UCLA Tai Chi in a Community Setting Study

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Although a number of studies have examined the effects of Tai Chi in older adult populations, few have methodically assessed its effects on vitality, fatigue and physical activity. Some studies have shown that fatigue relates to negative mood and poor health-related quality of life in older persons. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese form of calisthenics that utilizes the body's internal energy (chi), mind, and breathing; which may be a useful exercise for older adults in increasing their activity level. A twenty-four of Yang style of Tai Chi is a simple form of Tai Chi that is particularly well-suited for older adults. This proposed study to investigate the effects of a Tai Chi intervention on decreasing fatigue level, and increasing level of activity in healthy older adults. The investigators research group has focused on the Tai Chi as a strategy to reduce stress and improve sleep, and their preliminary evidence suggest it strongly affects energy level and vitality. The investigators are focused on taking this intervention into the community testing its efficacy. The investigators preliminary data shows that Tai Chi is of benefit to older adults; however, this study will test whether their research findings are generalizable to community settings. Tai Chi-naïve participants from Culver City Senior Center will receive a 10-week Tai Chi. The investigators will compare this group to a wait-list control group. All subjects will receive a packet of questionnaires of pre- and post-intervention vitality, fatigue and health-related quality of life. Subjects will also be given an activity monitor to wear for 2 days before they start the Tai Chi class and for 2 days after they complete the class, to determine if there is a change in general physical activity level.

Official Title
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Tai Chi, Vitality and Activity in a Community Setting

Conditions
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Physical Activity, Fatigue

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Tai Chi


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Healthy Older adult > 60 years of age Exclusion Criteria: Older adults who have severe osteoarthritis or chronic pain disorders Non ambulatory Any condition that would adversely impact their participation in Tai Chi

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Factorial Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Tai Chi<br>Tai Chi instruction, 2x week in a community senior center setting | Behavioral: Tai Chi<br>* Tai Chi classes, 60 minutes, 2x week<br>* Other names: relaxation;|
| No Intervention: Wait List Control<br>This is a wait list control group. There is no active or placebo intervention. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Physical Activity | Objectively assessed physical activity measured using accelerometers | Immediately post-intervention (10 weeks) | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Vitality | Measures of fatigue, mood, perceived stress and vitality, administered via self-report | Immediately post-intervention (10 weeks) | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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exercise, physical activity, tai chi