Seated Tai Chi versus usual activities in older people using wheelchairs: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveCompare the effect of seated Tai Chi exercise (intervention) to usual activities on quality of life and depression symptoms in older people using wheelchairs.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingOne long-term care facility in Taiwan.Participants86 long-term care residents were screened; 60 were eligible and randomized to Tai Chi group (n = 30), or usual activity (n = 30).InterventionOne certified trainer provided the intervention group with 40 min of seated Tai Chi exercise, three times a week for 26 weeks. Trial registration ACTRN12613000029796.Main outcome measuresQuality of Life (WHOQOL (BREF)); depression symptoms (GDS-SF)ResultsParticipants in the Tai Chi group (M = 3.76, SD = 3.65) recorded significantly lower GDS-SF scores than participants in the control (M = 7.76, SD = 5.15) and the Tai Chi group registered significantly higher scores across overall QOL p = 0.03], general health p = 0.04], and the associated domains: physical health p = 0.00], psychological health p = 0.02], social relations p = 0.00], and environment p = 0.00].ConclusionsThe findings highlight the importance of Tai Chi in improving QOL and depression in this population.