Development of a Direction-Oriented Motion and Short-Sitting and Lying Tai Chi (DOM-SSLTC) Model for Function Recovery in Stroke Patients

Introduction: Tai Chi has been shown to have significant benefits in improving muscle strength, balance, and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to design a sitting or lying Tai Chi model with a better playing posture that is easier to play, and with greater exercise efficiency for stroke patients. Methods: Eighteen stroke patients were recruited (> 6 months post-stroke; modified Rankin Scale: 2–4). The Direction-Oriented Motion and Short-Sitting and Lying Tai Chi (DOM-SSLTC) model was composed of nine typical Yang-style Tai Chi forms. All the subjects received 12 practice sessions (90 min per session) led by a Tai Chi master, and performed the DOM-SSLTC for 60 min per day for 3 months at home. The characteristics of the exercise patterns were quantified using a Tai Chi master’s motions. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Modified Ashworth Scale, Modified Rankin Scale, Barthel Index, muscle endurance, and psychological evaluations were used to evaluate the effect of the Tai Chi exercise program on the stroke patients. Results: The results showed that the rectus femoris and sternocleidomastoid muscles had larger contractions and also had larger trunk flexion in the deep breath with one leg stretched Tai Chi pattern. The 18 stroke patients had significantly decreased Depression Questionnaire scores and improvements in muscle power of knee stretching and sitting up after training. Conclusion: This newly developed Tai Chi model with one leg stretched allowed the stroke patients to practice with more intensive exercise, and resulted in improvements in muscle power and depression scale after 3 months exercise.