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Author Spotlight: Integrating Tai Chi with Mindfulness Training to Achieve an Effective Mind-Body Exercise
Published on: July 14, 2023
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Developing and evaluating a mindfulness-based finger/hand exercise intervention for ethnically diverse older adults
Jianghong Liu1, Yi Yang1, Haoer Shi1
1University of Pennsylvania, United States.
Geriatric Nursing (New York, N.Y.)
|February 13, 2024
Summary
Newly developed finger and hand exercises are feasible, safe, and acceptable for promoting health in diverse older adults, including those with disabilities. This intervention shows promise for ethnic minority populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Rehabilitation Science
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Limited exercise interventions exist for ethnic minority older adults, particularly those with disabilities.
- Finger and hand exercises are crucial for maintaining functional independence in older populations.
- Promoting health and well-being in diverse aging communities requires accessible and adaptable programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of a newly developed finger and hand exercise program.
- To assess the intervention's suitability for ethnically diverse older adults with and without disabilities.
- To establish a foundation for future efficacy studies of this novel exercise intervention.
Main Methods:
- Three feasibility studies were conducted involving 116 older adults (mean age 71.5), including Chinese, African, and Hispanic participants.
- A 10-minute daily video-based finger/hand exercise intervention was delivered in-person or online, with research assistant supervision.
- Feasibility was assessed through recruitment, intervention fidelity, safety monitoring, outcome assessment, and participant acceptability.
Main Results:
- High intervention fidelity (implementable and acceptable) and satisfactory attendance rates (74-80%) were observed across studies.
- Low attrition rates (0-12%) and no adverse events were reported, indicating a safe intervention.
- Preliminary data suggests feasibility and acceptability of the finger/hand exercises for diverse older adult populations.
Conclusions:
- The developed finger and hand exercise program is feasible, safe, and acceptable for ethnically diverse older adults, including those with disabilities.
- This intervention demonstrates potential for improving health outcomes in underserved aging populations.
- Further research is warranted to explore the efficacy of these exercises in promoting functional health in older adults.
