hand and arm strength, shoulder range of motion, balance control, symptoms of depression and activities of daily living than those in the control group, the study found.
The report was published online April 7 in the journal Stroke.
The findings showed that sitting tai chi is an effective option to improve stroke survivors’ balance, coordination, strength and flexibility, according to Zhao.
Zhao plans a follow-up study to measure the long-term effects of sitting tai chi.
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How to do tai chi
“Sitting tai chi can be practiced in a chair or wheelchair and is very convenient since it can be done in your home. The program costs almost nothing to practice, and it doesn’t require any special equipment or travel time,” Zhao says.
“People will most likely need to adhere to the sitting tai chi exercise beyond 12 weeks to get the beneficial long-term effects,” Zhao adds.
Tai chi is slow and gentle, and generally doesn’t have negative side effects. However, you can get injured if you don’t use the proper techniques so it is important to talk with your doctor and find a qualified tai chi instructor before getting started.