The effectiveness of a tai-chi exercise program on gross motor coordination, negative symptoms and functional disabilities among patients with chronic schizophrenia: a pilot study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Institutionalized patients with schizophrenia often suffer from negative symptoms, motor and functional impairments more serious than their non-institutionalized counterparts. Exercise can help patients improve well-being and psychiatric symptoms. Tai-chi, in particular, emphasizes body relaxation, mental alertness and motor coordination with known benefits to balance, flexibility, and stress relief. PURPOSE: This pilot study aims to explore the potential benefits of Tai-chi on gross motor coordination, negative symptoms and functioning disabilities towards schizophrenia. METHODS: A randomized wait-list control design was adopted for this 12-session (6-week) Wu-style Tai-chi program. 30 participants were randomly allocated to the Tai-chi or control group. The Minnesota Rate of Manipulation Test, Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule-II were respectively used to measure gross motor coordination, negative symptoms and functional disabilities at baseline, 1 week post-intervention and 6 weeks post-intervention. Analyses were conducted with the Wilcoxon signed ranks test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Tai-chi had a protective effect from deterioration in gross motor coordination (Z=-2.28; p=.023) and interpersonal functioning, the latter with sustained effect 6 weeks after the end of the class (Z=-2.56; p=.01). Controls showed marked deterioration in the above areas throughout the study period. CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrated encouraging benefits of Tai-chi on promoting movement coordination and alleviating functional disabilities. Tai-chi emphasizes movement rhythm, with possible benefits to motor desynchrony. This form of group exercise also encourages socialization that may support interpersonal functioning. The relative ease of implementation renders it possible to be promoted at other institutional psychiatric services.