Tai chi for stroke survivors
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring tai chi as an early intervention to improve balance and reduce falls among stroke survivors - a feasibility study.
IRAS ID
171300
Contact name
Elizabeth Harkin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Huddersfield
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
There has been a considerable increase in re-admission to hospital as a result of falls, placing a huge economic burden on the NHS (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE], 2013). People with stroke require rehabilitation to improve their functional mobility and are often referred to community therapy services. However, this rehabilitation stops once the patient has reached their full potential. This is usually before 6 months, the period during which the patient is most at risk of falling.
Physiotherapy for stroke survivors has been recommended by NICE for at least 45 minutes, 5 times a week. However, this includes travel and paperwork, leaving little time for rehabilitation. Self-practice at home could be an effective supplement to achieve this recommendation. Effective exercise programmes in the community are lacking (Department of Health, 2008).
According to the Department of Health (2010), exercise is required in order to prevent a first fall, and that this exercise could be tai chi.
It is unknown if tai chi would be acceptable amongst stroke survivors in the UK. Therefore, I propose a feasibility study using a modified tai chi programme with home-practice for stroke survivors in the early rehabilitation phase, in order to evaluate its acceptance, compliance and adherence, as well as recruitment rates. In addition, the acceptable dose of tai chi, power calculation and suitability of outcome measures will be assessed.
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/2037
Date of REC Opinion
14 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion