Lee LY, Lee DT, Woo J
The aim of this study is to examine the effect of Tai Chi on HRQOL in nursing home residents. A convenience sample of 139 residents from six nursing homes in Hong Kong was used. The experimental group joined a 26-week Tai Chi program, while the control group continued with usual daily activities. After adjusting for the confounding effect of resident satisfaction, a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the physical and mental components of HRQOL between the experimental and control groups was found. Findings showed significant improvement in HRQOL after residents practiced Tai Chi.
These investigators contribute additional knowledge about the health benefits of Tai Chi among nursing home residents and indicates support for its use in this population to improve HRQOL. Tai Chi has unique characteristics as a health exercise that is particularly suitable for nursing home residents. The inclusion of Tai Chi exercise in elderly residential care practice is recommended.
J Nurs Scholarsh. 2009 Mar;41(1):35-43