A mixed methods study of Tai Chi exercise for patients with chronic heart failure aged 70 years and older.

Aims and objectives: This study aimed to evaluate Tai Chi group training among patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) aged 70 years and older.

Background: Physical activity is recommended for CHF treatment. Tai Chi is found to be beneficial to different patient groups, although few studies focus on older patients with CHF.

Design: A mixed methods study. Participants were randomly assigned to Tai Chi training twice a week for 16 weeks ( N  =   25) or control ( N  =   20). Quantitative data were collected at baseline, at the end of the training period and 6 months after training, assessing self-rated fatigue and quality of life, natriuretic peptides and physical performance. Individual qualitative interviews were conducted with participants ( N  =   10) in the Tai Chi training group.

Results: No statistical differences between the Tai Chi training group and the control group in quality of life or natriuretic peptides was found. After 16 weeks, the training group tended to rate more reduced activity and the control group rated more mental fatigue. Participants in the training group rated increased general fatigue at follow-up compared with baseline. Qualitative interviews showed that Tai Chi training was experienced as a new, feasible and meaningful activity. The importance of the leader and the group was emphasized. Improvements in balance were mentioned and there was no physical discomfort.

Conclusion: Tai Chi was experienced as a feasible and meaningful form of physical exercise for patients with CHF aged over 70 years despite lack of achieved health improvement. Further investigations, using feasibility and meaningfulness as outcome variables seems to be useful.