Effectiveness of the Simplified Tai-Chi Exercise Program(STEP) on promoting physical and mental health of older adults with Parkinson’s disease

• Main Authors: Hui-Chen Chao, 趙慧珍
• Other Authors: Kuei-Min Chen
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2007
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/mrj85u

碩士 === 輔英科技大學 === 護理系碩士班 === 96 === Background: Parkinson’s disease is a type of chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease. The ratios of the disease increase with the increase in the age of patients. There are four major model clinical symptoms: tremors, akinesia, rigidity, and impairment of balance reflexes. These symptoms are the main reasons behind obstacles to daily activity functions. Research shows that medicine and appropriate sports activities can decrease the patient''s obstacles in terms of physical activity, thus improving the quality of their daily life. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Simplified Tai-Chi Exercise Program (STEP) training in the promotion of physical and mental health among middle-aged and older adults with Parkinson’s disease. Method: This study employed a mixed design, with two groups undergoing repeated measures. A purposive sampling method was used to select the Pingtung area teaching hospital, and exercise training for 38 outpatients with Parkinson’s disease. Accordingly, their volunteer separated them into the tai chi group (n = 16) or the control group (n = 22). The intervention program is Simplified Tai-Chi Exercise Program for 50 minutes each time, three times a week and lasting for 14 weeks. At the end of the study, 33 participants completed the study (13 in the Tai chi group and 22 in the control group). Physiologic measurements included: the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale with Activity of Daily Living Subscale (UPDRS-ADL), and Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale with Motor subscale (UPDRS-Motor), blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, Senior Fitness Testing (e.g.: Chair Sit-and-Reach Test, Arm and Curl, One Leg Stand with Eyes Open, and Chair Stand Test).Psychological measurement were conducted with the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39). Analysis: The SPSS 13.0 for windows was used to analyze the data. Repeated Measures were assessed at baseline, 2nd-week, 6th-week, 10th-week, and 14th-week, that repeated measurement for time differences and variances in ADL, Motor, quality of life, and physical performance were measured. Result: At 14 weeks, those no abbreviation patients were found to have a better status in terms of physical and mental health. In the aspect of physical health, it included significant improvement on activity of daily living, mobility, muscle strength, flexible, and balance (p < .000). In the aspect of mental health, it included significant improvement on quality of life ( p < .000).The study findings, as proven, may serve as reference in nursing care, exercise, and physical treatment standards for Parkinson’s disease