The Benefits of T'ai Chi for Older Adults with Chronic Back Pain: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the perceived benefits of t'ai chi in older adults with chronic low-back pain (cLBP). Design: A qualitative analysis from a randomized controlled feasibility trial. Subjects: Eighteen participants (65+ years old) with cLBP of at least moderate intensity. Intervention: A 36-week intervention beginning with twice weekly classes for 12 weeks, weekly classes for 6 weeks, biweekly classes for 6 weeks, and monthly classes for 12 weeks. Participants were asked to practice at home on nonclass days and videos were provided to assist in that process.Outcome Measures: Participants in the focus groups were asked to provide feedback on their experiences with the study as well as the benefits of their t'ai chi practice. We used demographic and class attendance data to describe the sample.Results: Regarding the benefits of t'ai chi practice, five major themes were identified: functional benefits, pain reduction/pain relief, psychospiritual benefits, the importance of social support in learning t'ai chi, and the integration of t'ai chi into daily activities. The most common functional benefits were improvements in balance, flexibility, leg strength, and posture. Some reported pain reduction or pain relief, but others did not. Increased relaxation, mindfulness, and a sense of connectedness were subthemes that emerged from psychospiritual benefits. Social support benefits included motivation to attend class and group support while learning a new skill. Finally, improved body awareness allowed participants to integrate t'ai chi skills into their daily activities.Conclusions: This qualitative analysis demonstrates the multifaceted benefits of t'ai chi for older adults living with cLBP.

Rapid conversion of Tai Chi classes from face‐to‐face to virtual during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A quality improvement project

“…All components of our defined feasibility measures were met. All nine participants were able to log in and successfully attend at least one class by VVC and five of the nine attended 11 or more virtual classes out of the 16 taught over an 8-week period (median [interquartile range]: 11 [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]). Two spouses attended on a regular basis, as well.…”

“…Tai Chi meets these criteria 11 . When practiced regularly, Tai Chi appears to have benefits not only for balance, fitness, and flexibility but also for the relief of pain and depression 11–19 . Traditionally, Tai Chi classes are offered face‐to‐face in a group setting.…”

“…11 When practiced regularly, Tai Chi appears to have benefits not only for balance, fitness, and flexibility but also for the relief of pain and depression. [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19] Traditionally, Tai Chi classes are offered face-to-face in a group setting. However, since the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions, these types of classes are not allowed in most Department of Veterans Affairs hospital (VA) settings.…”

Effect of different weekly frequencies of Chen-style Tai Chi in elders with chronic non-specific low back pain: Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…Given the promising data from younger adults [22,23], the value of TC for older adults with CNLBP remains worthy of investigation. Only two studies have looked at the role of TC in the elderly with CNLBP [24,25], but both have some limitations. Lee et al's study [24] demonstrated the multifaceted bene ts of TC for the elderly with CNLBP, but this study is only a qualitative study and the sample size is seriously insu cient (n = 18).…”

“…Only two studies have looked at the role of TC in the elderly with CNLBP [24,25], but both have some limitations. Lee et al's study [24] demonstrated the multifaceted bene ts of TC for the elderly with CNLBP, but this study is only a qualitative study and the sample size is seriously insu cient (n = 18). Sherman et al's study [25] con rmed that TC intervention is feasible and acceptable in the elderly with CNLBP, but in terms of sample size, it has the same methodological problems as an above study.…”