Tai Chi: Evidence-Based Mind-Body Wellness

Tai Chi: Evidence-Based Mind-Body Wellness Jill Renken, MPH, CHES OAA Consultant & Community Research Associate GWAAR & WIHA 2016 Wisconsin Healthy A...
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Tai Chi: Evidence-Based Mind-Body Wellness Jill Renken, MPH, CHES OAA Consultant & Community Research Associate GWAAR & WIHA

2016 Wisconsin Healthy Aging Summit 6/2016

Session Overview • Overview of Tai Chi • What makes a program highest level evidence-based • How to implement Tai Chi at the highest evidence-based level criteria • Program options Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance Tai Chi Fundamentals Tai Chi (for Arthritis) • How to get started: Training options here in WI

Tai Chi • Tai Chi is a graceful form of exercise that involves a series of movements, known as forms, that are performed in a slow, focused manner combined with controlled breathing. • Low impact exercise that puts minimal stress on muscles and joints—making it suitable for many older adults. • Doesn’t require special equipment and can be practiced indoors or outdoors, either alone or in a group. • Many health benefits (overall health and wellness) Tai Chi has been shown to help prevent falls, by • Improve balance • Increase leg strength • Reduce fear of falling • Improve mobility • Increase flexibility • Improve psychological health

What makes a program highest level Evidence-Based • Demonstrated through evaluation to be effective for improving the health and wellbeing or reducing disease, disability and/or injury among older adults; and • Proven effective with older adult population, using Experimental or Quasi-Experimental Design;* and • Research results published in a peer-review journal; and • Fully translated in one or more community site(s); and • Includes developed dissemination products that are available to the public.

What Tai Chi programs are Evidence-Besed for older adults fall prevention? • Either meets the criteria on it’s own (Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance)

• Follows the CDC guidelines + has a dissemination package (Tai Chi Fundamentals and Tai Chi for Arthritis) CDC guidelines for fall prevention (adults 65 and older) •Attend Tai Chi classes at least twice a week and participate actively in class. •Practice Tai Chi regularly for a total of 50 hours or more. •Maintain an upright (straight) posture at all times to reduce the chances of falling.

Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance (overview) An evidence-based fall prevention program designed and researched by Dr. Fuzhong Li, Oregon Research Institute Program components • Yang Style (1 of 5 styles) • Traditional 24-form modified and simplified for older adults • = 8 single forms arranged in a sequence from easy to more difficult Evidence-Based • Studied in a Randomized Control Trial (one of the most reliable forms of scientific study) • Implementation was also studied and published in a peer-reviewed journal • Dissemination package available Note: being done through YMCAs also (separate)

Tai Chi Fundamentals (overview) Tai Chi Fundamentals® (TCF) was developed by Patricia Yu based on decades of experience teaching thousands of students at her Tai Chi Center in Madison, WI. Targeted elements that enhance balance, coordination, strength and endurance. Non evidence based (low level), but evaluated and collaborated with physical and occupational therapists to analyze program applications for therapy and function. • Yang Style • Simple-to-complex progression of 24 discrete, repetitive standing exercises CAARN current research project (short form) Dane, Milwaukee, and LaCrosse counties UW Madison and Tricia Yu

Tai Chi for Arthritis (overview) Originally created by Dr. Paul Lam, a world-renowned Tai Chi teacher and family physician, it utilizes Sun style Tai Chi, one of the 4 major recognized styles of Tai Chi. • Particularly effective for people with arthritis includes agile steps and exercises that may improve mobility, breathing and relaxation. • Consists of twelve movements (6 basic and 6 advanced), a warm up and a cool down using Sun style of Tai Chi exercises. Benefits Reduced pain and stiffness - Improved concentration and memory - Improved balanced and coordination - Improved muscle strength and stamina - Improved posture and biomechanics - Increased circulation, heart and lung function Improved ability to cope with stress and depression

Training Options Tai Chi Moving for Better Balance • Bring trainer to WI (Suman Barkus) • $350-$450 per person Tai Chi Fundamentals • Trainings already occur in WI (one in the Fall) • $250 per person Tai Chi for Arthritis • Bring trainer to WI • $225 per person

Note: GWAAR IIID carryover funds available to be used by December 2016 to help cover training costs (more information to come soon from Jill)

Questions? Jill Renken, MPH, CHES Older Americans Act Consultant & Community Research Associate Greater WI Agency on Aging Resources & WI Institute for Healthy Aging [email protected] 608-228-8081