REmote Virtual Inspiration: Vitality and Energy

The REVIVE study is a fully remote, two-arm randomized controlled trial designed to test a seated Tai Chi/Qigong intervention adapted for women with mobility impairments. The study addresses the need for accessible, home-based interventions that can support health and well-being among individuals who may experience barriers to traditional in-person physical activity programs.

Participants complete all study activities from home over approximately 30 weeks. After screening and baseline procedures, participants are randomized to one of two study conditions: a seated Tai Chi/Qigong intervention or a health education video control condition. The study includes a baseline assessment period, a 12-week guided intervention phase, a post-intervention assessment period, a 12-week unprompted phase, and a final follow-up assessment period.

During the guided intervention phase, participants receive daily video-based content. Participants assigned to the Tai Chi/Qigong condition receive seated practice videos that include gentle movements, breathing exercises, mindfulness, relaxation, body awareness, and meditative movement practices. Videos include shorter and longer options to support flexibility and accommodate participant preferences, and schedules.

Participants assigned to the health education video control condition receive daily wellness education videos delivered with the same frequency and format. Control videos address general wellness topics but do not include meditative movement, structured exercise instruction, or physical activity behavior change strategies.

Study assessments are conducted remotely using online surveys, wearable technology, sleep diaries, remote measurement procedures, and at-home saliva collection. Study staff provide training and online support to help participants complete study activities and assessments from home.

REVIVE will evaluate whether a remotely delivered, seated Tai Chi/Qigong intervention adapted for women with mobility impairments can improve cardiometabolic and stress-related health outcomes. The study will also examine potential biological, psychological, and behavioral pathways that may explain intervention effects. Findings may inform future clinical and community-based programs designed to improve health and quality of life among women with mobility impairments.

Inclusion criteria

• Self-identify as a woman.
• Age 35-64 years.
• Mobility impairment lasting at least 1 year.
• Regular use of a mobility aid (e.g., wheelchair, scooter, walker, cane, crutches, or other assistive device).
• Community dwelling.
• Able to demonstrate sufficient upper-extremity mobility to participate in seated Tai Chi/Qigong activities.
• Access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access.
• Willing to wear a study-provided wearable device and complete study assessments.
• Reside in the United States.
• Waist circumference ≥ 33 inches (84 cm).
• Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) score ≥ 15.
• Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score ≥ 8.
• Emotional eating indicated by a score < 3 on the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) Emotional Response subscale.
• Able to understand written and spoken English.
• Able to provide informed consent.
• Able to provide healthcare provider approval for participation.

Exclusion criteria

• Medical conditions that would make participation unsafe, as determined during screening.
• Inability to safely perform seated upper-body movements.
• Current participation in a structured Tai Chi, Qigong, or similar meditative movement program.
• Pregnancy, lactation, or plans to become pregnant during the study period.
• Cognitive, visual, auditory, or other impairments that would preclude completion of study procedures.
• Implanted cardiac devices or implanted electronic devices that interfere with physiologic measurements.
• Severe arrhythmia, left ventricular assist device (LVAD), or other conditions that interfere with heart rate variability assessment.
• Use of sleep medications three or more times per week.
• Medical conditions or medications that substantially affect autonomic nervous system activity, sleep, or stress-related outcomes.
• Uncontrolled cardiovascular, neurological, psychiatric, or other serious medical conditions that would preclude safe participation.