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Effectiveness of the Simplified Tai-Chi Exercise Program (STEP) on Promoting Physical and Mental Health of Older Adults with Parkinson's Disease

Monday, 7 July 2008: 3:35 PM
Hui-Chen Chao, MS , School of Nursing, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Kuei-Min Chen, RN, PhD , School of Nursing, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Sheng Shan Yang, MD , Neurologic Department, Pingtung Christian Hospital, Pingtung, Taiwan
Chia Lie Gao, PhD , Neurologist, Dept. of Neurology, Pingtung Christian Hospital, Pingtung, Taiwan

Learning Objective 1: To Compare the Physical and mental Health Differences of the Older Adults with Parkinson disease

Learning Objective 2: To Compare the Physical and mental Health Differences Between Older Adults with Parkinson’s Disease Participate in the STEP and Those Who do not

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Simplified Tai-Chi Exercise Program (STEP) training in the promotion of physical and mental health among middle-aged and older adults with Parkinson's disease.

Method: This study employed a mixed design, with two groups undergoing repeated measures. A purposive sampling method was used to select the Pingtung area teaching hospital, and exercise training for 38 outpatients with Parkinson's disease. Accordingly, their volunteer separated them into the tai chi group (n = 16) or the control group (n = 22). The intervention program is Simplified Tai-Chi Exercise Program for 50 minutes each time, three times a week and lasting for 14 weeks. At the end of the study, 33 participants completed the study (13 in the Tai chi group and 22 in the control group). Physiologic measurements included: UPDRS-ADL, and UPDRS-Motor, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, Senior Fitness Testing (e.g.: Chair Sit-and-Reach Test, Arm and Curl, One Leg Stand with Eyes Open, and Chair Stand Test).Psychological measurement were conducted with PDQ-39.

Analysis: The SPSS 10.0 for windows was used to analyze the data. Repeated Measures were assessed at baseline, 2nd-week, 6th-week, 10th-week, and 14th-week, that repeated measurement for time differences and variances in ADL, Motor, quality of life, and physical performance were measured.

Result: At 14 weeks, those no abbreviation patients were found to have a better status in terms of physical and mental health. In the aspect of physical health, it included significant improvement on activity of daily living, mobility, muscle strength, flexible, and balance (p < .000). In the aspect of mental health, it included significant improvement on quality of life ( p < .000).The study findings, as proven, may serve as reference in nursing care, exercise, and physical treatment standards for Parkinson's disease

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