Tai chi for stroke survivors version 2.0
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, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
There has been a considerable increase in stroke survivors being re-admitted to hospital as a result of falls, placing a substantial 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 it is felt that the patient has reached their full potential. This is usually within the first six months, which is the period during which the patient is most at risk of falling. This suggests that falls prevention programmes for stroke survivors should be implemented at an early stage.
Physiotherapy for stroke survivors has been recommended by NICE for at least 45 minutes, five 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 of a programme of tai chi supplemented with home-practice for stroke survivors in the early rehabilitation phase. The intention is to collect the information necessary for a future randomised clinical trial. The study will evaluate such things as recruitment rates, data on outcome measures, acceptance, compliance and adherence. In addition, participants' experiences of the exercise will be assessed.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/YH/0130
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion