Effect of a Tai Chi Yuttari-exercise program for the prevention of conditions requiring long-term care in community-dwelling elderly

INTERVENTION: The first‐intervention group participated in the Tai Chi Yuttari‐exercise once a week for 3 months from January to March 2012. Next, they participated in exercises twice a week for 9 months from April to December 2012. Each session lasted 90 min including a break to drink water. Moreover, behavioral approach to practice the Tai chi‐Yuttari exercise at home was provided using a printed booklet, DVD or Video of the exercise program. The second‐intervention group participated in the Tai Chi Yuttari‐exercise once a week for 3 months from April to June 2012. Next, they participated in exercise programs twice a week for 9 months from July 2012 to March 2013. Moreover, a behavioral approach to practice the Tai chi‐Yuttari exercise at home was provided using a printed booklet, DVD or Video of the exercise. The same program was provided for the second‐intervention group. CONDITION: Disuse syndrome PRIMARY OUTCOME: Term for evaluation; Pre, during and post intervention; follow‐up, 12‐month; ; Evaluation items; 1.Physical function and physical ability: grasping power, knee extension force, trunk anteflexion, gait speed, time for single leg balance with open or closed eyes, timed up & go test, functional reach test, time for standing from long‐sitting position; 2.Vascular endothelial function: cardio ankle vascular index (CABI), ankle brachial pressure index (ABI); 3.Health‐related quality of life: SF‐36 SECONDARY OUTCOME: Term for evaluation; Pre, during and post intervention; follow‐up, 12‐month; ; Evaluation items; 1.The frequency of participation; practice of the exercise at home; 2.Body composition; 3.Abdominal circumference; 4.Physical activity self‐efficacy; 5.Daily activity ability: Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology index of competence INCLUSION CRITERIA: The community‐dwelling elderly aged 60 years and older.