NATIONAL CONSENSUS

1
NATIONAL CONSENSUS REPORT INTEGRATING TAI CHI
AND QI GONG INTO THE AGING NETWORK NCOA/ASA
Conference 2006
2
Speaker

Summary of Expert Recommendations Wojtek
Chodzko-ZajkoUniversity of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign
3
Project Goals
Explore how to develop and disseminate effective,
evidence-based Qi Gong and Tai Chi programs for
older adults in local communities.
4
Constituencies

• Qi Gong and Tai Chi
• Aging and Physical Activity
• Biomedical Research
• Tai Chi Participants

5
Critical Issues to Address

• Identify essential components of Qi Gong and Tai
  Chi programs
• Describe required KSAs for lay leaders
• Propose strategies for integrating programs into
  the aging, health care, and social service
  networks
• Identify unanswered research questions

6
Four Essential Elements

• Body posture adjustment and gentle movement
• Meditation and purposeful relaxation
• Breath regulation practice
• Self administered massage

7
Program Content and StructureCourse Content

• Dynamic body movements for balance, flexibility,
  strength, range of motion
• Static standing postures that promote balance,
  concentration
• Breathing practices that promote relaxation,
  concentration
• Meditation practices fostered by deep and/or
  controlled breathing
• Self-administered massage which accelerates
  national health mechanisms
• Information about complementary and holistic
  health care

8
Program Content and StructureClass
Characteristics

• Social interaction
• Fun and enjoyment
• Quiet environment
• Safe and supportive facilities

9
Program InstructorsKSA Requirements

• Basic knowledge of Qi Gong or Tai Chi movements
  and principles
• Ability to tailor programs for specific
  populations
• Enthusiasm for learning about and teaching
  programs
• Teaching and problem-solving skills
• Empathy and creativity
• Safety knowledge

10
Barriers to Diffusion

• Perceptions that practices are too unusual or
  esoteric
• Lack of public and professional knowledge about
  the health benefits
• Skepticism about the health benefits
• Difficulty in translating research into
  effective, tested programs
• Shortage of qualified instructors

11
Strategies for DiffusionMarketing/Public
Relations

• Prepare press packets, articles
• Present information at conferences
• Highlight successful Qi Gong and Tai Chi programs
• Distribute information at local events
• Educate health care professionals about program
  benefits

12
Strategies for DiffusionCommunity

• Toolkits for organizations
• Network for lay leaders involving mentors
• Network for organizations offering programs
• Community partnerships

13
Unanswered Research Questions

• What are the optimal frequency, duration, and
  intensity for effective interventions?
• What are the long-term health effects of
  participation?
• How do instructor training and qualifications
  affect program outcomes?
• What factors influence organization adoptability?
• What are the health and social cost savings
  associated with these programs?
• Empty Chi versus Easy Chi

14
Next Steps

• Demonstration projects

15
THANK YOU! Questions!