TechSAge Tele Tai Chi for People Aging With Mobility Disabilities

TechSAge Tele Tai Chi for People Aging With Mobility Disabilities

This study uses videoconferencing to deliver an evidence-based exercise program, Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis, to adults aging with long-term mobility disabilities. In the 8-week Tele Tai Chi intervention, participants will use a tablet or computer to join a small-group, online class (1hr, twice weekly) from home; during each session, participants will exercise as a group along with the pre-recorded video lessons and have the opportunity for social interaction (via video chat) before and after class. The study will examine the effects of the Tele Tai Chi program on physical activity and social connectedness for adults aging with long-term mobility disabilities, a population likely to experience barriers to exercise participation.

This study is part of the Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Technologies to Support Aging-in-Place for People with Long-Term Disabilities (RERC TechSAge). This study uses videoconferencing to translate an evidence-based exercise program for older adults, Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis, from an in-person setting to a remote class and to a different population, adults aging with mobility disabilities. In the 8-week Tele Tai Chi intervention, participants will use a tablet or computer to join a small-group, online class (1hr, twice weekly) from home; during each session, participants will exercise as a group along with the pre-recorded video lessons and have the opportunity for social interaction (via video chat) before and after class. The study will examine the effects of the Tele Tai Chi program on physical activity and social connectedness (primary outcomes), as well as exercise self-efficacy, falls efficacy, depression, quality of life, and pain (secondary outcomes) for adults aging with long-term mobility disabilities, a population likely to experience barriers to in-person exercise participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Be between the ages of 60-80
• Self-identify as having a mobility disability, use a mobility aid (i.e., cane, crutches, wheelchair, walker, or scooter) or have serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs
• Mobility disability for at least 10 years
• Passing score on Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) or letter from physician stating approved to participate in the intervention
• Passing score on Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS)-score 26 and above included
• Passing score of brief Technology Proficiency Screen (e.g., be able to do send and receive email)
• Have access to a webcam on computer or tablet
• Plan to have internet access for six months from screening
• Live in the US
• Be conversational in English
• Available to attend 1 hr online class 2x a week for 8 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

• Blind or deaf
• Significant Tai Chi practice during the past 6 months