Pilot Study on Sitting Tai Chi Exercise for Chronic Stroke Survivors with Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment Assessing Cognitive, Motor, and Emotional Benefits

What this Trial Is About

Stroke remains a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with many survivors experiencing post-stroke cognitive impairment PSCI. This trial evaluates a tailored sitting Tai Chi program designed to improve cognitive function and other rehabilitation outcomes in chronic stroke survivors with PSCI. The study is a pilot randomized controlled trial aiming to understand how this program may benefit patients and their caregivers. Participants are randomly assigned to either a sitting Tai Chi group or a control group receiving usual care. The Tai Chi group will practice a 10-form sitting Tai Chi routine led by a trained registered nurse, three times a week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting 40 minutes. Caregivers are involved to support safety and participation. The control group receives standard inpatient care without extra rehabilitation but will be offered Tai Chi after the study period. Throughout the study, researchers will assess participants at the start, eight weeks, and twelve weeks using various scales measuring cognitive function, upper limb function, balance, depressive symptoms, daily activities, and quality of life. They will also monitor recruitment and retention rates, participant satisfaction, and any adverse events. Qualitative interviews will explore participants experiences with the Tai Chi program. The total study period includes baseline to 12 weeks of treatment and follow-up.

A Sitting Tai Chi Programme for Chronic Stroke Survivors With Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment