Children and Adults Tai Chi Study: a randomised feasibility study comparing internet delivered with face to face Tai Chi lessons in cystic fibrosis

Virtual health care is fast entering medical practice. Research into the feasibility of using it to teach treatment regimens such as exercise has not been explored. Maintaining an exercise regime can be difficult in cystic fibrosis: group classes risk potential infection yet motivation is hard to maintain when alone. Tai Chi is low impact and involves gentle, demanding movements. This study aimed to assess the feasibility, safety and acceptability of learning Tai Chi via an internet based approach and compared patient reported outcomes.
Methods: Children and adults with cystic fibrosis were recruited to a randomised, comparative effectiveness trial. Participants learnt eight Tai Chi movements, teaching was delivered in eight lessons over 3 months: either internet delivered or face to face. Assessments were at three
monthly intervals over nine-months. Outcomes included health status, quality of life, sleep, mindfulness and instructor-led questions.
Results: Forty adults and children completed the eight sets of Tai Chi lessons. The median age was 22.8 years (range 6.1 to 51.5). Twenty-seven were female. Twenty-six adults (>16 years), six teenagers and eight <12 years. The groups were well matched. Feasibility and safety were demonstrated. Participants showed significant improvements in self-reported sleep, cough (both day and night time), stomach ache and breathing. No differences in lung function, health status,
QoL, sleep or mindfulness was shown before or after completing the lessons.
Conclusions: Tai Chi was safe well tolerated, it was feasible to deliver individual lessons via the internet reducing concerns regarding cross infection and appeared to improve self-reported symptoms.

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