A study investigating the effects of Tai Chi Chuan: individuals with traumatic brain injury compared to controls.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of a 6-week course in Tai Chi associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) symptoms. METHOD: Eighteen participants, with TBI assigned to a control (waiting list) group (n = 9) or Tai Chi group (n = 9) completed the Medical Outcome Scale Short Form 36 (SF-36) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) before, during, immediately after and 3 weeks after completion of the Tai Chi course. The Tai Chi group completed the Visual Analogue Mood Scales (VAMS) before and after each class. RESULTS: Tai Chi was associated with significant improvement on all VAMS scores (except fatigue) with decreases in sadness, confusion, anger, tension, fear and increases in energy and happiness. There were no significant between-group differences on the SF-36 or RSES. CONCLUSIONS: Tai Chi provides short-term benefits after TBI, with rigorous outcome measurement needed to examine long-term benefits.