Authors (including presenting author) :
Law TT(1), Chang HY(1), Chan HW(1), Au Yeung TW(2)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Physiotherapy, Pok Oi Hospital, Hong Kong; (2)Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Pok Oi Hospital, Hong Kong
Introduction :
Stroke is a major cause of poor health and has numerous complications in which the mobility is vulnerably affected. Meanwhile, Tai Chi is a well-known neuromuscular training to have positive effects on the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Having had the weight-assisted environment composed of a safety vest together with a ceiling hoist, stroke patients with poor mobility could start the specialized Tai Chi program as well as the routine physiotherapy training as early as possible to optimize the rehabilitation.
Objectives :
This pilot clinical trial is to investigate the efficacy of a specialized Tai Chi program for stroke patients in a weight-assisted environment on top of the routine physiotherapy training.
Methodology :
During the period from 18 September 2019 to 8 November 2019, we recruited twenty stroke patients in the geriatric day hospital who were allocated into Tai Chi and control group randomly. There were ten patients for each group in which routine physiotherapy training was offered for both groups. Stroke patients with the Modified Functional Ambulation Classification (MFAC) >= 3 and limb power of affected side >= 3 were included. Stroke patients with severely impaired vision, severely spastic lower limb and postural hypotension were excluded. The following outcomes were measured pre and post of the clinical trial for both groups: Time Up & Go Test (TUG), 6-meter walk speed (6m walk speed), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Modified Rivermead Mobility Index (MRMI), Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS), Functional reach, Modified Functional Ambulation Classification (MFAC) and power grip of the affected side.
Result & Outcome :
There was statistically significant difference in TUG (p=0.045), BBS (p=0.04) and MRMI (p=0.021) between Tai Chi and control group. These findings verified the efficacy of the specialized Tai Chi program in a weight-assisted environment regarding stroke patients. Shorter time in TUG means reduced fall risk with improved balance, sit-to-stand and walking ability. Higher BBS score means improved balance. Higher MRMI score means better functional mobility in gait, balance and transfer. However, the sample size was small due to the short period of clinical trial which might jeopardize the effect of Tai Chi on stroke patients. Pearson’s r was conducted to investigate the correlation among different variables. It was found that the more Tai Chi sessions the patients had, the greater improvement for their 6m walk speed would be. (p=0.043) In conclusion, shorter time for TUG, higher score for BBS and MRMI were found in the Tai Chi group. The more Tai Chi sessions the patients have, the greater improvement for their 6m walk speed will be.
