Study Stopped
The study was stopped after completing 2 cohorts instead of the intended 3 cohorts. This was due to logistical issues and budget-related issues (timing of being able to spend the funds).
Tai Chi and Wellness Education for Older Veterans
A Randomized Pilot Trial of Tai Chi Compared to Wellness Education for Older Veterans
1 other identifier
interventional
24
1 country
1
Brief Summary
The primary purpose of this study is to examine physical fitness, PTSD, and satisfaction with a Tai Chi intervention for older (aged 60 and older), sedentary, trauma-exposed veterans, in comparison to a wellness education attention control. Secondary outcomes include physical activity, depression, well-being, late-onset stress, functional status, cognition, and exercise self-efficacy. Outcomes will be examined pre- to post-intervention and in comparison to the control condition.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at below P25 for not_applicable
Started Jan 2019
Typical duration for not_applicable
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
Click on a node to explore related trials.
Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
First Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
August 3, 2018
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
August 10, 2018
CompletedStudy Start
First participant enrolled
January 29, 2019
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
January 29, 2022
CompletedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
April 20, 2022
CompletedApril 3, 2025
March 1, 2025
3 years
August 3, 2018
March 31, 2025
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (2)
Senior Fitness Test
Physical fitness
at pre-intervention and at post-intervention, about 12 weeks
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-5)
PTSD checklist
at pre-intervention and at post-intervention, about 12 weeks
Secondary Outcomes (1)
International Physical Activity Questionnaire
at pre-intervention and at post-intervention, about 12 weeks
Study Arms (2)
Tai Chi
EXPERIMENTALA Tai Chi protocol designed for use with older veterans will be used. In each class, the instructor will explain exercise theory and procedures of Tai Chi and review printed materials. Every session will include the following components: (1) warm-up and a review of Tai Chi principles; (2) Tai Chi movement; (3) breathing techniques; (4) relaxation. Each component of the program derives from classical Yang style Tai Chi 108 posture. The Tai Chi instructor will also encourage patients to practice for at least 30 minutes a day at home and to complete daily logs indicating the amount of time that they spent engaged in Tai Chi exercise. Discussion of goal-setting regarding home practice and solutions to potential barriers will be included.
Wellness Education
ACTIVE COMPARATORThe wellness education intervention will correspond to the VA Whole Health Program to emphasize wellness across various domains (e.g., physical, emotional, and spiritual lives). The Whole Health program focuses on teaching mindful awareness to promote behavioral changes that are consistent with an individual's health goals. Components of the Whole Health model include working the body, surroundings, personal development, food and drink, recharge, family, friends and coworkers, spirit and soul, and power of the mind. Each session will include a video clip as well as a brief mindfulness exercise that corresponds with the material being presented. Goal-setting using the SMART goals model, with regards to health and wellness, and discussions about ways to address potential barriers will be included in this condition.
Interventions
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- Age 60 or older
- Have experienced a traumatic event (determined through telephone screening)
- English-speaking
- Considered to be sedentary
- Not planning to relocate in the next three months
- Reports ability to attend group sessions.
You may not qualify if:
- Lacks the capacity to provide consent
- Unable to stand for the duration of a 60-minute Tai Chi intervention
- Has major medical, psychiatric, or neurological disorder or has a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury,
- Change in psychotropic or pain medication during the past month
- Regular current Tai Chi, formal mindfulness meditation program, or yoga practice
- Unwillingness to be randomly assigned to group
- Engagement in another treatment study that might impact findings
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
- VA Boston Healthcare Systemlead
- National Institute on Aging (NIA)collaborator
- Boston Universitycollaborator
Study Sites (1)
VA Boston Healthcare System
Boston, Massachusetts, 02130, United States
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Interventions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Study Officials
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Anica Pless Kaiser, PhD
VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University School of Medicine
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- SINGLE
- Who Masked
- OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
- Masking Details
- Pre- and Post-intervention assessments will be conducted by an assessor who is blind to study condition.
- Purpose
- TREATMENT
- Intervention Model
- PARALLEL
- Sponsor Type
- FED
- Responsible Party
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
- PI Title
- Clinical Research Psychologist
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
August 3, 2018
First Posted
August 10, 2018
Study Start
January 29, 2019
Primary Completion
January 29, 2022
Study Completion
April 20, 2022
Last Updated
April 3, 2025
Record last verified: 2025-03
Data Sharing
- IPD Sharing
- Will not share