Sitting Tai Chi program boosts recovery among subacute stroke survivors

A tailored sitting Tai Chi program effectively improves recovery outcomes among subacute stroke survivors, according to a study.

A total of 160 subacute stroke survivor–caregiver dyads were randomly assigned to the sitting Tai Chi intervention (n=80) or attention control (n=80). The sitting Tai Chi program comprised five series of exercises for stroke survivors with physical impairments, each with a target of strengthening the muscles for upper limb function and balance while taking into consideration survivors’ physical limitations. Each series involved a 5-minute warmup, 30-minute Tai Chi exercises, and 5-minute cool down, conducted 3 days per week for 12 weeks.

On the other hand, the control attention underwent hospital-recommended upper limb movements, with the exercise dose, implementation strategies, and caregiver responsibilities identical to those in the intervention group.

The mean age of stroke survivors was 63 years, with a stroke event occurring on average 1.5 months before the beginning of the study. Stroke severity was mild (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale: 4.04±2.32) at baseline.

After 12 weeks, the sitting Tai Chi group vs the control group showed significant upper limb function improvement in the primary outcomes, such as the performance time (regression coefficient of the group-by-time interaction: B, –21.415) and functional ability (B, 10.146) domains of the Wolf Motor Function Test, balance control (B, 4.972), and sitting balance control (B, 4.397).

In addition, the intervention was associated with marked improvements in secondary outcomes, including depressive symptoms (B, –1.626), shoulder extension (B, 4.518), activities of daily living (B, 5.510), and quality of life (B, 15.680).

The findings support the integration of sitting Tai Chi as a component of exercise prescription for early stroke recovery.