Actively Recruiting
Effects of a Sitting Tai Chi Programme for Chronic Stroke Survivors With Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Led by Chinese University of Hong Kong · Updated on 2026-04-06
176
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
13 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
A Sitting Tai Chi Programme for Chronic Stroke Survivors With Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 years or above
- Diagnosed with first or recurrent ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke and post-stroke cognitive impairment
- In the chronic stage of stroke
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score between 19 and 25 (adjusted by education level)
- Able to sit independently with or without assistance
- Able to raise and use at least one arm while sitting (muscle strength 63 12)
- Have a primary caregiver who provides most assistance
- Able to communicate in Chinese and provide informed consent
- Currently hospitalized in the geriatric rehabilitation ward and unlikely to be discharged within 3 months
You will not qualify if you...
- Cognitive impairment caused by other conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or AIDS
- National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score greater than 16
- Severe hearing or visual impairment
- Severe complications after stroke (e.g., limited comprehension, aphasia, venous thrombosis)
- History of severe medical conditions or serious illnesses (e.g., myocardial infarction, cardiac devices, organ failure, malignancy, mental or neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's)
- Received thrombolytic therapy or surgery recently
- Joint replacement surgeries or fractures within the past 6 months
- Pregnant or lactating women
- Regular Tai Chi or other mind-body exercise practice at least three times per week within the past 6 months
- Participation in other clinical trials that might affect this study
- For caregivers: impaired cognitive function, being a medical resident or physical therapist, regular mind-body exercise practice recently, or participation in other clinical trials affecting this study
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants in the sitting Tai Chi group receive 12 weeks of 10-form sitting Tai Chi exercise training three days a week, 40 minutes per session, led by a registered nurse. Caregivers assist to ensure safety and encourage participation. Control group participants receive usual inpatient care without additional rehabilitation during this period.
Three visits per week for 12 weeks
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The Second People's Hospital of Kunming
Kunming, Yunnan, China, 650000
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jie Zhao Dr., PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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