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
