A Randomized Pilot Trial of Tai Chi Compared to Wellness Education for Older Veterans

The proposed study will consist of a pilot trial of three 12-week, 24-session Tai Chi intervention groups compared with three 12-week, 24-session wellness education control groups. Participants will be randomly assigned in blocks of 14 to either the Tai Chi or the wellness education condition, half to each. Veterans who do not agree to randomization will be excluded. Baseline and post-intervention assessments will be completed, and it is anticipated that 42 individuals will complete baseline assessments. After the final sessions, participants will be asked to provide feedback to investigators via questionnaires, a focus group discussion, and individual interviews utilizing open-ended questions. Information collected from participants will be integrated and utilized for presentations/manuscript preparation, as well as to refine protocols for use in future research.

Potentially eligible veterans who have expressed interest in the study will be called and research staff will describe all aspects of the study. Research staff will answer any questions, and then obtain oral consent for screening for eligibility criteria in the medical record. Study staff will then go through the eligibility criteria over the telephone and schedule a baseline assessment as appropriate. Participants will be mailed information about the time and location for the initial baseline assessment and the class schedule and location to which they are assigned. They will also receive phone calls with this information. Information collected during the telephone screening (prior to completion of the Informed Consent Form) will be collected and retained with the prospective participant's verbal permission. This information will be kept separate from identifying information (names, addresses, and telephone numbers). Some information collected from the electronic medical record will be recorded in order to document inclusion and exclusion criteria.