Experiences and perceptions of the short-form Sun-style Tai Chi training in Caucasians with COPD

IntroductionShort-form Sun-style Tai Chi (SSTC) is an effective form of exercise training for people with COPD. However, the experiences and perceptions of people with COPD about SSTC are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences and perceptions of STSS training by people with COPD.MethodsPeople with COPD who participated in a 12-week SSTC program were asked to complete a survey. Each question was associated with a visual analogue scale (VAS) of 100 millimetres (mm) and participants were asked to place a mark on the line at the point which best described the answer to the question. A higher score indicated a better experience.ResultsTwenty-three Caucasians with COPD and no previous Tai Chi experience, mean (SD) FEV1 = 55 (16)% predicted, completed the survey after SSTC training. Although participants reported moderate difficulty in remembering Tai Chi movements VAS = 53 (30) mm, they reported high enjoyment with Tai Chi training (88 (10) mm) and large perceived improvement in physical fitness (77 (20) mm), flexibility (75 (20) mm), balance 78 (10) mm) and relaxation (79 (20) mm). The majority of participants indicated that they would continue Tai Chi as their regular maintenance exercise regimen in the long-term (82 (20) mm).ConclusionsCaucasians with COPD found that SSTC was an enjoyable mode of exercise and that it was an effective way to improve physical fitness, flexibility, balance and relaxation. Participants reported that they would continue Tai Chi as their regular maintenance exercise regimen.