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Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention
A Community Experience
Vanessa Jessup
APA Titled Gerontological Physiotherapist
Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor
Acknowledgements
Today….a beginning:
An Introduction: Tai Chi for Health Programmes
A brief Overview of Tai Chi
Tai Chi Styles
Essential Tai Chi Principles
The Benefits of Tai Chi
An Experience of Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention –
Aboriginal Community Setting
Programme and Design
Participant Feedback
Challenges
Key Learnings and Opportunity
What is Your Experience?
Tai Chi Participant?
Tai Chi Instructor?
Have you specifically worked with
the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls
Prevention Programme?
Have you considered Tai Chi for
yourself or for those with whom
you work?
Introduction: Tai Chi for Health Programmes
Tai Chi for Arthritis (TCA) is developed (1997) by Australian Family
Physician Dr. Paul Lam working with a team of health professionals
including Rheumatologists, Physiotherapists and Tai Chi experts.
The TC for Health Programmes for other chronic conditions
(such as Diabetes and Osteoporosis) followed - combining:
Traditional Tai Chi
Current evidence medical knowledge
Contemporary Teaching methods
A Brief Overview of Tai Chi
Most prominent Chinese martial art form of the Internal Style
Internal Style places emphasis on:
Breathing -deepened and slowed
Mental focus
Movements are generally softer, fluid, gentle, graceful, circular,
relaxed, slow-moving and of an even tempo.
Tai Chi Styles
Five major styles of Tai Chi
Each style has it’s own characteristics, strengths and principles
Most share the same Essential Principles
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention utilises the Sun-Style
Characteristics of the Sun-Style
Agile steps with many forward
and backward movements and
follow steps
A higher stance which makes it
easier to learn and less
stressful on lower limb joints
Qigong breathing exercises
Artistic depth –holds interest
Essential Tai Chi Principles
TAI CHI
Movement Control
Resistance and Qi
Weight Transfer
Posture
Loosen Joints
Focus
Demonstration: Dr. Paul Lam
Tai Chi Benefits – the research:
Improved flexibility, muscle strength, balance and agility
Improves aerobic fitness
Improve joint and muscular pain
Reduces the risk of falls in older people
Improved overall sense of well-being and quality of life
Reduces stress, anxiety and depression
Improves mood
Improved quality of sleep
Enhanced immune system and healing (breathing and circulation)
Reduces blood pressure
An Experience of Tai Chi
for
Arthritis and Falls Prevention
in a
Aboriginal Community Setting
Aboriginal Elders Community Programme
Programme:
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention
Aboriginal Elders Community Programme
Purpose:
Introduce Tai Chi (for Arthritis and Falls Prevention) as a physical
activity option as part of a heathy lifestyle
Part of a series of group-based initiatives
- Aboriginal specific healthy lifestyle programmes for elders with
one or more chronic conditions (self-management)
Support individual well-being goals
Aboriginal Elders Community Programme
Participants
Community-dwelling Aboriginal Elders (aged 40’s to 70’s)
Majority female
Self-reported generally minimally active
Range of chronic conditions and abilities
Three participants had experienced one or more falls past 12months
One participant fall in the previous week
4-10 participants per session
No exclusion criteria
Class Design
Number and Duration of Sessions
6 weeks – 1 session per week for approx. 1 hour
Exercise time: 30 – 40 minutes
Home Practice
Time of class: following morning tea
Required to Implement
TCA Instructor
Air-conditioned room
Chairs with and without armrests and footstool
CD player for Tai Chi music
Timing (wall clock or similar)
The Classes
Welcome, Tai Chi greeting and general sharing
Emphasis on Enjoyment and Safety
One Essential Principle each session
Intention setting
Warm-up and Stretching (per TCA)
The Forms (Basic 6 movements/forms and qigong)
Teaching of 1-2 forms per week and practice of sequence
Rest mid-way with ongoing teaching and sharing
Cool-down
Shared reflection and individual action for the week
Pre-Class Planning: Co-ordinator
Connecting with the Co-ordinator prior to meeting the participants
– Cultural considerations
– Safety and Suitability
• Medical clearance of participants
• Participant health background
• Emergency procedures
– Expected outcomes
– Evaluation process
Communication during the weeks - format
Pre-Class Planning: Participants
Connecting with the Community prior to the first Tai Chi session
– Meet and Greet
– Observation
– Sharing a little of Tai Chi (TCA) and information handout
– Sharing of individuals’ ideas, goals and expectations
Class environment and equipment
Scheduling of time to meet individual participants as desired, on the
day of our first session – prior to session.
Demonstration: Seated Tai Chi
Participant Feedback
TAI CHI
Pain
Balance
Confidence
Sleep
Mental Health
Self-Belief
Participant Feedback
I don’t feel so stiff and sore and it is easier to move about generally
I am sleeping better – my mind is not so busy
I feel more steady with my walker
My shoulder doesn’t hurt as much when I use my walker
I didn’t feel rushed or silly – I would like to continue the Tai Chi
I don’t have to lean on the kitchen bench as much to reach the
cupboard (my back doesn’t feel like it is going to give way and I am
more steady on my feet)
Easier to get up from my chair (my knee and hand - not so sore)
Participant Feedback
More confident when moving
I didn’t believe I could learn something like this at my age – I feel
good in myself
It is difficult to remember the movements between classes
I feel calmer
This is so relaxing
I can get more done in the day and am not so tired
I do not rush as much – especially on the days I have done my
Tai Chi
I feel more at peace – for me and my son (family bereavement)
We want to learn more Tai Chi – when are you coming back?
Challenges: Programme Delivery
Unable to meet and assess participants individually prior to classes
Participant variability – including vision, balance and mobility
Timings for Participants and the Centre
Programme limits
6 classes only
Public holidays – interrupted flow
Room design and ventilation
Key Learnings and Opportunities
Planning and Scope
Participants
Collaborate and Gather
Key Learnings and Opportunities
Research
Career Diversity
Health System Support
FAQ’s
www.taichiforhealthinstitute.org:
What is Tai Chi?
How does it Work?
Tai Chi for Health Programmes
How to Become an Instructor and list of Certified Instructors
Tai Chi Articles
Research (Medical) Studies
www.stayonyourfeet.com.au
Instructor Training
Classes
www.arthritiswa.org.au
Classes
More……
Contact:
Vanessa Jessup
Physiotherapist
M: 0412 518 016
References
• http:/www.taichiforhealthinstitute.org
This website lists over 30 studies
• http:/www.stayonyourfeet.com.au
• http:/www.arthritiswa.org.au
