Development of the simplified Tai Chi exercise program (STEP) for frail older adults

OBJECTIVE: To develop a simplified Tai Chi exercise program for frail older adults. DESIGN: For phase I, using a focus group, 40 frail Taiwanese older adults were interviewed to explore their viewpoints on Tai Chi and have been reported elsewhere. This paper emphasized on the phase II of the study in which the older adults' perspectives were validated by 10 experts using an evaluation survey. SETTING: Long-term care facilities. RESULTS: The newly developed simplified Tai Chi exercise program (STEP) included three stages-(1) warm-up: comprised nine exercises specifically designed to loosen up the body from head to toe; (2) Tai Chi movements: encompassed 12 easy-to-learn and easy-to-perform movements; (3) cool-down: included three activities to cease the chi and rest the body. CONCLUSIONS: The STEP should be further evaluated for its effectiveness in enhancing the relative well being and quality of life of frail older adults and its applicability as a floor activity in long-term care facilities.