Sunuttra TaboonpongNapatharin PuthsriWipawee Kong-InAimorn Saejew2011-02-222011-02-222010-03-252010-03-25Thai Journal of Nursing Research; Vol.12 No.1 January-March 2008; 1-13http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/132453The elderly face physiological decline leading to problems such as chronic illness, poor physical performance and emotional disturbance. Thepractice of Tai Chi is generally considered psychologically and physiologically beneficial for older adults but scientific reports on its benefits are still limited. This quasi-experimental study, a pre-post test with control group design investigated the effects of low intensity and short term Tai Chi practice on sleep quality, general well-being and physical performance. The subjects were purposefully selected from elders who lived in residential care facilities in accordance with the study inclusion criteria. There were 25 elders in each experimental and control group. The experimental group engaged in 22 minutes Tai Chi training at least three times a week for 12 weeks. The control group engaged in their usual activities, without Tai Chi. The Pittsberg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and General Well-Being Scale (GWBS) questionnaires were used to assess the subjects’ sleep quality and well-being. The physical performances including 2 minutes step test, lung capacity, and sit and reach test were measured by a professional staff from a Provincial Sport Authority. These measures were taken at the first and fourteenth weeks of the study. Independent and paired t-tests were used in data analysis. The two groups had no difference in personal characteristics and baseline outcome measures. The experimental group showed significantly greater change score of the PSQI (p \< .01) and step test (p \< .05). The change scores of the GWBS, lung capacity, and sit and reach test between the two groups showed no differences. The results indicated that a low intensity Tai Chi exercise for 12 weeks could improve sleep quality and physical performance on balance and flexibility of legs in older adults.en-USThailand Nursing and Midwifery Council, Ministry of Public Health, ThailandArticles