Ralph's blog

Consensus Document on Complimentary Medicine and Cardiology

Assessing Meaningful Outcomes There are a variety of practical methods available to objectively measure the response to mindful exercise particularly for meditation, yoga, gigong, and Tai Chi inspired programs. Below are some examples that have been employed in the research domain for years:

Yogic Lifestyles and Atherosclerosis Regression

Over the last 10 years there have been no less than 80 peer-reviewed published studies on tai chi and/or qigong exercise and older adults. The sudy below conducted in Portland reinforces the utility of tai chi to reduce the fear of falling. One option for Tai Chi and Qigong practitioners to objectively measure balance and fear of falling would be to use the Tinetti Falls Efficacy and Balance Scale (see section below at end of study summary and web reference). Study Summary: Falls self-efficacy as a mediator of fear of falling in an exercise intervention for older adults. Li F, et. al. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2005;60:P34-40. Oregon Res. Inst. N = 256 community-dwelling older adults aged 70-92 years (Portland OR) Tai Chi (n = 125) or a stretching control (n = 131) exercise intervention, 3X/wk or 6 mos. Measures of falls self-efficacy and fear of falling were assessed at baseline and at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. Falls self-efficacy as a mediator of change in fear of falling that resulted from the 6-month Tai Chi intervention. RESULTS: Tai Chi participants, who evidenced improvement in falls self-efficacy over the course of the intervention, reported greater reductions in fear of falling, compared with those in the stretching control condition. TINETTI'S FALLS EFFICACY SCALE Contact Mary Tinetti (Quebec Candada) at www.arom.com