Abstract WP509: Stroke Survivors’ Perceptions of Well-Being and Recovery After a Tai Chi Exercise Intervention

Abstract

Background: Tai Chi exercise is known to improve health and well-being among older adults. Most Tai Chi studies conducted among stroke survivors have focused on physical functioning, whereas inclusion of stroke survivors’ feelings and perceptions of Tai Chi is lacking. Understanding the benefits and difficulties of participating in Tai Chi exercise from stroke survivors’ perspectives is important for healthcare providers to investigate. Objective: Using storytelling, we sought to identify stroke survivors’ feelings and perceptions of participating in a Tai Chi intervention during their post-stroke recovery. Methods: This descriptive qualitative study examined stories from community-dwelling stroke survivors, collected as part of a larger randomized clinical trial. Participants (n=17) were on average 71 years old (range=54-87 years) mainly men (65%); and had the option of writing their own story or having someone write it for them. To examine these stories, an inductive content analysis approach was used with a priori theoretical codes (and sub-codes): 1.) Feelings (confidence, enjoy, hopeful, helpful, other), and 2.) Perceptions of Impact (physical abilities, mental/cognitive abilities, challenges, other). Lincoln and Guba’s criteria were followed to ensure trustworthiness of the data. Results: When examining these stories, the majority of stroke survivors felt that participating in a Tai Chi intervention was helpful and enjoyable, and some felt improved confidence. Further, they perceived the impact of Tai Chi on their post-stroke recovery led to improved physical abilities, such as better balance and walking, along with fewer falls. Likewise, stroke survivors perceived that their mental and cognitive abilities improved due to learning a sequence of Tai Chi movements. There were no perceived challenges. Overall, they perceived the impact of Tai Chi helped them to be more independent, move forward, develop friendships and make connections in their communities again. Conclusions: Using storytelling, healthcare providers can discuss the benefits of Tai Chi and then relate the feelings and perceptions of other stroke survivors’ experiences to encourage engagement in regular physical activity to aid in the post-stroke recovery process.