Tai chi for enhanced inpatient mobilization: A feasibility study

To determine whether utilizing beginner, video-guided tai chi and qigong classes as an adjunct to physical therapy to enhance mobilization among hospitalized patients is feasible and acceptable.

Single-arm feasibility study over a 15½-week period.

Three medical-surgical units at one hospital.

Small-group video-guided beginner-level tai chi and qigong classes supervised by physical therapists occurred three times a week.

The primary outcome was weekly class attendance. Secondary outcomes included patient and staff satisfaction, collected by surveys and semi-structured interviews. Process measures included class duration. Balancing measures included falls.

One-hundred and fifty-seven patients were referred for recruitment, 45 gave informed consent, and 38 patients attended at least one class. The number of weekly class attendees increased during the study period. Based on first-class experience, 68% (26/38) of patients reported enjoying the class "quite a bit" or "extremely," 66% (25/38) of patients reported feeling "more mobile" afterward, and 76% (29/38) of patients agreed that the class made them more comfortable going home. Average class duration was 29 minutes. Zero falls occurred during or immediately following class.

Video-guided tai chi and qigong classes are feasible and well-received at our hospital. Future studies of the impact on preserving mobility and function or reducing length of stay are of interest.