NCT01305044

The HEALS Project - Health Education and Active Living for Surviving Seniors

Biobehavioral Effects of Tai Chi Chih Among Elderly Female Cancer Survivors

• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 63 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Utah · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 55 Years – 90 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Persons over age 65 years constitute a large and growing population of cancer survivors. Available data indicate that both short- and long-term female breast cancer survivors report more limitations related to strength and mobility than women with cancers of other sites and women without a personal history of cancer. Further, better mental health among breast cancer survivors has been shown to protect against physical decline and overall quality of life. The combination of mental and physical interventions may result in substantial improvements in quality of life. Tai Chi Chih (TCC), a form of mind-body exercise, is one such intervention. TCC may be particularly suited toward elderly breast cancer survivors with impaired physical and/or mental functioning, yet despite its increasing popularity and benefits in healthy and diseased populations, its benefits have never been scientifically evaluated in this population. The overarching goal of this study is to conduct preparatory work regarding the effects of TCC on quality of life and physical function that will underpin future definitive trials of TCC in elderly cancer survivors. As part of this 12-week trial, participants will be randomized to a TCC or a health education control group (HEC). Establishment of meaningful interventions that facilitate a more positive cancer survival experience in old age is an important issue; there are substantial public health and clinical benefits should a TC intervention be successful in this patient population.

Conditions

• Cancer Survivorship
• Safety and Efficacy
• Quality of Life

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Tai Chi Chih	Tai Chi Chih (TCC), a westernized and manualized form of the ancient TC Chuan, consists of a series of 20 simple, repetitive, non-strenuous movements that involve no physical contact and emphasize a soft, flowing continuity of motion. This form of meditation through movement consists of a standardized protocol that emphasizes slow, fluid, continuous forms that integrate mental concentration, awareness, balance, shifting of body weight, gentle movement, imagery, muscle relaxation and breathing control. TCC was developed for use with elderly persons.
BEHAVIORAL	Health Education Classes	The Health Education classes serve as an attention control group, are led by gerontology specialists, physicians, and other health professionals, and focus on topics that are relevant to elderly cancer survivors.

Timeline

• Start date: 2009-12-01
• Primary completion: 2011-09-01
• Completion: 2011-11-01
• First posted: 2011-02-28
• Last updated: 2015-12-14
• Results posted: 2015-12-14

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States