Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were forced to change the way they do things, including health and wellness programs and exercising . Gyms and exercise centers were mostly closed. If places were open, people opted to stay home for safety and to protect their health. This includes people with general overhead good health and those with health conditions.
This study looked at the feasibility of offering virtual Ta Chi programs for individuals with Cystic Fibrosis.
Forty participants were randomized into 2 groups- group A meeting face-to-face with a private instructor, and Group B with private lessons using a virtual set up. For each group, eight lessons were delivered over a period of three months, timetabled depending on the patient's current health status.
Age groups for the study were as follows: 6–11, 12–16, >16 years.
Movements were adapted from the “Eternal Spring” therapeutic Tai Chi and Qigong method, which uses animal movements and can be practiced standing or seated. A DVD and printed exercise workbook were provided for additional practice.
According to the authors, this study has shown online TC is possible for people with CF and qualitative outcomes are comparable to in-person, face to face tuition.
For the participants in this study, internet tuition seemed to be convenient, enabled normal family life to continue, and could engage patients who were geographically isolated or unable to join a local group.
ABSTRACT
Learning to breathe with Tai Chi online – qualitative data from a randomized controlled feasibility study of patients with cystic fibrosis
October 27, 2020
This article was originally published here
Eur J Integr Med. 2020 Oct 22:101229. doi: 10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101229. Online ahead of print.
INTRODUCTION:
Tai Chi (TC), a gentle exercise, incorporates meditative movement and respiratory control. The high risk of cross infection for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) requires close management in healthcare settings, limiting group activities such as TC. A mixed-methods randomized controlled feasibility study compared teaching TC over the internet with in-person, face to face TC tuition provided to CF patients. This article explores qualitative data from patients and TC instructors on their attitudes, acceptability and engagement with the two modes of TC delivery.
METHODS: Qualitative data from CF patients (>6 years) were collected using Skype interviews/focus groups and written feedback. TC instructors provided weekly written feedback, and took part in interviews/ focus groups at the end of the study. Patients and instructors interviews explored their experiences and engagement with TC online delivery and ability to practice.
RESULTS: Irrespective of the type of TC delivery, all CF participants interviewed (n=28) practiced between lessons and most wanted to continue TC. Teenagers were more likely to miss TC appointments. Internet delivery was well received by both patients and TC instructors. Two patients reported difficulties with screen size/camera and one with internet connectivity.
CONCLUSION: Both face-to-face and internet delivery of Tai Chi lessons were equally well received and perceived as beneficial. In the current COVID-19 pandemic, CF patients self-isolating may find this intervention provides important support, therefore the programme was made available on YouTube in April 2020 and linked to the websites of the CF charities funding the research.
PMID:33106755 | PMC:PMC7578181 | DOI:10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101229
