Pilot studies of recruitment and feasibility of remote Tai Chi in racially diverse older adults with multisite pain.

BACKGROUND: Multisite musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent among older adults yet undertreated. Studies support the promise of Tai Chi for managing pain and lowering fall risk. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, effective alternatives to classroom-based exercise programming are warranted. AIMS: To recruit 100 racially diverse older adults with multisite pain and increased fall risk, who are interested in participating in a future Tai Chi clinical trial, and to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a short-term, remotely delivered home-based Tai Chi program. METHODS: A random sample of adults aged 65 years or older living in diverse Boston neighborhoods were sent mailed invitations to participate in a telephone screening survey. Eligible adults were invited to join a 4-week Tai Chi program offered online via Zoom. Primary outcomes were class attendance, experience, and program safety. RESULTS: Among 334 survey respondents, 105 were eligible for the intervention. Average age of eligible participants was 74 years, 75% were women, and 62% were Black. We assigned 32 participants to 4 Tai Chi or 2 light exercise groups conducted via Zoom; of these, 24 (75%) completed the program and 79% attended ≥6 of 8 classes. There were no adverse events reported. Two-thirds reported it was very easy to join the online classes and 88%, very easy to see the instructor. CONCLUSION: Mailed invitations were effective for recruiting a racially diverse sample. Remote exercise programming delivered online via live Zoom sessions is safe and feasible for diverse older adults who have multisite pain and risk of falls.

A remote Tai Chi program for diverse older adults with multisite pain during the COVID-19 pandemic

The goal of this study was to evaluate feasibility and acceptability of a remote Tai Chi program in diverse older adults with multisite pain and risk for falls during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adults aged ≥65y living in diverse Boston neighborhoods were invited through mailed letters to participate in a recruitment and screening survey. Eligible adults were re-contacted to join a 4-week Tai Chi or light exercise program offered online twice weekly. We conducted pre- and post-interviews to assess pain characteristics, fall risk, computer use, and satisfaction with the program. Primary outcomes were class attendance, experience, and program safety. Among 335 survey respondents, 105 (31%) were eligible based on multisite pain and fall history or cane/walker use. Of the eligible respondents, average age was 74y, 75% were women, 62% were Black, and 31% had high school education or less. We assigned 32 participants to 4 Tai Chi (Yang-style Tai Chi tailored to older adults with pain) or 2 light exercise (stretching and strength exercise) groups conducted via zoom;of these, 24 (75%) completed the program. Overall, 79% attended ≥6 of 8 classes. There were no adverse events reported. Regarding experiences with remote exercise, 67% reported it was very easy to join, 88%, very easy to see the instructor and 83%, very easy to participate. For future planning, 29% prefer remote classes, 33% prefer in-person classes, and 38% could do either. In conclusion, remote exercise programming is safe and feasible for diverse older adults who have multisite pain and risk of falls.