title: Effects of a video guided T'ai Chi group intervention on center of balance and falls efficacy: a pilot study.
abstract: This pilot study evaluated effects of a video-guided T'ai Chi group intervention on center of balance (COB) and falls efficacy, using a one arm, pre/post design. Thirty-two participants began the study, 17 completed pre- and post-testing and 15 were lost to follow-up. Outcomes were compared for the 17 participants who completed pre- and post-testing and subgroups based on session attendance. Irrespective of session attendance, participant COB scores improved. There was a significant negative correlation between number of sessions attended and pre and post scores on the fall efficacy (fear of falling) measure, indicating those with higher fear of falling were less likely to complete the study. Older participants were also less likely to continue participation. Findings indicate potential benefits of T'ai Chi in improving COB (a fall risk factor) among community-dwelling older adults. However, those with greater potential benefit (higher fear scores, older participants) were less likely to continue participation.
authors: University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, USA. Electronic address: edk21@pitt.edu.
authors: Elizabeth D
authors: ED
authors: Katrancha
authors: University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, USA.
authors: Leslie A
authors: LA
authors: Hoffman
authors: University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, USA.
authors: Thomas G
authors: TG
authors: Zullo
authors: University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, USA.
authors: Patricia K
authors: PK
authors: Tuite
authors: University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, USA.
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Garand
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D026302:Tai Ji / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014741:Video Recording
keywords: Center of balance; Fall prevention; Falls efficacy; Older adult; T'ai Chi