Improving sleep quality in older adults with moderate sleep complaints: A randomized controlled trial of Tai Chi Chih.

ABSTRACT:

Study objectives

To determine the efficacy of a novel behavioral intervention, Tai Chi Chih, to promote sleep quality in older adults with moderate sleep complaints.

Design

Randomized controlled trial with 16 weeks of teaching followed by practice and assessment 9 weeks later. The main outcome measure was sleep quality, as assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Setting

General community at 2 sites in the US between 2001 and 2005.

Participants

Volunteer sample of 112 healthy older adults, aged 59 to 86 years.

Intervention

Random allocation to Tai Chi Chih or health education for 25 weeks.

Results

Among adults with moderate sleep complaints, as defined by PSQI global score of 5 or greater, subjects in the Tai Chi Chih condition were

SUBMITTER: Irwin MR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2491506 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature