Seated Tai Chi exercises can be an excellent form of movement for stroke survivors. According to a new study published in Stroke, stroke survivors who practiced the exercises had equal or greater improvement in hand and arm strength, balance control, shoulder range of motion, and reduced symptoms of depression.
The American Heart Association recommends that people start stroke rehabilitation within seven days and continue for up to six months after a stroke. Unfortunately, many patients do not continue with rehabilitation therapy because of their physical limitations.
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Physicians suggest that muscle strength training, including yoga and Tai Chi, could be beneficial for stroke survivors for improving balance, mental health, and quality of life while reducing the fear of falling because of physical implications.
Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art that consists of a series of slow, careful movements of the arms, hands, neck, legs, and core. These movements are combined with deep breathing. Tai Chi can be done in a standing or sitting position. People who have had a recent ischemic stroke and have experienced partial paralysis could benefit from practicing Tai Chi in a seated position.
The recent study was conducted at two traditional Chinese medicine hospitals in China. A total of 160 adults with an average age of 63 years who had suffered their first stroke within six months of joining this study were analyzed. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to the sitting Tai Chi program, and the other half were part of the control group that practiced a standard stroke rehabilitation exercise program.
It was found that the participants who practiced seated Tai Chi exercises had improved hand and arm function and sitting balance control compared to those in the standard group. Participants in the sitting Tai Chi group also had significant reductions in symptoms of depression, and better shoulder range of motion, and showed significant improvements in activities of daily life.
Lead study author Jie Zhao explained, “Sitting Tai Chi can be practiced in a chair or wheelchair and is very convenient since it can be done in your home. The program costs almost nothing to practice, and it doesn’t require any special equipment or travel time.”
Leading Cause of Disability
According to the American Heart Association, stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. It is also currently the 5th leading cause of death. Because of these statistics, it is vital for people to help reduce the risk of their chance of stroke. The good news is that stroke can be prevented by following healthy lifestyle habits such as getting plenty of exercises and consuming a healthy diet. Getting the proper vitamins and nutrients the body needs is also an excellent way to reduce health risks.
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Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
