The University of Arizona
College of Nursing is seeking stroke survivors to participate in a free 12 week program of tai chi to determine if this low-impact
exercise is effective in improving physical functioning or quality of life following a stroke.
The
"Tai Chi Exercise for Stroke Survivors Study", conducted by Assistant Professor Ruth E. Taylor-Pileae, PhD, R.N. is looking
for Tucson-area adults aged 50 or older who suffered a stroke at least three months ago, and who are currently enrolled in,
or previously had stroke rehabilitation.
Physical activity and exercise training are important
aspects of stroke rehabilitation to reduce disability, and most rehab programs traditionally include western forms of exercise
such as cycling or walking, Dr. Taylor-Piliae explained
Tai chi has been shown
to improve balance, strength, flexibility, aerobic endurance, and quality of life in research studies involving non-stroke
populations (e.g. frail or fall-prone, chronic heart failure). This U of A study will examine the effect of a 12 week
tai chi exercise intervention on physical functioning, quality of life, and exercise behavior among stroke survivors, compared
to Silver Sneakers tm and traditional rehab.
Study participants will be randomly assigned to three months of
free tai chi instruction from a tai chi master in Tucson, SilverSneakers classes taught by a certified instructor, or receive weekly phone calls with recommendations
for participating in a community-based physical activity program. Participants will be evaluated for balance, strength,
walking speed and aerobic endurance at the beginning of the study, immediately after the intervention at 12 weeks, and at
a 24-week follow-up.
This study is being funded by an American Heart Association
National Scientist Development Grant and a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholar Grant.
CONTACT DR. RUTH TAYLOR-PILIAE
PhD. R.N. AT
rtaylor@nursing.arizona.edu
520 626-4881
NOTE...THE
STUDY HAS BEEN COMPLETED AFTER 4 YEARS.
THIS WAS A REMARKABLE TIME FOR
ME WORKING WITH PEOPLE OF GREAT HEART AND DETERMINATION.
THE RESEARCH PAPER WILL BE PUBLISHED
NEAR FEBRUARY 2013. A PRESENTATION BY THE RESEARCHER, RUTH TAYLOR-PILIAE PhD, SHOWED THAT THE TAI CHI GROUP AS
A WHOLE PERFORMED AS WELL PHYSICALLY AS A COMPARISON GROUP DOING MORE STRENUOUS EXERCISES. THE TAI CHI GROUP, HOWEVER,
HAD 1/3, (ONE THIRD), THE NUMBER OF FALLS AS THE CONTROL AND COMPARISON GROUPS, A RESULT OF IMPROVED BALANCE