A Mobile Tai Chi Platform for Fall Prevention and Cognition in Older Adults

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The investigators will assess feasibility and acceptability of the Tele-Tai Chi (TC) intervention; explore changes in clinically relevant outcome measures including: physical activity, self-efficacy, quality of life, cognitive function, balance, gait, and evaluate changes in TC proficiency. To achieve this, the investigators are running a single-arm study for older adults that involves a 12-week home-based Tai Chi intervention. Study participation includes four remote and/or in-person (at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital) visits to evaluate study participants (mobility tests and questionnaires).

Detailed Description
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The overall goal of the study is to test the delivery of a novel Tele-Tai Chi (TC) intervention in a single-arm feasibility study for community-dwelling TC-naïve older adults. The investigators will assess feasibility and acceptability of the Tele-TC intervention and its specific components through both qualitative and quantitative feedback, as well as the systematic tracking of adherence data to inform future trials and potential clinical use of the Tele-TC system. The investigators will also explore changes in outcome measures including physical activity, self-efficacy, quality of life, cognition, balance and gait, and evaluate changes in TC proficiency. Participants will be assessed at 4 timepoints over the course of the 12-week Tele-TC intervention: at baseline, at 4 weeks, at 8 weeks, and at 12 weeks. Study participants will be instructed to train on their own at least three times a week and to participate in one-on-one live sessions with TC instructors two or more times during the study period.

Official Title
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A Mobile Tai Chi Platform for Fall Prevention and Cognition in Older Adults

Conditions
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Aging, Fall

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Tele-Tai Chi


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Men and women between 60 and 85 years old Naïve to Tai-Chi practice (never practiced TC) Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score between 17 and 13. Self-reported ability to walk continuously for 15 minutes without an assistive device Working email address Prior experience with and current access to a computer, smart phone or tablet device Exclusion Criteria: Chronic neuromuscular conditions (e.g. Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke) Acute medical conditions requiring hospitalization within the past 6 months or that could interfere with safely participating in the study Active cancer Significant musculoskeletal conditions requiring chronic use of pain medication Significant cognitive impairment (Diagnosed with dementia (self-reported), or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)-Blind score < 13)

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 60 Years
Maximum Age: 85 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Other
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Tele-Tai Chi<br>Study participants will follow a 12-week simplified Tele-Tai-Chi (TC) program delivered via a mobile application. | Device: Tele-Tai Chi<br>* Study participants will follow a 12-week simplified Tele-Tai-Chi (TC) program delivered via an application installed on a tablet. The intervention emphasizes essential TC movements that are easily comprehensible and can be performed repetitively in a flowing manner. The protocol includes up to six core TC movements based on the traditional Cheng Man-Ch'ing's Yang-style short form. Additionally, a set of traditional TC warm-up exercises that focus on loosening the physical body, incorporating mindfulness and imagery into movement, promoting overall relaxation, and coordinating breathing awareness are included. Chairs are used in the protocol for a subset of seated warm-up exercises, as well as for stability and rest as needed. Participants will be asked to practice the protocol (45-60 min) at home for at least 3 days a week for 12 weeks. The TC program will also include 2 or more live instructional sessions via Zoom with a TC instructor.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Protocol adherence | The percentage of Tele-Tai-Chi practice sessions completed by participants. | Percentage at post-intervention (after 12 weeks) | 
| Retention of study participants | The percentage of participants who complete the study. | At study completion, approximately 12 months from the beginning of the study | 
| System Usability Scale | The scale is based on a 10-item questionnaire with five response options (from Strongly agree to Strongly disagree) in which participants rate the usability of the system. | At post-intervention (after 12 weeks) |