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Implementing Tai Chi Exercise in Long-Term Care to Reduce Falls
Angela F Miles1, David C Mulkey
1Nursing Department, Georgia War Veterans Home, Milledgeville (Dr Miles); and College of Nursing and Health Care Professions, Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona (Dr Mulkey).
Background:
Falls are a frequent occurrence in older adults in long-term care facilities.
Local Problem:
At our long-term care facility, the percentage of patients who fell increased from 45% in 2021 to 68% in 2022, indicating a need for an evidence-based solution.
Methods:
We used an evidence-based quality improvement framework to pilot a tai chi exercise program.
Interventions:
Residents were invited to participate in the Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance program for 12 weeks. Classes were 30 minutes long and included a 5-minute warm-up and 5-minute cooldown.
Results:
Seventy-five residents participated in the tai chi program. There was a significant 32.3% reduction in falls ( P =.001). Residents' fall risk scores decreased 14% ( P < .001).
Conclusions:
Implementing a tai chi exercise project may affect falls and decrease the overall fall risk.
