Abstract
Institutional
wheelchair-bound older adults often do not get regular exercise and are
prone to health problems. The aim of this study was to test the effects
of a 12-week qigong exercise program on the physiological and
psychological health of wheelchair-bound older adults in long-term care
facilities. Study design was quasi-experimental, pre-post test,
nonequivalent control group. Participants comprised a convenience sample
of 72 wheelchair-bound older adults (qigong = 34; control = 38). The qigong
group exercised 35 min/day, 5 days/week for 12 weeks. Measures for
physical health (blood pressure, heart rate variability, and distal skin
temperature) and psychological health (Brief Symptom Rating Scale-5)
were collected before and during study Weeks 4, 8, and 12. The qigong
group participants' blood pressure, distal skin temperature, and
psychological health were significantly improved (all p < .001).
These findings suggest that qigong exercise is a suitable daily
activity for elderly residents in long-term care facilities and may help
in the control of blood pressure among older adults.
- PMID:
- 21385797
- [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
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