A Virtual Tai Chi Intervention for Older Adults with Mobility Disabilities: Results from a Single-Arm Clinical Trial with the TechSAge Tele Tai Chi Program.

Background/

Objectives

Telewellness programs can expand access to exercise and social opportunities for older adults, especially those with mobility disabilities. The TechSAge Tele Tai Chi clinical trial assessed whether the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention program was feasible and acceptable when delivered in a virtual format for adults aging with mobility disabilities, and examined pre-to-post changes in two primary outcomes: physical activity and social connectedness.

Methods

The TechSAge Tele Tai Chi study was a single-arm clinical trial. Sixty community-dwelling adults (60-77 years of age; M = 69.2, SD = 4.8) with self-identified long-term mobility disability (≥10 years) joined the virtual classes from home twice a week for 8 weeks. Participants exercised along with pre-recorded video lessons and engaged in guided social discussion. Assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up were analyzed with linear mixed models.

Results

Leisure physical activity (PASIPD) increased significantly, with back-transformed marginal means rising from 14.2 MET h/wk at baseline to 28.7 MET h/wk post-intervention (p < 0.001). The Social Participation subscale of social connectedness also increased from baseline to post-intervention (p = 0.014); the overall social-connectedness composite did not change significantly. The virtual translation was feasible with high intervention fidelity and adherence, and participants reported high acceptability, satisfaction, enjoyment, and intention to continue.

Conclusions

Adults aging with mobility disabilities can safely and successfully participate in virtual group tai chi with appropriate modifications and technology support.