi is readily
available in most U.S. cities and is relatively inexpensive."
Read more at: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-02-tai-chi-falls-adult-survivors.html#jCp"Learning how to find and maintain your balance after a stroke is a challenge," said Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae, Ph.D., R.N., the study's principal investigator and assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing in Tucson, Ariz. "Tai Chi is effective in improving both static and dynamic balance, which is important to prevent falls. Tai Chi is readily available in most U.S. cities and is relatively inexpensive."
Read more at: http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-02-tai-chi-falls-adult-survivors.html#jCp"Learning how to find and maintain your balance after a stroke is a challenge," said Ruth E. Taylor-Piliae, Ph.D., R.N., the study's principal investigator and assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Nursing in Tucson, Ariz. "Tai Chi is effective in improving both static and dynamic balance, which is important to prevent falls. Tai Chi is readily available in most U.S. cities and is relatively inexpensive."
No comments:
Post a Comment