Comparing Tai Chi Training to a Low-Stress Physical Activity to Enhance Sleep in Older Adults

Elderly individuals often suffer from sleep disturbances. Chronic sleep problems can cause significant medical, psychological, and social disruptions. Although many sleep-related studies exist, few studies have focused on improving quality of sleep. Tai Chi, an exercise that incorporates meditation and breathing with whole body movements, may improve the quality of sleep and health status of elderly individuals.

Participants will be randomly assigned to either a Tai Chi group or a conventional exercise control group. Participants in each group will exercise for 60 minutes, 3 times per week, for 6 months. Assessment of sleep quality and health status will be done at study start, 3 months, 6 months, at the end of the study, and at a 3-month follow-up visit.

Inclusion criteria

• Sedentary, as defined by a lack of regular exercise during the previous 6 months
• Healthy to the degree that participation in exercise testing and an exercise program would not exacerbate any existing disease condition
• Physician's clearance for participation
• Willingness to adhere to the conditions of the study

Exclusion criteria

• Sleep medication or other psychotropic medication during the study
• Current sleep disorder treatment
• Significant cognitive impairment as indicated by a score of 3 on the Pfeiffer Mental Status Questionnaire
• More than 7 alcoholic beverages per week or use of alcohol close to bedtime
• Smoking more than 10 cigarettes per day
• Score of 5 or higher in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire
• Score of 3 or higher on 2 out of 3 sleep items drawn from the Sleep Questionnaire and Assessment of Wakefulness