The Effect of Self-help Tai Chi Over 16 Weeks in Community Program for Older Adults Korean American Women |
Eunhee Lee |
Department of Nursing, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Wonju, Korea. leeeh@gwnu.ac.kr |
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Abstract |
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 16-week Self-help Tai Chi for Arthritis (SHTC) combined with health education for Korean American older women. METHODS This research was a designed quasi-experimental pre-posttest. Forty one women aged 55~79 were recruited 20 in SHTC group 21 in control group and, but twelve in SHTC group and thirteen in control group were left after 16 weeks. SHTC group was educated for 1 hour health education and 1hour TCA, once a week during 16 wks. Measurements for comparison were taken three times, at baseline, 8 wks and 16wks. The effect were evaluated with self-efficacy, shoulder flexibility, back flexibility, both hand grip strength and standing balance with closed eyes. RESULTS All variables except for left hand grip strength at baseline had significant homogeneity between both groups. After 16 weeks intervention, there was a significant interaction effect of time and group on right hand grip strength by repeated measure of ANOVA (F=3.398, p=.044). No significant interaction effects were found on self-efficacy, shoulder and back flexibility, left hand grip strength and standing balance with closed eyes. CONCLUSION I can suggest this self-help Tai Chi program may be effective partially, but further research is needed to establish the best times and periods to intervene for a better effect. |
Key Words:
Self-help group; Tai Chi |
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