The Effect of Physical Activity on Sleep Quality among Older Stroke Survivors: Secondary Analysis from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Poor sleep quality constitutes one of the most common difficulties faced by stroke survivors. Physical activity has been shown to improve sleep quality among healthy adults. The study objective was to examine the effect of physical activity on sleep outcomes in community-dwelling stroke survivors previously enrolled in a randomized clinical trial (RCT). Secondary analysis of data collected in the RCT was used to examine the effects of physical activity (PA) on sleep outcomes using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), compared to usual care (controls). Unadjusted and adjusted mixed effects models were used to model changes in sleep quality between groups. At baseline, poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5) was reported by about half of the participants (PA group = 48.5%, n = 47/97; controls = 56.3%, n = 27/48). Results from the unadjusted and adjusted models for sleep quality were similar and showed no statistically significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). In the unadjusted model, the difference between groups (change from baseline to 24 weeks) showed that the PA group had better sleep quality than the controls (difference= -1.02 points, 95% CI -2.12, 0.07, p = 0.07). In the model adjusted for age, social support, and marital status, the difference between groups (change from baseline to 24 weeks) showed that the PA group had better sleep quality than the controls (difference= -1.07 points, 95% CI -2.19, 0.05, p = 0.06). PA did not significantly improve sleep quality in older community-dwelling stroke survivors. Further research is needed to confirm or refute these findings.

Examining the Associations between Post-Stroke Cognitive Function and Common Comorbid Conditions among Stroke Survivors.

A considerable complication for stroke survivors is the subsequent development of cognitive decline or dementia. In this study, the relationship between the inflammation-centered comorbidity burden on post-stroke cognitive function among community-dwelling stroke survivors capable of independent living was examined. Data for this secondary analysis were collected from stroke survivors (n = 97) participating in a randomized clinical trial. Participants provided baseline responses, regarding cognitive function (mini-mental status exam, MMSE; Montreal cognitive assessment, MoCA), history of stroke comorbid conditions, and the Stroke Prognosis Instrument-II (SPI-II), an index of stroke comorbidity and recurrent stroke risk within the next two years. Relationships and differences between groups were tested for significance using Spearman's correlation, Kruskal-Wallis, or Mann-Whitney U tests. Most stroke survivors (69%) had multiple comorbidities. Total SPI-II scores were negatively correlated to both MoCA and MMSE scores (r = -0.25, p = 0.01; r = -0.22, p = 0.03, respectively), and differences in MoCA scores among SPI-II risk groups (low, medium, high) were evident (p = 0.05). In contrast, there were no differences in MoCA or MMSE scores when comorbid conditions were examined individually. Lastly, no gender differences were evident in cognitive assessments. Our data support the premise that comorbidity's burden impacts post-stroke cognitive decline, more than a single comorbid condition. Inflammation may be an important component of this comorbidity burden. Future studies that operationalize this concept will better illuminate the complex phenomenon of post-stroke cognitive decline for improved clinical rehabilitation modalities.

Selecting a theoretical framework for chronic cardiovascular disease self-management among rural dwelling adults.

A paucity of research has examined the factors and perceptions of self-management among individuals living rurally with chronic cardiovascular disease (CCVD). Exploration of this population is prudent as CCVD continues to be the leading cause of mortality within the United States (US). As the US population ages, increased rates of CCVD and the process of managing the disease will continue to challenge patients and the health care system. Rural dwelling adults are faced with additional complexities to manage a chronic disease, resulting in higher rates of chronic disease as compared to urban dwellers. It is essential for nurses working with adults living with CCVD in rural areas to promote self-management strategies derived from a theoretical perspective. The purpose of this paper is to examine theories and models that facilitate self-management of CCVD among rural dwelling adults. Three established self-management theories and models from psychology and public health were evaluated using Walker and Avant's framework for theory analysis. Social cognitive theory was selected as a best fit for self-management of CCVD among rural dwelling adults, due to the symbiosis of chronic disease, and applicability of ruralness within the triadic reciprocal causation of person-behavior-environment of the model.

Recruiting African American parents of school-aged children in a physical activity study: Lessons learned.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the recruitment strategies and lessons learned when enrolling African American parents/caregivers of school-aged children (ages 6-12 years) in an online survey of physical activity. With physical activity serving as a modifiable behavioral risk factor for several chronic diseases (obesity and cardiovascular diseases), little is understood regarding the influences on African Americans' physical activity participation to develop culturally appropriate physical activity interventions. Gaining a better understanding of physical activity influences is possible through research, yet recruiting and enrolling African Americans in health research is a challenge. METHODS: Over a three-month period, a multidimensional approach (distribution of flyers, community partnerships, network sampling, African American researcher, effective communication, and data collection procedures) was used for study recruitment. RESULTS: We exceeded our recruitment goal of 105 participants. A total of 127 African American parent/caregivers of school-aged children enrolled, which included both females/mothers (n = 87, 69%) and males/fathers (n = 40, 31%). Network sampling was the single most effective recruitment strategy for reaching this population. Lessons learned in this study includes considering participant burden and their comfort with technology, as well as gaining community trust. DISCUSSION: Lessons learned in recruiting African American parents provides a guide for future research. Efforts are needed to further increase the representation of African American males in health research.

The Feasibility of Tai Chi Exercise as a Beneficial Mind-Body Intervention in a Group of Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors with Symptoms of Depression.

Depression is prevalent among one-third to two-thirds of acute and chronic stroke survivors. Despite the availability of pharmacotherapies and/or psychotherapies, depression persists, even for 5-10 years after stroke, reflecting limited treatment responses and/or adherence to this conventional care. Mind-body interventions are commonly used among adults to ameliorate depressive symptoms. Thus, the feasibility of Tai Chi, alongside conventional care, to manage poststroke depression was investigated using a single-group pre-post intervention design. Recruitment and retention, intervention adherence, safety, acceptability, and fidelity were assessed. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using standardized questionnaires, objective sleep was assessed via a research-grade triaxial accelerometer, and blood samples were taken to measure oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and a neurotrophic growth factor using commercially available kits per manufacturer's protocol. Pre-post intervention changes were assessed using paired t-tests. We enrolled stroke survivors (N = 11, mean age = 69.7 ± 9.3) reporting depression symptoms. After the intervention, we observed significant reductions in symptoms of depression (-5.3 ± 5.9, p=0.01), anxiety (-2.2 ± 2.4, p=0.01), and stress (-4.6 ± 4.8, p=0.01), along with better sleep efficiency (+1.8 ± 1.8, p=0.01), less wakefulness after sleep onset (-9.3 ± 11.6, p=0.04), and less time awake (-9.3 ± 11.6, p=0.04). There was a 36% decrease in oxidative stress (p=0.02), though no significant changes in the other biomarkers were found (all p values >0.05). Tai Chi exercise is a feasible intervention that can be used alongside conventional care to manage poststroke depression, aid in reducing symptoms of anxiety and stress, and improve sleep.

Psychometric Properties of the Translated Tai Chi Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale for Chinese Adults with Coronary Heart Disease or Risk Factors.

Tai Chi is an effective exercise option for individuals with coronary heart disease or its associated risk factors. An accurate and systematic assessment of a Mandarin-speaking adults' self-efficacy in maintaining Tai Chi exercise is lacking. Mandarin Chinese has the most speakers worldwide. This study aimed to translate the Tai Chi Exercise Self-Efficacy scale and examine its psychometric properties. The 14-item Tai Chi Exercise Self-Efficacy scale was translated from English into Mandarin Chinese using a forward-translation, back-translation, committee approach, and pre-test procedure. Participants with coronary heart disease or risk factors (n = 140) enrolled in a cross-sectional study for scale validation. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit of the two-factor structure (Tai Chi exercise self-efficacy barriers and performance) to this sample. The translated scale demonstrated high internal consistency, with a Cronbach's α value of 0.97, and good test-retest reliability, with an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.86 (p < 0.01). Participants with prior Tai Chi experience reported significantly higher scores than those without (p < 0.001), supporting known-group validity. A significant correlation was observed between the translated scale and total exercise per week (r = 0.37, p < 0.01), providing evidence of concurrent validity. The Mandarin Chinese version of the Tai Chi Exercise Self-Efficacy scale is a valid and reliable scale for Chinese adults with coronary heart disease or risk factors.

Health Benefits of Tai Chi Exercise: A Guide for Nurses.

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese internal martial art that has increased in popularity across the United States over the past 2 decades. Tai chi combines gentle physical movement, mental imagery, and natural, relaxed breathing. There is increasing scientific evidence showing the impact of tai chi exercise on multifaceted areas of health and well-being, including positive effects on cognition, depression, anxiety, sleep, cardiovascular health, and fall prevention. A review of the health benefits of tai chi exercise is presented, as well as recommendations for nurses seeking to answer patient questions about tai chi.

Selecting a theoretical framework to explore the social and cognitive uncertainty that hepatitis C treatment represents for people who inject drugs.

Emerging research models for hepatitis C eradication suggest a social network-based treatment approach among people who inject drugs. It is essential for nurses to critically examine the influence of these social networks among people who inject drugs and the impact on their hepatitis C treatment decisions. The purpose of this paper is to describe the process of selecting a theoretical framework to guide a mixed methods study exploring the perceived uncertainty of individual hepatitis C treatment behaviors existing within the social networks of people who inject drugs. Using Walker and Avant's framework for theory analysis, four established theories and models from nursing science and psychology were reviewed. Aspects of both the Social Cognitive Theory and Uncertainty in Illness Theory were combined to form a theoretical framework, the Socio-Cognitive Uncertainty Model. This new theoretical framework describes the social and cognitive uncertainty that hepatitis C virus treatment represents for people who inject drugs. Taken together, social influence and social selection can inform the nurse's understanding of hepatitis C treatment acceptability among this high-risk social network- an important consideration in the pursuit of disease eradication.

Tai Chi exercise for psychological well-being among adults with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Regular exercise is beneficial for adults with cardiovascular disease to improve psychological well-being. Tai Chi is a mind-body exercise thought to promote psychological well-being. AIM: Examine the efficacy of Tai Chi in improving psychological well-being among persons with cardiovascular disease. METHODS: An electronic literature search of 10 databases (AMED, CINAHL, Embase, OpenGrey, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science) was conducted. Clinical trials that examined one or more aspect of psychological well-being, incorporated a Tai Chi intervention among cardiovascular disease participants, and were published in English or German languages were included. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 2.0 software (Biostat, Inc.) was used to calculate the effect sizes (i.e. Hedges' g) and the 95% confidence intervals using random effects models. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, enrolling 1853 participants (mean age = 66 years old, 44% women). Outcomes included: quality of life (QOL), stress, anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. When Tai Chi was compared with controls, significantly better general QOL (Hedges' g 0.96; p=0.02, I2=94.99%), mental health QOL (Hedges' g=0.20; p=0.01, I2=15.93) and physical health QOL (Hedges' g=0.40; p=0.00, I2=0%); with less depression (Hedges' g=0.69; p=0.00, I2=86.64%) and psychological distress (Hedges' g=0.58; p=0.00, I2=0%) were found. CONCLUSIONS: Few Tai Chi studies have been conducted during the past decade examining psychological well-being among older adults with cardiovascular disease. Further research is needed with more rigorous study designs, adequate Tai Chi exercise doses, and carefully chosen outcome measures that assess the mechanisms as well as the effects of Tai Chi.

Stroke Survivors' Feelings and Perceptions of Their Recovery After a Tai Chi Exercise Intervention: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

BACKGROUND: Most tai chi studies conducted among stroke survivors have focused on physical functioning, whereas inclusion of stroke survivors' feelings and perceptions of participating in tai chi is lacking. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify stroke survivors' feelings and perceptions of participating in a tai chi intervention during their poststroke recovery. METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study examined stories from community-dwelling stroke survivors, collected as part of a larger randomized clinical trial. To examine these stories, an inductive content analysis approach was used with a priori theoretical codes (and subcodes): (1) Feelings (confidence, enjoy, hopeful, helpful, other) and (2) Perceptions of Impact (physical abilities, mental/cognitive abilities, challenges, other). Lincoln and Guba's criteria were followed to ensure trustworthiness of the study findings. RESULTS: Participants (n = 17) were on average 71 years old (range, 54-87 years), mainly men (65%), and had the option of writing their own story or having someone write it for them. Stories from these stroke survivors revealed feelings of confidence (n = 4), enjoyment (n = 7), hope (n = 1), and helpfulness (n = 15). Perceptions of the impact of tai chi on their poststroke recovery process identified improved physical abilities (n = 23), better mental/cognitive abilities (n = 12), moving forward (n = 7), and developing friendships (n = 4), with few challenges (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Using storytelling, healthcare providers can discuss the benefits of tai chi and then relate the feelings and perceptions of other stroke survivors' experiences to encourage engagement in regular physical activity to aid in the poststroke recovery process.

Tai Chi in Chinese adults with metabolic syndrome: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility, acceptability and effects of a 12-week Tai Chi exercise program on cardiometabolic risk factors and quality of life in community-dwelling Chinese adults with metabolic syndrome. DESIGN: A single blind, pilot randomized controlled trial. SETTING/LOCATION: A general outpatient clinic of a community-based hospital in Hong Kong. SUBJECTS: Ethnic Chinese, 18 years and older, who had at least three of the five criteria of metabolic syndrome defined by the National Cholesterol Education- Adult Treatment Panel III. INTERVENTION: The Tai Chi group attended a 1 -h Tai Chi class, twice a week for 12 weeks, plus 30-minutes home practice three-times per week. The control group maintained their usual daily activities. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability of the Tai Chi intervention. Secondary outcome measures were cardiometabolic risk factors, quality of life, stress and Tai Chi exercise self-efficacy. RESULTS: Study retention rate was 65% (n = 35). Overall satisfaction of completers with the Tai Chi intervention was 4.5 ±â€¯0.63 (possible range = 1-5). When compared to controls, the Tai Chi group had significantly lower systolic blood pressure (p = 0.037) at 12-weeks. Significant within group changes for the Tai Chi group included lower diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.015), higher fasting blood glucose (p = 0.009), higher waist circumference (females only, p = 0.007), and better perceived mental health (p = 0.046); while controls had significantly higher fasting blood glucose (p = 0.031), and higher waist circumference (females only, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The study intervention was feasible and acceptable for Chinese adults with metabolic syndrome. While not powered to find statistically significant differences, positive and negative changes were observed in some cardiometabolic risk factors and quality of life. Further investigation with a larger sample size and longer study period is needed to explore potential environmental factors that may have influenced the study results.

Metabolic Syndrome Knowledge among Adults with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors. Many people may be unaware of their risk for MetS. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted among hospitalized patients with at least one cardiometabolic risk factor in Mainland China. This study assessed the MetS knowledgelevel(through MetS Knowledge Scale, MSKS) and examined the potential predictors by regression analysis. A total of 204 patients aged 58.5 ± 10.1 years (55% males) participated in this study. The majority of participants had no history of hypertension (54%), dyslipidemia (79%), or diabetes (85%). However, 56% of these participants had at least three cardiometabolic risk factors, indicating the presence of MetS. The average MSKS was very low (mean = 36.7±18.8, possible range = 0⁻100), indicating the urgent needs of MetS education in current practice. Predictors of better MetS knowledge included higher educational level, history of dyslipidemia, and normal high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (F (8, 195) = 9.39, adjusted R² = 0.192, p< 0.001). In conclusion, adults with cardiometabolic risk factors are at risk of developing MetS, but with a low level of knowledge. Specific health education on MetS should be provided, particularly for those with limited formal education or inadequate lipid management.

The association between Tai Chi exercise and safe driving performance among older adults: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Age-related cognitive and physical decline can impair safe driving performance. Tai Chi exercise benefits cognitive and physical function and may influence safe driving performance in older adults. The primary aim of this observational study was to compare cognitive processes and physical function related to safe driving performance among older adult Tai Chi practitioners to normative reference values. Secondary aims were to examine relationships between Tai Chi exercise habits, cognitive processes, and physical function related to safe driving performance and to explore potential predictors of safe driving performance. METHODS: The DrivingHealth Inventory, the Driving Scenes Test, other driving-related cognitive and physical measures, and self-reported measures including the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and the Vitality Plus Scale (VPS) were collected from current Tai Chi practitioners (n = 58; age 72.9 ± 5.9 years, mean ± SD) with median >3 years Tai Chi practice. RESULTS: Compared to normative reference values, participants performed better on numerous cognitive measures including the Driving Scenes Test (p < 0.001, d = 1.63), maze navigation (p = 0.017, d = 0.27), the Useful Field of View Test (p < 0.001, r = 0.15), and on physical measures including the Rapid Walk Test (p < 0.001, r = 0.20), and the Right Foot Tapping Test, (p < 0.001, r = 0.35). Participants scored higher than normative reference values on MAAS and VPS (p < 0.001, d = 0.75; p = 0.002, d = 0.38, respectively). Statistically significant correlations were found between several study measures. The digit span backward test was the strongest predictor of safe driving performance (ß = 0.34, p = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Tai Chi exercise has the potential to impact cognitive processes and physical function related to safe driving performance. Further study using randomized controlled trials, structured Tai Chi exercise doses, and driving simulator or on-road driving performance as outcome measures are warranted.

Tai Chi exercise is more effective than brisk walking in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors among adults with hypertension: A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is a major modifiable lifestyle risk factor associated with cardiovascular disease. Tai Chi is a safe and popular form of physical activity among older adults, yet direct comparisons are lacking between Tai Chi and brisk walking in their ability to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors and improve psychosocial well-being. METHODS: 246 adults (mean age = 64.4 ± 9.8 years, age range = 30-91 years, 45.5% men) with hypertension and at least two but not more than three modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors (diabetes, dyslipidaemia, overweight, physical inactivity and smoking) were randomly assigned to either Tai Chi (n = 82), brisk walking (n = 82) or control (n = 82) groups. The Tai Chi and brisk walking groups engaged in moderate-intensity physical activity 150 min/week for 3 months; daily home-based practice was encouraged for another 6 months. The primary outcome was blood pressure. Secondary outcomes were fasting blood sugar, glycated haemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high- and low-density lipoprotein, body mass index, waist circumference, aerobic endurance, perceived stress, quality of life and exercise self-efficacy. Data were collected at baseline, post-intervention at 3 months and follow-up assessments at 6 and 9 months. Generalised estimating equation models were used to compare the changes in outcomes over time between groups. RESULTS: At baseline, the participants had an average blood pressure = 141/81 and average body mass index = 26; 58% were diabetics, 61% presented with dyslipidemia and 11% were smokers. No significant difference was noted between groups. Tai Chi significantly lowered blood pressure (systolic -13.33 mmHg; diastolic -6.45 mmHg), fasting blood sugar (-0.72 mmol/L), glycated haemoglobin (-0.39%) and perceived stress (-3.22 score) and improved perceived mental health (+4.05 score) and exercise self-efficacy (+12.79 score) at 9 months, compared to the control group. In the Tai Chi group, significantly greater reductions in blood pressure (systolic -12.46 mmHg; diastolic -3.20 mmHg), fasting blood sugar (-1.27 mmol/L), glycated haemoglobin (-0.56%), lower perceived stress (-2.32 score), and improved perceived mental health (+3.54 score) and exercise self-efficacy (+12.83 score) were observed, compared to the brisk walking group. No significant changes in the other cardiovascular disease risk indicators were observed over time between groups. CONCLUSION: Nurses play a key role in promoting exercise to reduce cardiovascular disease risk and foster a healthy lifestyle among adults. Tai Chi is better than brisk walking in reducing several cardiovascular disease risk factors and improving psychosocial well-being, and can be recommended as a viable exercise for building a healthy life free of cardiovascular disease.