Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to identify the effects of Tai Chi self-help program on glucose control, cardiovascular risks, and quality of life in patients with type II diabetes. Method: The study subjects were 95 adults with type II diabetes recruited from five primary health centers and one outpatient clinic. The Tai chi self-help program was provided twice a week for 6 months. Outcome measures included blood glucose(HbA1c), cardiovascular risk checklist, and quality of life(SF36). Result: At the completion of 6-month program, HbA1c for Tai Chi group dropped from 6.79 to 6.59 without significant group differences. However, cardiovascular risk scores for Tai Chi group has been significantly reduced compared to the control group. In 6 months, quality of life (SF36) was significantly better for Tai Chi group especially in the areas of physical and social functioning. Conclusion: Tai Chi self-help program applied for type 2 diabetes patients has been partially effective to control cardiovascular risk factors, and some dimensions of quality of life. Tai Chi self-help program can be safely and easily applicable to primary care centers for diabetic patients and other people with chronic disease for their symptom management, and health promotion.

Keywords

• Tai Chi;
• self management;
• diabetes;
• quality of life

• 타이치;
• 자조과정;
• 당뇨병;
• 삶의 질;