A study investigating the effects of Tai Chi Chuan: individuals with traumatic brain injury compared to controls.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the effects of a 6-week course in Tai Chi associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) symptoms.


METHODS
Eighteen participants, with TBI assigned to a control (waiting list) group (n = 9) or Tai Chi group (n = 9) completed the Medical Outcome Scale Short Form 36 (SF-36) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) before, during, immediately after and 3 weeks after completion of the Tai Chi course. The Tai Chi group completed the Visual Analogue Mood Scales (VAMS) before and after each class.


RESULTS
Tai Chi was associated with significant improvement on all VAMS scores (except fatigue) with decreases in sadness, confusion, anger, tension, fear and increases in energy and happiness. There were no significant between-group differences on the SF-36 or RSES.


CONCLUSIONS
Tai Chi provides short-term benefits after TBI, with rigorous outcome measurement needed to examine long-term benefits.
Gemmell
Chriztine
C
Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand.
Leathem
Janet M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012919:Social Behavior; D026302:Tai Ji / Q000523:psychology*