| Author: | Wong, Hiu-po Chris |
| Title: | Therapeutic efficacy of exercise intervention in chronic stroke individuals : Tai Chi against conventional physical training |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 2002 |
| Subject: | Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations Cerebrovascular disease -- Patients -- Rehabilitation Tai chi Physical therapy |
| Department: | Multi-disciplinary Studies Jockey Club Rehabilitation Engineering Centre |
| Pages: | xii, 101 leaves : col. ill. ; 30 cm |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | This was a randomized, experimental study conducted at community settings. Objective of the study was 1.) to examine whether exercise training, either Tai Chi or conventional training would benefit balance and ambulatory ability in chronic stroke individuals and 2.) to determine whether there was any difference in therapeutic efficacy and applicability between Tai Chi group and conventional training group. Eighteen chronic stroke individuals altogether participated in the study and were assigned to either Tai Chi group or conventional training group by simple randomization method. Tai Chi group received a one hour's 24-form Yang Style Tai Chi training twice a week lasting for 15 weeks. In the meantime, conventional training group practised a one hour's strengthening, mobilizing and unipedal standing exercise twice a week lasting for the same period. Balance variables such as fall efficacy scale, functional reach, unipedal stance, movement velocity, maximum excursion and directional control; and gait variables like physiological cost index, step length, step width, walking speed and step asymmetry were assessed prior to commencement as well as after post intervention. Variables were then analyzed with two-way mixed model repeated measures ANOVA. Results showed that both groups of participants improved with statistical significance (p < 0.05) in functional reach distance, unipedal stance duration (affected leg, eyes opened and closed), unipedal stance duration (good side, eyes opened), maximum excursion, physiological cost index and walking speed after 15 weeks of exercise intervention. In comparison, Tai Chi group tended to perform better (p < 0.05) in single leg standing (good leg, eyes closed), and movement velocity after intervention. In conclusion, those chronic stroke participants who had completed either training program, yielded significant balance and locomotion benefit after 15 weeks of exercise intervention; and at the same time, gained better socialization and self-efficacy. Improvements demonstrated in this study might suggest a reduction of stroke associated disability and an enhancement of functional capacity in chronic stroke individuals. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
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| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b1637843x.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 10.26 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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