Design, methodology and baseline characteristics of Tai Chi and its protective effect against ischaemic stroke risk in an elderly community population with risk factors for ischaemic stroke: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

IntroductionControlling risk factors with regular exercise is effective and cost-effective for the primary prevention of ischaemic stroke. As a traditional Chinese form of exercise, Tai Chi might be beneficial in decreasing ischaemic stroke, but the evidence remains insufficient. We hypothesise that elderly community adults with risk factors for ischaemic stroke will decrease their ischaemic stroke risk by improving cerebral haemodynamic parameters, cardiopulmonary function, motor function, plasma risk indices, physical parameters or psychological outcomes after receiving 12 weeks of regular Tai Chi training compared with those who maintained their original physical activities. Therefore, we designed a randomised controlled trial that will systematically evaluate the protective effects of Tai Chi exercise on ischaemic stroke risk in an elderly community population with risk factors for ischaemic stroke.Methods and analysisA total of 170 eligible participants were randomly allocated into either the Tai Chi training group or the usual physical activity group. This paper reports on the design, intervention development and baseline characteristics of the participants. There were no significant differences between comparison groups in demographic characteristics or the baseline data of primary or secondary outcomes. Participants in the Tai Chi training group will receive 12 weeks of Tai Chi training with a frequency of 5 days/week and 60 min/day, while those in the usual physical activities group will maintain their original activities. Primary and secondary outcomes will be measured at the 12-week and 24-week follow-ups.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the Medical Ethics Committee of The Affiliated People's Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (number 2013-020-02). The findings of this study will be communicated to healthcare professionals, participants and the public through peer-reviewed publications or scientific conferences.Trial registration numberChiCTR-TRC-13003601; Pre-results.

Subjective perceived impact of Tai Chi training on physical and mental health among community older adults at risk for ischemic stroke: a qualitative study

“…The current qualitative study was conducted in a randomized controlled trial examining the protective effects of a 12-week Tai Chi training on ischemic stroke risk in a community older adults at risk of ischemic stroke (ChiCTR-TRC-13003601) [ 17 ]. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews (see description in the Additional file 1 ).…”

Efficacy of Tai Chi and qigong for the prevention of stroke and stroke risk factors

“…One study protocol however has been recently published to examine Tai Chi's protective effects against ischemic stroke risk in a population with an increased risk for ischemic stroke. [ 71 ] While prevention trials like this may face certain challenges regarding the length of observation, and the number needed to treat (NNT, i.e., the average number of patients who need to be treated to prevent 1 additional stroke) to identify significant group differences for stroke, [ 72 ] indirect evidence may be gathered from other trials examining existing evidence on the effects of Tai Chi/qigong on stroke risk factors as done by this systematic review.…”