title: The effects of a Simplified Tai-Chi Exercise Program (STEP) on the physical health of older adults living in long-term care facilities: a single group design with multiple time points.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Studies support the positive effects that Tai Chi has on the physical health of older adults. However, many older adults residing in long-term care facilities feel too weak to practice traditional Tai Chi, and a more simplified style is preferred.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To test the effects of a newly-developed, Simplified Tai-Chi Exercise Program (STEP) on the physical health of older adults who resided in long-term care facilities.
  
  
  METHODS
  A single group design with multiple time points: three pre-tests, one month apart; four post-tests at one month, two months, three months, and six months after intervention started.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two 300-400 bed veteran homes in Taiwan.
  
  
  METHODS
  The 51 male older adults were recruited through convenience sampling, and 41 of them completed six-month study. Inclusion criteria included: (1) aged 65 and over; (2) no previous training in Tai Chi; (3) cognitively alert and had a score of at least eight on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire; (4) able to walk without assistance; and (5) had a Barthel Index score of 61 or higher. Participants who had dementia, were wheel-chair bound, or had severe or acute cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, or pulmonary illnesses were excluded.
  
  
  METHODS
  The STEP was implemented three times a week, 50 min per session for six months. The outcome measures included cardio-respiratory function, blood pressure, balance, hand-grip strength, lower body flexibility, and physical health actualization.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A drop in systolic blood pressure (p=.017) and diastolic blood pressure (p<.001) was detected six months after intervention started. Increase in hand-grip strength from pre to post intervention was found (left hand: p<.001; right hand: p=.035). Participants also had better lower body flexibility after practicing STEP (p=.038).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings suggest that the STEP be incorporated as a floor activity in long-term care facilities to promote physical health of older adults.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Fooyin University, 151 Chin-Hsueh Rd., Taliao Township, Kaohsiung 831, Taiwan. ns148@mail.fy.edu.tw
authors.forename: Kuei-Min
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Jong-Ni
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Huey-Shyan
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Hui-Chuan
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Wen-Ting
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Chun-Huw
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Sing
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kai Lo
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000379:methods; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010809:Physical Fitness; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012866:Skilled Nursing Facilities; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D026302:Tai Ji / Q000379:methods*; D013624:Taiwan