Meta-analysis of the effects of smoking prevention programs for young adolescents

Purpose@#This meta-analysis aimed to analyze the effects of smoking prevention programs for young adolescents at early smoking stages to identify the appropriate characteristics of prevention programs for this population. @*Methods@#Searches of health-related databases and Google Scholar were conducted, and 23 randomized studies were included in the analysis. The main outcome variable was smoking behavior. The analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (version 3.0). @*Results@#Smoking prevention programs significantly reduced smoking behaviors (OR=0.85, 95% CI=0.77~0.93). School-based programs (OR=0.79, 95% CI=0.75~0.83), programs by trained teachers or educators (OR=0.77, 95% CI=0.71~0.83), high-intensity programs (OR=0.82, 95% CI=0.75~0.91), and programs in an in-school setting (OR=0.82, 95% CI=0.74~0.90) had the most significant effect on reducing smoking behavior. @*Conclusion@#For young adolescents, smoking prevention programs are most effective when they are school-based or highintensity programs, and when conducted by teachers or educators with proper training. Further studies are required since there was insufficient research to explore the effect of web-based programs or family-centered programs on adolescent smokers.

Effect of 2% Chlorhexidine Bathing on the Incidence of Hospital-Acquired Infection and Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in Adult Intensive Care Unit Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose@#This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed the effects of 2% chlorhexidine bathing on the incidence of hospital-acquired infection (HAI) and multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) in adult intensive care units. @*Methods@#PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane library, and RISS database were systematically searched, and 12 randomized studies were included in the analysis. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3.0 was used to calculate the effect size using the odds ratio (OR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analysis was performed according to the specific infection and intervention types. @*Results@#In general, 2% chlorhexidine bathing has a significant effect on the incidence of HAI (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.40~0.86) and MDRO (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.34~0.79). Subgroup analyses show 2% chlorhexidine bathing is effective in bloodstream infections (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.39~0.66) but not for urinary tract infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia infections, and Clostridium difficile infections. Moreover, 2% chlorhexidine bathing alone or its combination with other interventions has a significant effect on the incidence of HAI and MDRO (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.38~0.92). @*Conclusion@#This meta-analysis reveals that 2% chlorhexidine bathing significantly reduces the incidence of HAI and MDRO in intensive care units. The effect of 2% chlorhexidine bathing on pediatric patients or patients at general wards should be further assessed as a cost-effective intervention for infection control.

Effect of 2% Chlorhexidine Bathing on the Incidence of Hospital-Acquired Infection and Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in Adult Intensive Care Unit Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose@#This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed the effects of 2% chlorhexidine bathing on the incidence of hospital-acquired infection (HAI) and multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) in adult intensive care units. @*Methods@#PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane library, and RISS database were systematically searched, and 12 randomized studies were included in the analysis. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3.0 was used to calculate the effect size using the odds ratio (OR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analysis was performed according to the specific infection and intervention types. @*Results@#In general, 2% chlorhexidine bathing has a significant effect on the incidence of HAI (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.40~0.86) and MDRO (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.34~0.79). Subgroup analyses show 2% chlorhexidine bathing is effective in bloodstream infections (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.39~0.66) but not for urinary tract infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia infections, and Clostridium difficile infections. Moreover, 2% chlorhexidine bathing alone or its combination with other interventions has a significant effect on the incidence of HAI and MDRO (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.38~0.92). @*Conclusion@#This meta-analysis reveals that 2% chlorhexidine bathing significantly reduces the incidence of HAI and MDRO in intensive care units. The effect of 2% chlorhexidine bathing on pediatric patients or patients at general wards should be further assessed as a cost-effective intervention for infection control.

Effects of Tai Chi Exercise Program on Cognitive Function among Older Adults at Risk for Dementia Living in Rural Areas / 재활간호학회지

Purpose@#This study aimed to examine the effects of the Tai Chi exercise program on cognitive function among older adults at risk of dementia living in rural areas. @*Methods@#A non-equivalent control group with a pretest-posttest design was used. Forty-four subjects at risk of dementia aged over 75 were recruited from the dementia care center in O county. The experimental group participated in the Tai Chi exercise program twice a week for one-hour session for 12 weeks, while the control group received the routine management from the dementia care center. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 24.0 program with descriptive statistics, x2 test, and Mann-Whitney test, t-test and ANCOVA. @*Results@#The significant improvement was found in cognitive function (F=4.72, p=.036) and attention (F=4.44, p=.041) for the Tai Chi exercise group compared to the control group. No adverse events have been notified during the intervention. @*Conclusion@#The study findings suggest that Tai Chi exercise program is safely and effectively applied to older adults at risk of dementia, revealing the potential benefits to improve cognitive function in this population. Further studies are warranted to explore the relationship between physical exercise and cognitive function in older adults with various types of cognitive impairment.

Factors Influencing the Occurrence of Diarrhea in Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE@#This study was done to examine incidence of diarrhea and explore factors influencing occurrence of diarrhea in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU).@*METHODS@#For this retrospective research, data based on inclusion criteria were collected from the electronic medical records for 142 patients admitted to a university hospital ICU from September 2014 to August 2015. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS/WIN 22.0 program.@*RESULTS@#Incidence of diarrhea was 53.5% during the 12-month study period. Diarrhea occurred at 4.54 days and continued for 1.79 days on average. Average total frequency of diarrhea was 5.56 times. Increased ICU stay, enteral nutrition, and infection state were significant predictors of the occurrence of diarrhea. Infection increased risk of diarrhea 3.4 times and enteral nutrition increased risk of diarrhea to 2.2 times greater than patients not receivng enteral nutrition.@*CONCLUSION@#Diarrhea in ICU patients is associated with multiple factors that should be considered to implement preventive strategies. Infection control should be emphasized, and close monitoring of diarrhea should be provided for those with enteral nutrition. Further studies are warranted to determine standardized clinical definition of diarrhea and diarrhea risk factors in ICU patients with different levels of severity and comorbidity.

Knowledge and Practice of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Isolation Precaution among Hospital Nurses / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purposes of the study were to examine the knowledge and practice about Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) isolation precaution, and to explore influencing factors of the isolation practice among hospital nurses. METHODS: A total of 182 nurses were recruited from four general hospitals where MERS patients had been treated. The knowledge and practice of MERS isolation precaution were measured by the scales developed based on the CDC guidelines. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS/WIN 22 with descriptive statistics, T-test, One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and hierachical multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The nurses were 30 years old in average, and half of them had less than 5 years of clinical experience. and knowledge on droplet precautions (β=.171, p=.019) were the significant predictors, explaining 19.6% of variance in the MERS isolation guideline practice. Clinical experience (β=.225, p=.002), working at infection unit (β=−.203, p=.011). CONCLUSION: The knowledge on droplet precaution and general knowledge on MERS were the important modifiable factor to improve the MERS isolation guideline practice among hospital nurses, even after adjusting clinical experience and demographic variables. It is necessary to develop an efficient education program on specific guidelines for prevention and management of infection by improving the knowledge on infectious disease such as MERS as well as droplet precaution which are modifiable factors.

Physical, Physiological, and Psychological Factors Determing Sleep Quality in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis / 임상간호연구

PURPOSE: The study aimed to examine quality of sleep in hemodialysis patients and explore physical, physiological, and psychological factors determining sleep quality. METHODS: The survey was conducted among 165 patients on maintenance hemodialysis at a university hospital. Data were collected from July to October in 2015. The sleep quality and its related factors were assessed by standardized questionnaires, anthropometric measures, and lab tests after obtaining a written consent from the participant. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 62.58 years old, and 67.9% of the participants experienced sleep disorders such as ‘not falling asleep within 30 minutes’ or ‘frequently waking up at night’. Pain (t=-3.29, p=.007) and depression (t=-6.028, p < .001) were significantly different between the group with sleep disorder and the other without. The demographic factors (age, shared room, sleep during the day), physical factors (pain and symptom), and psychological factors (depression and trait and status anxiety) together explained 20.0% of variance in sleep quality. CONCLUSION: Sleep disorder was frequently experienced among the patients on maintenance hemodialysis. The effective nursing strategies should focus on sleep environment, pain and depression management. Further study is warranted to explore the effect of physiological factors related to the disease on sleep disorder in this population.

Estimation of Nurse Staffing Based on Nursing Workload with Reference to a Patient Classification System for a Intensive Care Unit / 중환자간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study aimed to estimate the appropriate nurse staffing ratio in intensive care units (ICUs) by measuring nursing workload based on patient's severity and needs, using the Korean Patient Classification System for critical care nurses.METHODS: The data were collected from January 18 to February 29, 2016 using a standardized checklist by observation or self-report. During the study period, 723 patients were included to be categorized from I to IV using the patient classification system. Measurement of total nursing workload on a shift was calculated in terms of hours based on the time and motion method by using tools for surveying nursing activities. The nursing activities were categorized as direct nursing care, indirect nursing care, and personal time. Total of 127 cases were included in measuring direct nursing time and 18 nurses participated in measuring indirect and personal time. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.RESULTS: Two patients were classified into Class I (11.1%), 5 into Class II (27.8%), 9 into Class III (50%), and two into Class IV (11.1%). The amount of direct nursing care required for Class IV (513.7 min) was significantly more than that required for Class I (135.4 min). Direct and indirect nursing care was provided more often during the day shift as compared to the evening or night shifts. These findings provided the rationale for determining the appropriate ratio for nursing staff per shift based on the nursing workload in each shift.CONCLUSIONS: An appropriate ratio of nurse staffing should be ensured in ICUs to re-arrange the workload of nurses to help them provide essential direct care for patients.

Structural Equation Modeling on Successful Aging in Elders with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Based on Selection-Optimization-Compensation Strategy

PURPOSE: The focus of the study was on the selection-optimization-compensation (SOC) strategy to predict successful aging mediated by dyspnea symptoms in older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The model was constructed based on the hypotheses that coping strategy and social support of the elders predict successful aging through the SOC strategies. METHODS: Participants were 218 outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease recruited for the study. Data collection was done from March 25 to September 11, 2015, and analyzed using SPSSWIN 22.0 and AMOS 21.0. RESULTS: The hypothetical model appeared to be fit to the data. Seven of eight hypotheses selected for hypothetical model were statistically significant. The SOC strategy has only significant indirect effects through dyspnea symptoms on successful aging. Coping strategy, social support, SOC strategies and dyspnea symptoms explained 62% of variance in successful aging. CONCLUSION: The SOC strategies with social support and dyspnea symptoms significantly explained successful aging among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Nursing strategies should be focused on social support and coping strategies to optimize SOC strategies so that older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are able to manage dyspnea symptoms and eventually achieve successful aging.

Effect of Cognitive Function, Social Activity Participation and Social Support on Quality of Life of Community-Dwelling Elderly

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the effect of cognitive function, social activity participation and social support on quality of life (QoL) of community-dwelling elderly. METHODS: The data on 194 elderly were selected from the nationwide community cohort named Korean Longitudinal Study on Cognitive Aging and Dementia. All subjects were assessed QoL-Alzheimer's Disease (QoL-AD), Cumulative Illness Rating Scale, exercise habit, Mini-Mental State Examination, social activities, The Medical Outcomes Study-Social Support Survey. The data were analyzed with SPSS WIN V. 21.0 program. RESULTS: The mean of QoL among community-dwelling elderly was 35.49 (24–46) for QoL measured by QoL-AD. The variables of professional, residence status, physical health, exercise, cognitive function, social activity participation and social support explained 29.3% of variance in QoL of community-dwelling elderly. Among these factors, the significant predictors of QoL were social support (β=0.322, p<0.001), cognitive function (β=0.152, p=0.021), and religion activity (β=0.152, p=0.025). CONCLUSION: The study suggests that the focus of intervention program should be on cognitive function and social activity participation to improve QoL for elderly. Improving cognitive function and social activity will lead to the network of social support, consequently to increase QoL for elderly living in the community.

Effects Of Self-care Health Behaviors On Quality Of Life Mediated By Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Individuals With Coronary Artery Disease: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

PURPOSE: The project was to test a structural equation model in which self-efficacy, self-care health behaviors, and modifiable risk factors predict the quality of life (QOL) of individuals with coronary artery disease. METHODS: The data set from the intervention study with 130 patients with coronary artery disease before the intervention was included in the secondary analysis for this study. The following parameters were measured: self-efficacy, self-care health behaviors with the subscales of health responsibility, exercise, consumption of a healthy diet, stress management, and smoking cessation; modifiable risk score; and QOL (assessed using the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey instrument). RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 66.1 years. The following evaluation parameters indicated that the proposed model provided a good fit to the data: comparative fit index at .87, goodness of fit index at .91, adjusted goodness of fit index at .84, standardized root mean square residual at .06, root mean square error of estimation at .09, and confidence interval at 0.06-0.13. Self-efficacy, self-care health behaviors, and modifiable risk factors had significant effects on QOL and explained 64.0% of the variance, with modifiable risk factors mediating between self-care health behaviors and QOL. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that self-efficacy, self-care health behaviors, and modifiable risk factors play an important role in QOL in adults with coronary artery disease. Patients could be more confident in performing self-care health behaviors, leading to a better QOL, by more effectively managing their cardiovascular risk factors. Nursing strategies to improve QOL in this population should include motivating them to perform self-care health behaviors.

Symptom Management to Predict Quality of Life in Patients with Heart Failure: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

PURPOSE: The focus of this study was on symptom management to predict quality of life among individuals with heart failure. The theoretical model was constructed based on situation-specific theory of heart failure self-care and literature review. METHODS: For participants, 241 outpatients at a university hospital were invited to the study from May 19 to July 30, 2014. Data were collected with structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSSWIN and AMOS 20.0. RESULTS: The goodness of fit index for the hypothetical model was .93, incremental fit index, .90, and comparative fit index, .90. As the outcomes satisfied the recommended level, the hypothetical model appeared to fit the data. Seven of the eight hypotheses selected for the hypothetical model were statistically significant. The predictors of symptom management, symptom management confidence and social support together explained 32% of the variance in quality of life. The 28% of variance in symptom management was explained by symptom recognition, heart failure knowledge and symptom management confidence. The 4% of variance in symptom management confidence was explained by social support. CONCLUSION: The hypothetical model of this study was confirmed to be adequate in explaining and predicting quality of life among patients with heart failure through symptom management. Effective strategies to improve quality of life among patients with heart failure should focus on symptom management. Symptom management can be enhanced by providing educational programs, encouraging social support and confidence, consequently improving quality of life among this population.

Effects of Tai Chi on Fall Risk Factors: A Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE: This study was done to analyze the effects of Tai Chi on fall-related risk factors through meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials published in English and Korean between 2000 and 2010. METHODS: Using health related database and hand search of references and Google, 28 randomized studies were collected from doctoral dissertation and published peer reviewed articles. The Comprehensive Meta-analysis version 2.0 was used for the analysis. RESULTS: The effect sizes for Tai Chi for 3 months were significant with ES=0.54 for static balance, ES=0.24 for dynamic balance, ES=0.69 for balance measured by scale, and ES=0.40 for flexibility, ES=0.48 for muscle strength, ES=0.71 for ADL, and ES=0.37 for fear of falling. Also, the effect sizes of Tai Chi for 6 months were significant for most fall-related variables. The 6 month data for flexibility was not analyzed since only one study was published. CONCLUSION: The analysis of studies of randomized clinical trials indicate that Tai Chi is effective in improving balance, flexibility, muscle strength, activities of daily living, and fear of falling when applied for 3 or 6 months. The findings provide the objective evidence to apply Tai Chi as a fall preventive intervention.

Effects of Passive Upper Arm Exercise on Range of Motion, Muscle Strength, and Muscle Spasticity in Hemiplegic Patients with Cerebral Vascular Disease

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of passive upper arm exercise on range of motion, muscle strength, and muscle spasticity in hemiplegic patients with cerebral vascular disease. METHODS: A quasi-experimental design with nonequivalent control group was utilized. According to inclusion criteria, 25 patients were assigned to the control group with routine care, followed by 25 to the intervention group with passive exercise for 30 minutes per session, twice a day for 2 weeks. Eighteen patients in the intervention group and 17 in the control group completed the posttest measurement, including range of motion for upper arm joints, manual muscle test, and Modified Ashworth Scale for muscle spasticity. RESULTS: The intervention group had a significantly improved range of motion in the shoulder and wrist joints. No interaction effect was found for the elbow joint. No significant differences were found in muscle strength or muscle spasticity between the groups. CONCLUSION: Results of the study indicate that passive exercise safely applied for two weeks improves range of motion in joints of the upper arm in these patients. Further study with long-term follow-up is needed to verify the role of passive exercise in preventing muscle spasticity in this population.

Breast Cancer Screening Practice and Health-Promoting Behavior Among Chinese Women

PURPOSE: This study examined breast cancer screening practice and health promoting behaviors and the predicting factors of breast cancer screening practice in Chinese women. METHODS: A correlational research design was used to recruit a convenience sample of 770 women living in four cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi'an) in China. Participants completed self-report questionnaire consisting of general characteristics, breast cancer screening, health promoting behaviors, perceived benefits and perceived barriers. RESULTS: The participants were mostly 36-55 years old (51.3%), married (86.8%), premenopause (77.7%), had children (83.4%), and breastfed (73%). About 60% of Chinese women participated in some type of breast cancer screening practices, among them only 60 (7.8%) women used mammography, ultrasonogram and breast self-examination. The main reason for doing breast cancer screening was "feeling necessary for the screening". About 36% of the participants reported they did not perform any of screening practices, because they "don't feel it necessary". The women who had breast cancer screening regularly reported better health promoting behavior and perceived benefits and less perceived barriers than those who did not (F = 10.45, p < .001). Logistic regression showed that model 1 (age, higher education, being employed) and model 2 (perceived benefits and health behaviors) were the significant predicting factors (p < .05), explaining 10-13.8% of variance in breast cancer screening practice. CONCLUSION: On the basis of these results, public education about importance of breast cancer screening and health promoting behavior should be strongly advocated by health professionals and mass media in China.

Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Physical Fitness, Bone Mineral Density, and Fracture Risk in Institutionalized Elderly / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Tai Chi exercise on flexibility, balance, walking ability, muscle strength, bone mineral density, and fracture risk in institutionalized elders. METHOD: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a nonequivalent comparison group was utilized, and 53 older adults living in one institution were recruited and assigned to one of two groups, experimental group (18) or comparison (20). Both groups completed posttest measures at 6 months. There was a 31% rate of dropouts. Tai Chi exercise was provided twice a week for 24 weeks. Outcome measurements were conducted by a physiotherapist at a university hospital health promotion center who did not know the group assignment. RESULTS: At 6 months, the experimental group had significantly greater grip strength(t=2.12, p=.04), back muscle strength (t=2.42, p=.02), balance (t=5.31, p<.001), and flexibility (t=3.57, p<.001). They also showed significantly greater bone mineral density of lumbar spine and femur, and reduced fracture risk. CONCLUSION: Tai Chi exercise was safely and effectively used with institutionalized elders for 6 months and significantly improved physical fitness, bone mineral density along with a reduction in fracture risk. Whether Tai Chi exercise would lead to prevention of fall episodes and fall related fractures in this population will require further study.

Relationships among Obesity, Bone Mineral Density, and Cardiovascular Risks in Post-menopausal Women / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study explored the relationships among obesity, bone mineral density, and cardiovascular risks in post-menopausal women. METHODS: One hundred post-menopausal women were recruited via convenience sampling from osteoporosis prevention program participants who were living in a metropolitan city in September 2006. Obesity was evaluated by body mass index, bone mineral density measured by DEXA scan, and cardiovascular risk factors assessed by a guideline of American Heart Association. RESULTS: Seventy-two percent of women were either in the osteopenia or osteoporosis group, while 28% were in normal range in lumbar vertebrae. Obese women had greater bone mineral density in lumbar (F=3.31, p=.040) and femur (F=4.72, p=.011). Variables for cardiovascular risks were significantly different for high density lipoprotein (F=7.51, p=.001), systolic blood pressure (F=5.21, p=.007), and in percent of 10-year cardiovascular disease risk according to obesity. CONCLUSION: Post-menopausal women are at risk for obesity, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. In order to prevent these conditions, nursing interventions such as resistance and aerobic exercise that reduces body weight and bone loss, increases high density lipoprotein, and reduces systolic blood pressure, should be proposed continually through health promotion programs for postmenopausal women.

Relationships among Obesity, Bone Mineral Density, and Cardiovascular Risks in Post-menopausal Women / 여성건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study explored the relationships among obesity, bone mineral density, and cardiovascular risks in post-menopausal women. METHODS: One hundred post-menopausal women were recruited via convenience sampling from osteoporosis prevention program participants who were living in a metropolitan city in September 2006. Obesity was evaluated by body mass index, bone mineral density measured by DEXA scan, and cardiovascular risk factors assessed by a guideline of American Heart Association. RESULTS: Seventy-two percent of women were either in the osteopenia or osteoporosis group, while 28% were in normal range in lumbar vertebrae. Obese women had greater bone mineral density in lumbar (F=3.31, p=.040) and femur (F=4.72, p=.011). Variables for cardiovascular risks were significantly different for high density lipoprotein (F=7.51, p=.001), systolic blood pressure (F=5.21, p=.007), and in percent of 10-year cardiovascular disease risk according to obesity. CONCLUSION: Post-menopausal women are at risk for obesity, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease. In order to prevent these conditions, nursing interventions such as resistance and aerobic exercise that reduces body weight and bone loss, increases high density lipoprotein, and reduces systolic blood pressure, should be proposed continually through health promotion programs for postmenopausal women.

Effects of Tai Chi Exercise on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Quality of Life in Post-menopausal Women

PURPOSE: Natural menopause resulting in the decline in endogenous estrogen concentrations is responsible for an increased risk of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of a 6-month Tai Chi exercise program on cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life in post-menopausal women. METHODS: A quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest measures was used. The participants in the study, 29 women in the Tai Chi group and 31 in the control group, were enrolled for 6 months. RESULTS: After 6 months of Tai Chi exercise, total cholesterol (M=213 to 185), LDL-cholesterol (M=135 to 128), and their 10 yr cardiovascular disease risk (M=2.62 to 2.27) had improved significantly for the Tai Chi participants compared to the control group. Total scores for quality of life along with the sub-dimensions of health perception and mental functioning were also significantly higher in the Tai Chi participants. CONCLUSION: Tai Chi exercise favorably affected cardiovascular health and quality of life in post-menopausal women after 6 months. Additional rigorous studies are needed to examine long term effects on the prevention of cardiovascular disease in this population.

Effects of Tai Chi or Self-help Program on Balance, Flexibility, Oxygen Consumption, and Muscle Strength in Women with Osteoarthritis / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: This randomized study was done to compare the effects of a 6 month Tai Chi exercise and a self-help program on balance, flexibility and muscle strength in women with osteoarthritis (OA). METHOD: In this experimental study, 82 women with OA recruited from outpatient clinics or community health centers were randomly assigned either to a Tai Chi group or a self-help group. Thirty women (mean age = 62 years) in the Tai Chi group and 39 (mean age = 59 years) in the self-help group completed posttest measures (balance, flexibility, oxygen consumption, abdominal muscle strength, back muscle strength, and grip strength) at 6 months. RESULTS: After the 6 month, Tai Chi participants had significantly greater balance (mean difference = 2.9 vs. 0.9 for the self-help), grip strength (mean difference = 4.6 vs. 0.9 for the self-help), and back muscle strength (mean difference = 4.1 vs. -0.3 for the self-help). However, flexibility, oxygen consumption, and abdominal muscle strength were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSION: Tai Chi increased balance, grip strength and back muscle strength in older women with osteoarthritis compared to the self-help program. Whether these changes improve physical functioning and fall prevention requires further study.