Evaluate the utility of Tai Chi in managing patients with vestibular symptoms who have failed conventional vestibular therapy.
Methods
This study aims to evaluate the utility of Tai Chi in managing patients with vestibular symptoms who have failed conventional vestibular therapy. We conducted a questionnaire study from April 2008 to March 2009 at an outpatient rehabilitation program utilizing the activities-specific balance confidence scale and dynamic gait index survey prior to therapy and at the conclusion of an eight-week course. Independent variables included compliance and medical co-morbidity. Mean improvement in ABC score was 7.3611.3 (p< 0.05). Mean DGI score improved post intervention by 3.182.
Results
Total of 21 patients (18 females, three males) completed the study to date. Participants report subjective improvements in their vestibular symptoms, reflected by a mean improvement in their ABC score by 7.3611.3 (p< 0.05). Mean DGI score also improved post Tai Chi intervention by 3.182 3.093 (p<0.05). Overall mean indices on ABC (N=21) and DGI (N=11) show statistically significant improvement after undergoing Tai Chi rehabilitation.
Conclusions
Our study show benefits of using Tai Chi as an alternative form of vestibular rehabilitation in patients with vestibular symptoms based on both subjective and objective assessments. This may be based on the technique of Tai Chi promoting coordination through relaxation rather than muscular
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