Stanford Health care study on ai chi and ms
Aquatic Zen conducted an Ai Chi class in conjunction with the Stanford Health Care Office of Research, to examine the potential physical and psychosocial benefits of Ai Chi for patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study team compared functional outcomes in patients randomized either to Ai Chi or Chair Yoga.
Stanford Health care staff enrolled 21 patients at the Stanford Neuroscience Health Center. Interventions consisted of a 45-minute Ai Chi class in a 90-degree pool and a 45-minute Chair Yoga class, both of which occurred once a week for 12 weeks. Patients in both groups were evaluated on a range of functional outcomes before and after the 12-week intervention. Evaluations included the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and a Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) pain effects scale. Preliminary results showed that post-intervention EDSS and MOS scores tended to decrease in Ai Chi patients to a greater degree than in Chair Yoga patients. These findings may allow Stanford to offer MS patients new options for better health and quality of life. The study team is currently performing additional analyses and plans to prepare a manuscript to submit to a clinical journal.
Stanford Health care staff enrolled 21 patients at the Stanford Neuroscience Health Center. Interventions consisted of a 45-minute Ai Chi class in a 90-degree pool and a 45-minute Chair Yoga class, both of which occurred once a week for 12 weeks. Patients in both groups were evaluated on a range of functional outcomes before and after the 12-week intervention. Evaluations included the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and a Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) pain effects scale. Preliminary results showed that post-intervention EDSS and MOS scores tended to decrease in Ai Chi patients to a greater degree than in Chair Yoga patients. These findings may allow Stanford to offer MS patients new options for better health and quality of life. The study team is currently performing additional analyses and plans to prepare a manuscript to submit to a clinical journal.
