UTC, Siskin Hospital Adaptive Tai Chi Study Showing Results

Adaptive Tai ChiLocal researchers want to know if an age old technique can open new doors for those with physical disabilities.

U.T. Chattanooga and Siskin Hospital partnered for the study examining wheelchair Tai Chi, and it's already producing results.

Researchers hope to unlock a hidden power in Tai Chi, one that returns movement to those with physical challenges.  Glen Haben, a Neuropsychologist with Siskin, says "we're attempting really the first study of its kind in the United States."

This Chinese martial art turned low-impact exercise connects mind and body together.  Martha Baskins, a study participant, says "I have to think how its going to help me and I have to think on what I want to do."

Baskins suffered a stroke 8 years ago, and failed to regain much movement.  6 weeks ago, she starting doing Tai Chi, and says one day out of the blue, her hand felt like it took flight.  "I can move more, I can move my arm to my mouth and move my leg and go up steps that I hadn't done in five years."

Other study participants report improvement in strength and balance through the building of core muscles.

For Carolyn Raborn, the exercise may have eliminated a constant pain she's had in her hip, since a car accident 6 years ago.  "And then one morning about 3 weeks ago, I woke up and realized there's not any pain, as I was taking my shower and going about my daily task there wasn't any pain," says Raborn.

Researchers believe Tai Chi works because it uses a whole body concept.  "The guided muscle movement, the slow muscle movement has a way of helping to reenforce the muscle patterns that may not have present before," says Haban.

The results right now remain highly subjective.  Haban says it will be weeks before he can make a clinical finding.

Researchers hope their results will lead to further development of "Adaptive" Tai Chi for the disabled.  Depending on their findings, new recommendations for rehabilitation could also be formed.

Meanwhile, Siskin Hospital plans to continue offering "Adaptive" Tai Chi classes at its fitness center.