The Effect of Seated Tai Chi on Physical Functioning among Individuals with Stroke: Pilot Study

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to analyze the effect of seated Tai Chi applied to stroke patients in the community setting on dynamic balance and their activities of daily living.

Methods: Total of 14 patients living in the community participated in this pilot study, and seated Tai Chi program was provided twice a week for 6 months. Balance by Burg balance scale and ADL was measured at 3 months and at 6 months to analyze the changes of the outcome over time. The seated tai chi program was provided twice a week for 6 months by a team of tai chi instructors who have experienced teaching tai chi for health program to elderly with chronic disease. Repeated ANOVA was used for the data analysis.

Results: The stroke patients who participated in seated tai chi improved significantly dynamic balance over the period of 6 months. Their performance of activities of daily living was also improved, yet not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The findings of the study provided the potential benefits of seated tai chi program for stroke rehabilitation. Further study is warranted to examine the effect of seated tai chi applied rehabilitation program on various health outcome including physical, cognitive, sense/mobility, psychological functioning of this population with randomized controlled trial.